Our families are very important. Taking care of them along with our other responsibilities seems to make the days move faster all the time. Is it possible to slow down our lives? It seems to me that people are so over scheduled today that they don’t have time to think.
Both thinking and playing are essential for our lives. My dad once told me that I should take at least 15 minutes a day to do absolutely nothing. We all need to take a little time to unwind with our thoughts, consider our dreams, and acknowledge our accomplishments to ourselves.
If you think you have no time to do anything else in your busy schedule, try doing something you love for just 15 minutes a day…it will make a big difference.
Make a Difference in 15 Minutes
Here are some suggestions to get you started:
*Sit in solitude and think about your dreams.
*Write to decompress or be creative.
*Walk or run to get your body moving.
*Talk to a friend or family member you haven’t seen in a long time or who would like to keep in touch with.
*Pray or meditate
*Dance, yes, turn on the music in your house and dance!
*Paint or sketch a picture
*Use your camera to capture some great pictures.
*Play a musical instrument
*Sing
*Read a favorite or new book
*Take a shower
How many other ways can you use 15 minutes to decompress? Please write to me. I would love to hear them.
Identity Magazine is all about empowering women to get all A’s in the game of life — Accept. Appreciate. Achieve.TM Every contributor and expert answer the Identity 5 questions in keeping with our theme. Their answers can be random and in the moment or they can be aligned with the above article. As a team, we hope to inspire and motivate ourselves and inspire you to get all A’s.
1. What have you accepted within your life, physically and/or mentally? What are you still working on accepting?
I have accepted that my family was different when I was growing up because my mother passed away when I was eight. My two sisters and I went to live with my grandparents in a small town while my Dad worked in a big city.
I am still working on accepting that I seem to be directionally challenged. I will automatically go in the opposite direction when I am trying to determine which way to go. For instance, I will come out of the store and head in the opposite direction at first, until I determine where my car is. I will be driving and tend to take the opposite turn for where I should be. I am thankful for GPS!
2. What have you learn to appreciate about yourself and/or within your life, physically and mentally? What are you still working on to appreciate?
I have learned to appreciate that I am able to help people by listening to them. I also appreciate that there is longevity in my family and I will probably live to an advanced age by taking care of myself. I am still working to appreciate my stout German legs.
3. What is one of your most rewarding achievements in life? What makes YOU most proud? What goals and dreams do you still have?
One of the most rewarding achievements in life is to be the mother of two amazing daughters and the grandmother of a precious boy and girl. They are what makes me most proud.
Goals and dreams I still have include introducing my coaching program to more women so they can transform their career lives into ones of joy and purpose. Also to finish the book that enhances the coaching program soon.
I love to travel and still need to go on a hot air balloon adventure. London, Paris, and Sydney are on my list of cities left to visit.
4. We all have imperfections, so we think. The truth–we are all perfectly imperfect. What are your not-so-perfect ways? What imperfections and quirks create who you are–your Identity?
Some people energize their lives by going out to a party and draw energy from that. I draw my strength from being by myself.
I like to wear the same comfortable sweater at home that I found at a Value Village in 2006. I find humor in everyday situations. It makes life more fun! I recharge in solitude or by going to a museum to look at art. My home is my sanctuary and I look for beauty in the world.
5. “I Love My…” is an outlet for you to express and appreciate all the positive traits that make you…well… YOU! Sharing what you love about yourself will make you smile, feel empowered, and uplift your spirit and soul. (we assure you!) Identity challenges you to complete the phrase “I Love My…?”
I love my life! I am thankful for a husband who encourages me to follow my creative spirit that has led to publishing four children’s books and developing a coaching practice. I am a teacher and encourager. As a Christian, I am thankful to God for His many blessings to my life. I am blessed with a great family and friends who love me.
