time robbers Archives -

Patches’ Big Friend is Hiding Something (read the article below to learn his secret)

“… walk not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” Ephesians 5:15-16

New year’s resolutions are simply not my thing. I learned a very long time ago my resolve is more of a wish list. However, this January I decided changes were needed in my life.

Instead of resolving to do better, I asked myself what were my time robbers; how did I spend my precious time. Also, I determined to make changes accordingly. This hurt a bit! (This hurt a lot!)

I would often say I didn’t watch much tv; I don’t like the new sitcoms and comedies and the news is disgusting. Yes, well … truth be known, I DID without realizing it. Enjoying lunch or dinner in my comfy chair in the livingroom, I tuned in an old game show (concentration or password plus) while I ate. So, I’m thinking I’m feeding my brain as well as my tummy. Good, right? Hours later …!

World news at 5:30 while I ate my cereal shouldn’t be a problem. However, if I then flipped channels and found an older Hallmark movie …! I am not a disciplined person. I lie to me when I say I’ll only watch an hour a day or whatever. Not!

My chair is at the far end of the livingroom by a little table with books and remotes handy. On Friday, January 6, I put the remote under Patches’ turtle friend at the other end of the room by the fireplace. To watch tv, I have to get up and go get it. The tv has not been on since January 6. I am redeeming the time.

Click for three common time robbers we each face.

My second time robber is Facebook. Now, I will say, I like Facebook; I use it for ministry; I am encouraged by the comments and Scriptures. Quitting is not an option for me. Even so, it has to be curbed drastically! Easy peasy! I deleted the app from my phone. Now, if I have time to browse FB, I have to go into the other room to the computer. (Exercise!)

I have others, many others. I’m guessing you do as well. For me personally, I feel God calling me to redeem the time seriously. When I celebrate the tenth anniversary of my 9th birthday (2032 if you’re counting), I want to know I’ve given God my best; used the time He gave me wisely.

Please jot me a note below; what are your time robbers? How has God met you there?

Blessings and hugs,

We want to find time for self when overscheduled and have important daily tasks to accomplish.

Truthfully, we will not find time or make more of it. There are only 24 hours in any given day.

We can determine how we spend the time we have; even when overscheduled and stressed to the limit.

Not taking time for self harms our health, emotions, and steals our joy.

Some of my wonderful readers are caregivers, some caring elderly and children in their homes. Many also have to work a full time job to keep things going.Scheduling time for yourself seems selfish and is too often put on the back burner.

Here are five ways you can “find time” no matter how busy your schedule.

After you have made a list of things you would do if you could find time, follow these same steps I did. It will take a little work in the beginning but well worth it. It can be absolutely life-changing, yet so simple.

#1 SET A SPECIFIC PERIOD OF TIME TO GIVE THIS A TRY. This is NOT time you leave your responsibilities. It will allow time during the week for you to do projects, rest, or meet your greatest need. I suggest you look at at least a week’s schedule to begin.

I chose a three-week period which gave me a good overall view of my life. (I called it my vacation.) Of course, many days I only had 30 minutes, but they were mine to spend as I chose.

#2 WHICH OF YOUR REGULAR DUTIES COULD BE POSTPONED? Do you have appointments or obligations you could move from your week (or longer) to a later date or eliminated completely? Could some of those calendar dates be grouped together?

Weigh your choices carefully. It’s interesting the things I had on my calendar sapping my time were more habits or my perceived duty than necessities. I chose to delete all that did not fall into my current plans.

#3 WHAT PROJECTS COULD BE DELEGATED TO SOMEONE ELSE?

This was probably the most difficult for me. I appreciate those who offer help, but I felt I was failing in my duties if I accepted it. Do you feel that way? We deny others of the blessings of helping when we insist on doing it all ourselves. Learn to accept from others. (Be sure that you honor any personal commitments you have made to others).

#4 PLAN DOABLE MENUS FOR THE WEEK. Remember, you will be vacationing in a sense—making needed time for yourself. Allow for a few more carry-in meals or meals out. Can’t afford meals out? Get creative. Use fast food coupons for hot sandwiches or pizza, add a salad or fruit and ice cream. Picnic in the yard! Keep it simple.

Prepare ahead for meals in: spend a day stocking the refrigerator and freezer with foods you can prepare in a short amount of time.

#5 DETERMINE YOUR TIME ROBBERS. In the last two days, how did you really spend your time? Planning and shuffling papers, reading Facebook posts for long periods of time, chatting on the phone or at the store endlessly?

When I evaluated my days, no wonder I was stressed with nothing done! I moved from project to project, trying to fulfill everyone’s requests, then go back to a project and have to figure out where I left off. I spent more time than I realized on social media throughout the day. Even many good things were depriving me of the best things.

So, when is your time for self? Did you find an hour a day, an entire morning, even perhaps a day just for you? And what did you do?

This simple plan will work! And it will have long-lasting consequences.

Hugs,

Can’t wait to hear from you as you give it a try! Even ONE day, just one day will help you. Honest!