The theme of time has been resonating with me for the last two weeks. As of today, I am taking my time writing this post. Today I’m not feeling the crush of a hard deadline to push the “publish” button. With a non-traditional work schedule and what seems like only a few waking hours to create or get important things done, I’m am rushed for time. The “rush” creates a foggy form of anxiety over my mind and my chest tightens while blocking the stream and flow of seamless creativity. However, when I take IT easy and don’t force or rush the things that need to be done, I feel so much better. In those moments, I take my time.

Like you, I live at times, on a hamster wheel that keeps moving without taking account of how my body feels, what is in my best interest or what should be my priorities. So, I ask you, what are you doing with your time? Are you using it effectively? Have you placed a value on your time? Are you taking your time?

My perspective of time has recently shifted. I’ve realized that to be in concert with time, you must respect it. It must be harnessed, caressed and maybe even finessed so that it flows with you and not against you.

The lessons that I’m learning about the element of TIME include*:

• FOCUS on what I want,
• MEASURE my time to fulfill my goals,
• RAISE MY STAKES and be specific to achieve what I want.

*Edward Vilga – A Year to Get Rich With Purpose, DailyOM

Furthermore, since I’ve come to realize these things, I’m now in the process of practicing what I’ve learned in all aspects of my life. . . health, wealth, career, lifestyle and love.

A couple of years ago I lamented:

• “where has the time gone”
• “I haven’t spent enough time with my children and they are growing up so fast”
• “I didn’t become the Director of XYZ”
• “I haven’t planted the garden I dreamed of”
• “We haven’t traveled the way we dreamed of ”
• “I haven’t fostered the relationships that I wanted” . . . and on and on and on.

Through the angst and self-pity I’ve realized that I was looking backwards toward the instances that had already passed. It was sometime after all that lamenting and “oh me, oh my” that I heard a gospel song, “It Ain’t Over” by Maurette Brown Clark that set me straight! (if you haven’t heard it, take a listen) It became one of two of my anthems on a daily basis.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.” – Jeremiah 29:11-12

As I concentrate on the NOW, I’m so blessed to be in this world another year. Celebrating my birthday and life as it has been a full one at 56 years. I’ve accomplished what I was meant to accomplish. More than ever now I’m aware of how I want to spend my time – peacefully, creatively, purposefully!

I received a birthday card a few days ago from my Mother that spoke to me about this running theme. It read:

My wish for you is that you’ll always know a little bit more today than you knew yesterday – about life, about yourself, about what you can do and create in this world. . . That you’ll keep moving forward toward your dreams, even if it’s just one small step or idea at a time… That you’ll always find room in your life and your heart for the people and the things that make you happy… And that when you look in the mirror, you’ll see what a wonderful blessing you are.” – Our Voices, American Greetings

So, I’ve finished this week’s post. I’ve prayed, meditated, expressed my gratitude; I’ve focused on my goal, measured my time for this goal and was specific about the amount of time I was going to spend on this post. I’ve achieved the goal and must now be still – as I know that all that I’ve asked for is coming. . . it is only a matter of time.

Be and Stay Well!

-Kathy

Kathy A. Hampton, Founder – Wellside Retreats