Dear Unity Friends,

Last week, I wrote about the necessity of self-care.  When I talk about this topic, many people say to me, "When is there time for self-care?"  I often feel the same way.  It seems more than ever finding the time to do those things that are supportive of our bodies, minds, emotions, and spirits is a challenge.   It takes conscious intention to make time for self or the demands on our time and energy will always put our personal needs at the bottom of the list.

Here is a suggestion on how to divide the week. I hope you find it to be helpful. Divide up the week into 42 blocks of 4 hours each.  Each day will have 6 blocks in it. Give two blocks to sleep.  Give two blocks to your work in the world. Give one block to be divided for meals and grooming. That leaves one block of 4 hours for other acitivities.   These activities might be taking care of your house, shopping, doing laundry, exercising, walking the dog, or planting flowers.  The important thing is to do something different than what is required of you for your work.   For people who have to commute to work, some of that block of time will be used traveling back and forth to work.   An inspirational CD or download for the drive-time can be a refreshing change.  For stay-at-home moms, this block of time is when you schedule a break for yourself by signing the kids up for Mom's morning out or getting Dad to take over some of the evenings.

Be careful to guard your volunteer commitments.  It seems we have gotten in the habit of overcommitting ourselves to too many activities and responsibilities.   By looking at this chart of time, you can see what you can add or what you should take out of your schedule.



It is important to have time each week to take care of personal responsibilities like your clothing and your home.   It is equally as important to have time for something fun and relaxing.   And, as you plan your week, remember to make time to nourish your spiritual self by carving out time for meditation, a class, a book, or church on Sunday.

Plan something out of the ordinary and just for fun this weekend.  I am.

Peace and blessings,

Rev. Robin