No time for ‘my’ stuff? 7 inspiring quotes that help
Do you ever feel like you’re running out of time? I don’t mean this in the existential ‘I’m-soon-gonna-die’ way. I mean it in the everyday ‘small-things-keep-cropping-up-and-eating-away-at-my-time’ way.
Well, lately I’ve been feeling a lot like that: Like anything I plan to do that is just for me (like writing a post for this website) ends up flying out the window because of other stuff I have to do that is more urgent and more important. And. It. Just. Keeps. Coming.
Maybe this is because we are just emerging from over two weeks of Easter holidays during which time routine was disrupted. And, as boring and tedious as routine can be, it makes it easier to carve out those little pockets of time to do what you want to do.
Being ‘all over the place’ during holidays has unsettled the balance. I noticed that this leads to a sort of downward spiral: I end up feeling so bad that I’m not finding time, that my brain switches to ‘panic mode’. As a result, when I do find a few minutes, I have to unlock that mode and reset my mind - and this takes time.
And Social Media knows.
I keep getting bombarded with posts about ‘The 5am Club’ or posts advertising books about accepting that it’s okay to slow down and ‘do nothing’. Which, by the way, are conflicting messages, because the 5am club is about ‘doing something’ - at 5am.
As I write this I can feel my brain ache. I am trying to focus and put these thoughts down during the one-hour slot while waiting for my daughter outside her ballet class (routine is back offering a pocket of time for me). I’m recalibrating. Trying to climb back out of the downward spiral.
It is during these moments that I try to draw on the words of women I’ve interviewed in the past. Women who managed to ‘find the time’ and who shared how they did it. I need their inspiration. Here are some:
Inspiring words of women who’ve been there
“It’s about keeping in mind that our time is not infinite. I’m the type of person who would hate to live with the regret of not having tried or acted on something. I’d rather have tried and failed, than been too scared to try.” - Donna Cardona
“Just Do It. Take chances and get out of your comfort zone. It could be something as simple as taking a long rambling walk into the countryside, applying for a job that will stretch you, saying yes to a surprise invitation, taking up a new sport or hobby, seeking the therapy that you have been putting off. Don't overthink it, just embrace the nerves and ride the challenge - this is where the magic happens and you will be more empowered every single time.” - Trudy Kerr
“You can’t just work when you feel like, you have to be disciplined. You can’t rely on feeling motivated. Sometimes you have to push yourself.” - Amy Camilleri Zahra
My daughter pointed out a “pretty” pink flower growing amongst the weeds by the side of the road. That flower has no clue, but it emitted a message of perseverance and possibility. This is what I heard from it: Weed out the negative… and bloom.
“I always tell myself that nobody is compelling me to do this job or to do it for longer than I have the energy for and that if and when it becomes too much, I would have to walk away.” - Natasha Azzopardi Muscat
“At the start, it can be overwhelming especially if you compare yourself to people who are already established. You can forget the path and the hours they have put into it. But you have to keep that in mind. The learning curve is very steep at the start.” Sarah Calleja
“I have been put through a few difficult tests over the years and I have learned to give myself the time and space to handle my mental health.” - Lorinda Mamo
“There is a choice to be made. It is equally okay to be a full-time stay-at-home mum. That too is a choice and, if that choice is the preferred choice and gives you the fulfillment you wish, then that is okay too.” - Ann Fenech
What I’m taking from their words
If I had to take all their words and mash them together what I’m hearing is: Be kind to yourself, allow yourself time. But you have to push yourself - sometimes beyond your comfort zone - and find the time and take it seriously, if something really matters to you. Just keep in mind that the process can be uncomfortable. No one is forcing you to do this. So if you’re not going to do it - stop complaining.
If I had to be honest, whenever I start falling down the downward spiral and, whenever I start feeling my grip on my dreams loosen… a part of myself wants to kick myself into action. I tell myself: ‘Find the time, even if it means waking up at 5am' (something I might have to try).
And, guess what? Social Media is stalking me again. I just scrolled through my Facebook page and saw a post that basically told me to “keep showing up” for my canvas… which in my case is this blog.
Then another thing happened. My daughter pointed out a “pretty” pink flower growing amongst the weeds by the side of the road.
That flower has no clue, but it emitted a message of perseverance and possibility. This is what I heard from it: Weed out the negative… and bloom.
What are your views?
How do you push yourself? How and when do you find the time to pursue what you want? Your advice is very much needed…. and welcome.