Taking The Time

For many of us, taking time out feels like we are losing out… losing out on valuable time that is needed to complete a never-ending list of tasks.?? We can get so busy taking care of things, trying to “earn” that “time out” moment, that we can lose our creativity, get burnt out and become less productive in the process.

Yet, what if the opposite was true.? What if taking time out now, or sooner rather than later, would open the door to living more in the moment and actually being more productive?

It is easy to become so busy in our daily lives, with our heads down, that we do not see the bigger picture or the possibilities right in front of us.? We can get stuck on a daily treadmill, constantly running to keep up but getting nowhere.? By taking the time to disconnect, you have an opportunity to take a step back, see the bigger picture and a clearer path forward.?

Have you ever taken the time to sit outside in a garden, a park or at the beach, with no distractions and without your phone?? Just quietly observing all that is around you.? It is in these moments that true life can be witnessed… the busyness of bees, fluttering of a butterfly, birds chirping, a kaleidoscope of colours and many sounds near and far.?

• Nature has a way of grounding one, inspiring us and showing us what is truly important.
• Nature helps us to get out of our headspace and become present.?
• Nature helps us to take a moment to observe, reflect and rejuvenate.? It inspires creativity and enables us to disconnect from the busyness of life.

There can be moments where time seems to stand still.

When we get so busy, we can lose touch with ourselves and forget what we are truly passionate about.? In Julia Cameron’s book “The Artist’s Way”, she writes about Artist Dates.? These are dates with yourself each week, where you get to do something you enjoy or are passionate about.??

An Artist Date is a time to fill your cup and recharge. It could be a movie, doing a hobby, playing or listening to music, going for a walk/run/hike, taking a bubble bath or reading a book in a coffee shop.? Basically, unapologetic time for yourself.?

Sometimes, for my “Artist Date”, I used to block out time in my schedule to watch a movie in the morning.? I was always amazed at how much more productive I was with tackling work that afternoon.? The opportunity to recharge and enjoy this indulgence reaped many benefits… I found I was far more creative, productive and effective.

Taking the time is not wasting time.?

Taking the time can improve your well-being, boost your creativity and positively impact the work you do.? Taking the time can make a difference in your life.