Reclaiming Self: Making Time For Yourself
Copyright © 2005 Jan Hornford  - Published May 5, 2005


It often seems that our days are engulfed in a myriad of tasks. 
Today we have many responsibilities and many roles - spouse, 
parent, sibling, child, friend, and career worker. Do you find 
you lose yourself in your relationships, in your nurturing 
roles, and in the busyness of life? Does it seem like your life 
has become a series of tasks to complete, rather than moments 
to enjoy? We often get so caught up in the DOING that we forget 
to BE.

Usually the first thing to go in this whirlwind of activity 
is time for ourselves. Lack of time for ourselves often leads 
to feeling frustrated, tired, overwhelmed and out of balance. 
Without this time for self, we lose sight of what's important 
to us and of what we need to be our best.

If you are feeling like life is out of control, that you are 
undervalued, that you are too busy, or if you put the needs of 
others consistently before your own, then it is time to create 
some time and space for yourself. Taking time for yourself 
allows you to renew, heal, and create reserves of energy and 
peace. Honouring yourself enables you to discover your truth, 
access your creativity and experience a sense of peace, 
wholeness, purpose, and balance.

Taking time for yourself is really about Self-Care and is an 
extremely important component to creating the life you want. It 
is about honouring yourself and connecting with yourself. Taking 
care of yourself is one of the first steps on the journey of 
discovering your truth and accessing your creativity. When you 
take time for yourself it allows you to stop doing for awhile 
and to just BE. It is in the Being where your power lies. You 
automatically raise your standards and capabilities and create 
potential and possibility in your life. When you honour and 
nurture yourself you can hear your inner voice much more 
clearly - you can hear your own truth and this connection 
enables you to live authentically.

In order to make time for yourself consider the following. Write 
the answers down on a piece of paper or in your journal or 
notebook.


Coaching Questions

 * How could it be a gift to others to take time for yourself?
 * What would it take to make time for yourself a priority?
 * What activities bring you joy or nurture you?
 * What is keeping you from doing the things that energise 
   and inspire you?
 * How can you bring more of these simple treats into your day?


Take Action

Commit to doing one activity from the list you created each day 
for the next week.

Each day take 5 minutes for yourself. Find a quiet place where 
you can sit and not be disturbed. Close your eyes and simply 
follow the path of your breath. Just focus on your breath. If 
other thoughts come in, just let them go. If you find this 
difficult at first, then focus on repeating the affirmation 
"I am happy and peaceful". Quieting your mind and body and 
focusing on the breath will help to change your emotional state 
and provide your soul with a peaceful respite from the busyness 
of your day.

Time for yourself does not have to take half a day or come at 
someone else's expense. In fact, taking the time to replenish 
and nurture yourself will give you more energy and you will be 
better able to support those you love. It is often the simple 
things that can make the biggest difference. For example, 
sitting in your favourite chair and sipping a cup of tea, 
going for a walk, or listening to your favourite music. I 
encourage you to carve out 15 minutes for yourself each day 
to do something that nurtures you and brings you joy. Try it as 
an experiment for one week and see what changes for you. Reclaim 
your Self! When you do, you will experience a sense of peace, 
renewal, and connection.

I offer a variety of e-courses and e-retreats that are 
designed to help you Reclaim your Self and experience the 
peace and sense of wholeness that comes from knowing your 
purpose and living authentically.

Jan Hornford is a Life Coach & Retreat Leader whose passion is to
help individuals re-connect with their own wisdom and power and 
to support them to create the life they want. Her retreats offer 
the opportunity to experience joyful self-care, connection, and 
possibility.  For more information, please take a look at her 
website:  http://www.futureperfect.ca  Or, call her: 403-313-4064
For more information about the free 4 week e-course: 
"Living Authentically: Honouring Your Truth in Everyday Life" 
visit:  http://www.futureperfect.ca/store/index.php?cPath=1

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