In a fast-paced world with so many things we plan to do, we often struggle to find time. Suddenly opportunities and resources seem easier to come by, time is at a premium. In our quest to achieve our goals and live up to our responsibilities we keep ourselves so busy and occupied that maybe we forget to ask ourselves a fundamental question – are we making enough time for ourselves?

We may find that we keep commitments made to others but are flexible in keeping commitments made to ourselves. Our well-intentioned half-achieved goals may find their root in forgetting to make time for ourselves as important as making time for others.

Large doors swing on small hinges – daily exercise, getting back to reading regularly, listening to podcasts we want to hear, joining a class to upgrade our skill or learn something new, penning down our thoughts, or simply sitting at our favourite coffee shop may seem small, insignificant and sometimes even trivial compared to large life goals we may have. But it is these moments we give ourselves that replenish us within to constantly give our best.

When a muscle is strained, we need to rest it to allow it to heal. It is the same with our mind, if we overwork it we risk emotional strain. Times of silence and reflection allow us to not only heal our emotional baggage but often discover answers to situations we are struggling with.

We often complain that we are so busy that we don’t have time for ourselves. It is the same as saying that we are so busy driving a fast car that we don’t have time to stop at the gas station. No matter how good the driver and how good the car, a breakdown is inevitable.

Our journey of life is at two levels – with others and with ourselves. We will only make it meaningful and enjoyable if we remind ourselves that they are both equally important and if we remember to make enough time for ourselves.

(Picture – Arbutus Café, Vancouver)