Your kids want to play a game of hide and seek. Your spouse wants to grab a coffee and reconnect. You would love to enjoy this time with your loved ones, but you have things to do, responsibilities to attend to. How often do you pass up these moments because you’re too preoccupied with life? What if you realized all these little moments are life? Years from now you won’t remember that phone call you had to make or how clean your house is.
Spending ten quality minutes with your kids might not seem like a big deal to you, but it can make a world of difference to your children. Do you feel so rushed through your day that you’re missing out on what really matters? What would need to change in your life in order to plug in more quality time? Do you need to reprioritize how you spend your time? Do you need to ask for help or delegate some tasks? Try putting things in perspective. When you reach the end of your life, what exactly do you want to be remembered for? What fond memories do you wish to recount?
Here are three tips for creating a plan that works for you:
1. Determine why you feel overwhelmed.
What’s going on in your life that’s making you feel so overwhelmed and spent by the end of the day? Take some time to look at all of your current obligations and tasks throughout the week. Detail which responsibilities you’re willing to let go in order to make room for the things you do want. If your plate is full, how are you possibly going to enjoy the little moments without feeling pulled in a million directions? This week prioritize what really matters.
2. Make a list.
Create a master list of everything you want to enjoy more of in your life. What activities would you like to experience with your children? What would be your ideal day? How can you begin creating that for yourself? Putting your thoughts on paper begins the process of creating it.
3. Ask for help.
If you are so overwhelmed that you can’t enjoy a game of Chutes and Ladders with your kids, you may need to make some changes. There’s only so much time in a day and you only possess a limited amount of energy to get everything accomplished. Ask for what you need! Do you need help around the home? Do you need to purchase prepared meals for the family? Do you need to hire a babysitter for a couple of hours each week? Do what works for you and your family.
Tell us: What are some other ways that help you focus on the moments and people who matter?
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