Are YOU on your list of priorities?

So often we put ourselves last on our list of priorities (or not at all) and it really does affect our health of our body, mind and soul. 

My friend, Jenny, has little kids and has told me about countless times that she has had her kids with their lunches all packed and waters with them and then she arrives to the destination with no water for herself and no lunch packed for herself.  

Take Time to Reflect

Now she packs the kids in the car and goes inside and takes a moment to think in the quiet about herself and what she needs. We get so focused on everyone else that taking care of our basic needs get overlooked.

What I like to do is at least once a year sit down with my journal and write down my big priorities in each area of life (body, mind, soul).  I write down how I’m doing well in that area and what I could improve on. 

For example for body I write down I’m running 5x per week, and I need to eat salads at least 3 times per week and ride my bike at least 2x per week.  For mind, I have been working on embroidery skills I learned from a class I took this summer.  For my soul, I joined a women’s Bible study for business owners. 

I write down where I’m at, what is going well, and where I’d like to grow.  I believe we are continuously learning and growing all our lives and this time of reflection is very helpful periodically to see where we are and where we are going.

Do a Time Audit

We also can take a look at where we spend our time.  We have 24 hours in a day and need to spend them on things that are really valuable.  If I say I value family and end up spending less than 30 minutes per day with them, then that’s not good. 

Make a typical day schedule and see where you really spend your time.  How much is for sleep, work, meals, chores, social media, television etc.

Several years ago I decided that television was taking up too much of my time, so I decided that it is only for time that I’m working out at home or the gym so I better be moving if the TV is on. One of my priorities is exercise so I end each day lifting weights and stretching while I watch Netflix. 

I also want to spend time with my children so I pick them up from school a few days a week so we have extra time just chatting.

My marriage is also a priority so now my husband and I go for a walk once our preteen and teenager are settled into bed and reading in the evening. That 20 minutes really allows us to have good conversation without the children hearing and contributing to the topic. We can make plans and discuss our days.

What are Your Priorities?

I hope that you are able to take some time out to reflect on your priorities and you put yourself in there and make your days reflect what is important to you. Make a list and re-evaluate periodically to make your daily habits reflect your true priorities.

Are you ready to get your space or schedule organized? Let me know how I can help you get to a more Peaceful Place.