“If only I had more time, I could _______.” The problem with this notion is that you’re waiting for the time to appear. From the perspective you have now, you must wait for circumstances in your life to change in order to allow you to have more time to do the things you want to do. The paradox is, while you’re waiting for more time to appear, you’re creating more and more of not having enough time. Why? Because you are demonstrating through your thoughts and actions that you choose to not have enough time by acting and behaving as if you don’t. The more you say, “I just don’t have enough time to do the things I want” and go about your day pushing away all the things you’d rather be doing in favor of the things you believe you must do, the more you create that very circumstance.
People don’t want an abundance of time simply for the sake of having a bunch of time on their hands. People want more time so they can do things they enjoy. Therefore, if you truly want more time to do what you want, start by making a decision that you will set aside an amount of time each day or a few days a week to do something you really want to do. The more you do the things you prefer doing, the more you state that this is what you prefer and you will find that more time will open up for you. Now, no, this doesn’t mean than an extra hour or two will magically appear in your day and you’ll be working with 25 or 26 hours instead of 24. What it does mean, however, is that you might begin to prioritize your time differently and start allowing yourself to do more of the things you enjoy.
Many people will find, however, that when they make a decision to set aside time to do what they want, things will come up and block this. You might decide to set aside an hour every Monday, Wednesday and Friday to do what you want and when the day arrives, something suddenly comes up to occupy that hour. Let’s say your best friend calls and wants to get together. Instead of getting frustrated you can choose to see this obstacle as an opportunity to cement your new attitude into being. Rather than give up on the activity you had planned to do and agreeing to meet with your friend, you might try saying, “I would love to get together with you but I’ve decided I’m going to take this hour every Monday, Wednesday and Friday to do ______. But I’d be more than happy to meet with you later today or tomorrow.” I’m sure your friend will understand and will probably be glad you’re finally doing something for yourself!
All of the things you want to do are meaningful to you in some way or another. If you are ignoring them, you are denying an important aspect of your overall growth. Your interests aren’t arbitrary and inconsequential. You have them for a reason and they are meant to be explored and developed. Only by allowing this aspect of you to grow to its fullest will you be able to express your true, expanded self, which will be more capable of sharing all its gifts to the world.
Blessings,
J.H.
January 12, 2008 at 9:51 pm
Hi again Jason,
I am obviously thoroughly enjoying your articles !!! I have copied a portion of the one about being in balance by giving and receiving for a friend…she gives so well but struggles with receiving… I do understand that…but I love the way your words of being in balance make it easier for me! I hope it will for her too…and that she will come to your website and read….
In love and peace,
Dana
January 12, 2008 at 11:47 pm
Dana,
I’m so glad you’re enjoying the articles! Yes, many people struggle with balancing the concepts of giving and receiving. However, to truly reach balance and happiness, we must allow ourselves the things we need and desire and this requires the ability to receive those gifts.
I hope your friend visits, too.
Blessings,
Jason
January 28, 2008 at 2:52 pm
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