Do you ever feel like you are being pulled in many different directions? Does it appear that you are busier now more than ever, but you are not sure you are getting the results you want? Do you find it difficult to say no? Do you allow your day to be interrupted by things that could have waited? If you answered “Yes” to any of these questions then you are like me and feel like you need to take better control of life’s demands, so you can focus on what really matters.
I thought the pandemic would slow my life down, but I have become busier. Sometimes I feel as if there is no margin or space where I can breathe or pause to reflect on living out my purpose, plan, and passion. It is easy to get caught up in what is pulling at us or has the loudest voice at the time. I know I have failed to place limits and boundaries around my time. I need to do better so I can better focus on clients, friends and family that need me. As well as practice self-care.
There comes a time in our life when we must recognize and confront that if we are too “busy” to pray, read our bible, spend more quality time with family or be available for a friend who needs an ear or a shoulder to cry on then we may be way to “busy”. Life has shown me I need a little more margin to accommodate these things in my life. Yes, I will probably always lead a busy life in some form or fashion, but I want to make myself available as much as I can to the things and people in my life such as, living out my faith, family, and friends.
I know I cannot do everything that gets thrown at me, but I am committed and willing to slow my pace just a bit so it will allow me to take that desperate call or answer that unexpected knock at the door. Leaving a little margin in our lives will also allow us to raise our eyes and look at what is happening around us and see if we can get involved with some of the issues currently happening in society and contribute to make a difference and a positive impact. I also want to encourage you to give yourself a little grace as you work through this process. It takes time to practice something new on a regular basis.
On a more personal level, giving ourselves more margin and space in our lives can be good for our health. It will allow us to find the time to take walks. Walking is not only good for our health, but it can also be a time where we meditate and listen to God’s direction for our lives. It can also be a time when we dream. Some of us have stopped dreaming. Dreams help us think big and out the box. Walks can also be done with partners; we can even practice social distancing while having fellowship. So why do we hesitate to do the things we know are good for us? Simply put, it is because we are too busy, and we do not have enough margin in our lives.
As we continue to navigate through this year be kind to yourself. Give yourself the gift of margin. Slow down and make yourself available for the things and people that come your way. You may be the encouragement they need along their journey. “Some talk to you in their free time, while others free their time to talk to you.” Which one are you?
Healing Without Hate: It’s a choice. It’s a lifestyle. Pass it on!
Visit www.WendyGladney.com and www.forgivingforliving.org to learn more. Wendy is a life strategist, coach, consultant, author, and speaker. You can hear her every Wednesday on Instagram Live at 12 noon PST @wendygladney
