Last January (2025) I went to a national franchise craft store and purchased paints, brushes and canvases to do some personal painting. Another craft store was going out of business; I then purchased many skeins of embroidery thread to complete my collection as I enjoy doing counted cross stitch. Now almost 12 months later, no paintings have been created and a few counted cross stitch projects have been completed or are a work in progress.
In November of this year, I reflected on my inability in making time for me. Probably because I have been in sales for over five (5) decades and always lived by ‘time is of the essence.” Calls, texts and emails have always been answered immediately or withing 12-24 hours. Any requests from those communications again are answered promptly.
This reflection was the result of not being well for three months. Even though the illness prevented me from engaging in any “hobbies” or making time for me, I was living the expression “the road to hell is paved with good intentions.” I had good intentions to paint and to complete stitching projects, but that did not happen.
Also my husband pointed out that I was working too much. Of course, he knows me as I have a history of being a “workaholic.”
From the conversation with my husband and reflecting upon my good intentions, I then decided to not work on Sundays. Also, I am attempting to limit my real estate activities on Saturday except for catching up on paperwork.
Fridays if I have no appointments are devoted to housework e.g. washing clothes and real estate paperwork. Saturday mornings are for catching up on any commitments while Saturday afternoons are for errands and having lunch with friends.
So far, not working on Sundays and scaling back Saturdays is working. My husband and I go out for breakfast each Sunday and then return home. As we have had a guest for the last 3 months, I just started making time for me.
"All we have to do decide is what to do with the time that is given us.”
J.R.R.Tolkien
My decision is to improve my consistency of this making time for me behavior in 2026. And I believe I will be a better person for this decision.
This is my second entry into the December Challenge sponsored by Lew Corcoran and Patricia Feager.
P.S. Please consider checking out my Facebook business page, The Grit and Gratitude Realtor, that will focus on the Dirt Roads in Mohave County as well local real estate, lots of dirt or vacant land parcels as some of the local attractions.
#LetsGetBackToRealConversations #WeDoThingsDifferently #TimeForMe #EnjoyLife
Leanne M Smith, The Grit and Gratitude Agent Who Goes the Extra Mile Because Life Begins Where the Pavement Ends.
Feature Photo Courtesy of Pixabay.com
Any reproduction of Leanne M Smith’s blog for use by any AI or GAI, distribution or reproduction including but not limited to electronic newsletters e.g. PDF’s Internet sites or physical products e.g. newspapers, CDs without prior written permission and consent by me, Leanne M. Smith (Leanne Hoagland-Smith) is strictly prohibited.
Comments(11)