Our day often feels like a shopping bag, we keep filling up the space and stuffing it with things to do and people to meet, and before we know it, we’ve had a full day, are tired, and it’s time to check out. Time seems to pass too quickly and even as we keep ourselves busy, go out of our way, and make time for others, are we making enough time for ourselves?

Time for ourselves gives us the much-needed space to reflect and redirect the course of our lives. When we consciously separate our time of doing and time of reviewing, we gain better clarity and recharge in that space of silence, building resilience and optimism.

Several deep-seated thoughts and emotions are fighting to surface but don’t get a chance because we are always preoccupied and sometimes keep ourselves busy, avoiding confronting them. However, like a pressure cooker, they need an outlet to express themselves preventing an emotional explosion. Time to ourselves gives us the chance to heal ourselves emotionally.

We often seek closure with people with whom we may have had an issue. We often forget that we need closure with ourselves as well. We are as deserving of our own love and attention as others are.

Situations can often drain us of energy, and even as we seek happiness and energy outside, we can truly recharge ourselves in the space of silence we create for ourselves. Making time for ourselves is making ourselves healthier and livelier.

It is not about becoming aloof, remaining isolated, and anti-social. On the contrary, it is as important as the physical rest we need every night to prevent fatigue and burnout. And to say we are so busy that we just can’t make time for ourselves is like saying we are so busy driving that we have no time to stop at the gas station. Even the fastest car and driver need a pit stop regularly.

It is great to make friends, make money, and make a better life for ourselves and others around us. But through all that we need to keep checking in with ourselves and honestly answering the important question – are we making enough time for ourselves?

(Picture – Summer fruit in our garden)