i need to take time out

[mary haigney]

i need time for myself my doctor said quite time how?

[Chris]

I am intrigued that 16 people have looked at your question and no one has responded.  Either they are wondering why the question was asked or they are unsure.  I am hoping it is the former.  Maybe we think we need to know your situation--are you married with children, working too hard at a demanding job.  But even those are not so restrictive that we have no time for ourselves. 

I would hope that we haven't lost the ability to just shut down our electronic gadgets and go within ourselves.  While meditation works for me--when I use it-I tend  towards a more introspective time while alone and out doing things just for myself.

I take time for myself by getting out in nature, walking, fly fishing, gardening or reading a good book--you know the kind with pages to turn and hard or soft covers--not the internet!  Too many distractions on the internet.  I get sidetracked down different avenues and forget sometimes why I was online to begin with.

Quiet time can be quite loud when the brain starts it's internal conversations.  Do we listen too much to the rambling voice within.  I know I do.......   So maybe quiet time can begin by shutting down all outside distractions--yes even your cell phone, the internet --everything, including the internal distractions!  Good luck!

Philosophically, you've opened up a whole pandora's box.  Let's see how others respond.  

[Janet Carol Ryan]

I just checked in to the 'hab  and saw this post and I love Chris's reply. I am a daily meditator, I teach meditation and heart-centered practices for connecting with the inner. And I agree that in order to reply fully to your question we might need to know a little more about what the challenge is for you in taking time for yourself. In my opinion nature is the best reSource for renewing, replenishing, getting a new perspective. A quiet walk with no talking and no media distractions - taking in each breath with gratefulness and noticing the beauty around is one of the most healing tonics we can give ourselves. and it doesn't take much time at all - the rewards are immense.

[Susan : )]

Hey there, Mary!

I first saw this post and have had it up since you posted it and now that I have my grand daughter down for her nap, I have time to respond:

If your doctor is recommending for you to take time for yourself, then fulfill that prescription!

You are probably giving out to others and forgetting to do things for YOU!

Sometimes our stress levels show up in poor physical, mental and spiritual health.  It is important to take time to look at where we spend our time.  Putting ourselves first in caring for ourselves will ensure we have the energy and understanding to help others even more effectively.  

As a mother to a special needs child, I find myself rushing through things that I do for me....for example, sometimes I skip simple steps to "save time" like when I am taking a shower...I don't shave my legs cause I am trying to save time and think: It's winter and no one sees my legs anyways.  I have to remind myself...that I shave my legs for me, not for anyone else!  I know this is a silly example, but it shows me cutting corners on my own personal time and for what a few extra minutes to do what?  To get dressed faster, so I can speed up to do my daily routine?  

Click here for a blog I did on this a while back.

I suggest you take some time for personal reflection.  Think about the different areas of your life that your doctor was referring to.  Make some decisions that will change the way you think about your life!  Make YOU a priority!

I am expecting to hear a gooooooood report from you!

Hugggggggggggggggs and prayers,

Susan : )