Alone Time

Do you crave some "alone time", "me time"? I believe every woman needs to have at least 15 minutes a day that is just her time. We need to be re-energized for dealing with co-workers, children, spouses, neighbors and members of our congregations if we are in ministry. During my adult season of life, which for me, really began at age 22 after graduating from college, I found my self taking on many roles, some of which overwhelmed me! Not only was I a daughter and sibling but a piano teacher, substitute el. ed. teacher, girlfriend, VBS director, Sunday School teacher, Burger King employee to supplement my sub teaching income, and then later that year, a nanny! I had to learn to carve out time for just me. The Bible talks about renewing our minds. I believe this to be a spiritual act but I also believe the Lord wants us to be refreshed each day so we can pour into those people whose lives are being impacted by us or with whom we are relating, teaching, ministering to, raising, etc. Now that I no longer have to teach full time and can be at home or just teach part time, I still find myself often taking on too many roles and no time for my self during the day. I have to make a conscious effort to give my self a break. This is especially important during the school year when I am running/managing the house, volunteering in ministries at church, volunteering at school events/committees and working, not to mention spending time with my husband and raising/training my children, overseeing homework and projects, dashing off to their extracurricular activities and lessons, and keeping in touch with friends. How can we find some quality alone time?? (I know some of you reading this can relate to this!)
Here is what I have learned over the years (and yes, this can work if you work full time outside the home, because I taught full time as a single, a newlywed and as a mother of a toddler, and I did this plan and it really works!)

• Begin your day with prayer! (If you are a Believer, this is the best way to begin your day in my opinion!). God knows what is on your agenda for the day, and it just may be that He is gonna rearrange it anyways! Give Him your day. It only takes 2-3 min. When I am working outside the home, I do this while showering! During this last year of being a full time stay at home mom, I do it as soon as my alarm goes off. Do whatever works for you!
• Stretch out those muscles while the coffee is brewing! This might sound crazy but for those of us in our 40's....well..need I say more? Again, this might not seem like "me- time" to you but really, how many of us, especially if we work outside the home, really hit the gym or do our power-walking before our coffee??
• During your breakfast, skip the a.m. paper and begin with your devotional. Now, for many people, this is not a good time as this might be when you and your spouse eat together. In my house, during the school year, if I am not teaching that day, I tend to eat with my oldest, chat, scan the paper, go over things with my husband, etc. If I am not working, I tend to read my novel or whatever pleasure book I am into. I save my "quiet time", devotion time for when everyone is either out of the house or just after completing the a.m. routines of making beds, wiping down counters, etc. I take about 15 min. and just meditate, read whatever Scripture I am into, etc. I did this while working because I never had to leave the house until 8 a.m. Now I do it just like I am working because it is such a habit. When I was working full time and had to leave the house with a toddler at 7:30, I saved this "alone time with God" for when I returned home. There are ways to do this that work for your own schedule.....make sure you plan for it though or it often doesn't get done! This is a vital part of your "me time" because it nourishes your soul/spirit.
• Take at least 15 mintues each day to just do whatever it is that brings you pleasure. For me this is reading fiction. I love to read so I make sure I carve this into my day. It is usually once my youngest is in bed. I sometimes neglect my husband because of this reading hobby but that is a whole other subject! :) The point is: whatever you love to do, whatever makes you feel good, do it! Fit it in. It might be knitting (you can do that once your children are in bed or during the news), biking, reading, playing an instrument, doing your nails, soaking in a scented tub. whatever it is: DO IT! You will feel energized, more relaxed when dealing with life's pressures, and more in control of your agenda!

Sometimes my days are so full of shopping, running errands, taking the kids to lessons, playdates, housework, spending time with my husband, that I neglect my self. But the Bible talks about keeping our temple (body) clean for the Lord and part of our body is our mind and soul! So, just like you wouldn't want to neglect your exercise routine, make sure you are "exercising" your mind and spirit. Give it a try! Let me know how you do!