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 ASK
OUR EXPERTS...
I am feeling tired and burned out. I need some renewal but I just can’t
seem to find any time. Can you help me with some ideas to bring balance to
my life?
By Cheryl Bakke Martin of Inspirations StudioI understand this
all too well! I too am a master at filling up my schedule so that at the end
of the day there never seems to be time left for me. I learned the hard way.
It took a significant illness for me to finally adjust my thinking, habits
and choices.
First, a bit of an “attitude” adjustment. Most of us, women in particular,
have been taught to take care of everything and everyone else first. If
there is time left, we can indulge in selfish pleasures. However, with that
priority list, there never is time left. During my recovery, I heard from a
wise woman that on my list of priorities I had to come first. Before kids,
before partners, before tasks, etc. I was shocked, and a little doubtful,
but have come to realize that she was right. Time for self is not just a
nice to do, it’s a MUST do! Perhaps that day she gave me permission to make
that mental shift; to see that if my wellness did not come first, I probably
wouldn’t be “worth a hill of beans” to everyone else anyway. Consider this
your “permission” to do the same.
While I now embrace this thinking, my behaviour patterns can still have me
struggling to do the things I love to do sometimes. Herein lies the next
strategy. I book the time in advance by enrolling in a course or long-term
program. Even though I have my own studio, I still take a painting class for
three hours every week, year round. I am fortunate to have a couple friends
who share my enthusiasm for creative adventures. So, for the past 15 years,
I’ve also managed to “drag” one of them along. The companionship makes the
process more enriching, and for those who have a tendency to cancel on
themselves, they are less likely to cancel on a friend. The commitment to
the activity is stronger when shared.
Finally, these pursuits are creative in nature. Learning how to get quiet,
tap into your innate intuitive center, and get lost in a process of
creativity is amazingly restorative. It becomes a meditation. Even those who
insist they are not creative are surprised at the outcome - they invariably
find the still, small, artistic voice within at long last; thrilled to be
released. With it, comes personal renewal and a remarkable peace.
For more advice on finding balance in your life, contact Cheryl Bakke
Martin, mother of 2 boys, consultant, facilitator, artist & owner of
Inspirations Studio at 403.542.6241
www.inspirations-unlimited.net |
