Finding Time

I read this post by Pip Lincolne over at Meet me at Mikes yesterday.

It made me think about finding time to do all the things I want to do in life. Fun things, like spending time with the family, or my friends, or creating, or going out, or reading.

All of those things in between keeping house, doing paperwork and admin, having to stay up until 8.30pm in the evening with George after 13 hours of constant (both endearing and difficult) chatter from little people. 

I've done no crochet, knitting, writing (where. is. my. novel. eh?)

My house resembles a dumping ground.

I still haven't done the Christmas cards. 

My head is itching suspiciously. 

Today is NOT a highly productive day in the sort of way I wanted. However I have met a friend at a childrens Christmas party, childminded all day (including PAINTING!), taken George to his Christmas sing-a-long at preschool, had a playdate afterschool and spent hours with the children in the evening. So it's been good - but I feel frustrated. Madness.

Sometimes I think the biggest challenge having children is finding time to have some space to think, your own unhurried, logical (!) thoughts without having your mind whir with all of the family logistics (have I packed enough nappies? where are the babywipes/water bottle/ blanket/ cars that George took out? why the **** is that massive truck in the doorway? What are the bucket and spades doing in the bathroom? why is Mr Potato Head under the kitchen table? Where are the hats and gloves? Is it time to leave? What's for lunch? What do I need from the shops? Do we have any bread?) which are in turn constantly interrupted with chatter and questions and most recently questionable attempts at songwriting and joke delivering. It's not just the early mornings and the lack of budget that dissuade you from going out and being sociable, but the thirst, nay NEED for peace and quiet.

I went on two meditation courses earlier in the year and am aiming - at times very successfully for a daily practice. This seems to make me more productive, seems to make time more flexible and life a bit calmer in a way I can't really explain. I definitely believe in 'flow' and that there are habits and ways that facilitate this in our lives. Today however has not encouraged this, it's been clunky, which in turn has made me 'lose time' - does that make any sense?

I really agreed with Pip's article, lists, being healthy, reading.

What do you do to do more of what you enjoy? 

Bath and book for me. Probably followed by a nit comb... lovely. 

 

Comments

[Angela Tobin]

A really thought provoking post - and thanks for highlighting Meet Me at Mike's. I'd heard of it before but forgotten to check it out.

So time to do more of what you like? Gosh, that sounds like a luxury especially at the moment (christmas prep, shopping, wrapping etc etc)

I too agree with being healthy (although I do still manage to scoff a chocolate bar a day - oops!) and definitely agree with making lists. I love a list, and love ticking things off even more. I don't think I'd get anything done if it wasn't for making lists!

I think you have to be a bit selfish and make time for yourself. I try to see friends for a night out at least once a fortnight, and I find running both very calming and exhilarating (if that makes sense?) Plus obviously, I find time to make stuff regularly.

What I do struggle with though is finding quality time to spend with my husband - just the two of us with no housework/diy/guests!!! I feel a new years resolution coming on....