Frida's cafe

Time. What would you do if you had all the time you usually spend at work? Do you ever give it some thought? Imagined it?  

If you haven’t, you should! Our adult time is usually divided between work, family, and all life’s responsibilities that keep us moving ahead. Days look different for each person. For most of us, especially those who parent, days involve school drop-off routines. Our work time usually goes to non-stop meetings, projects, etc.  

You may have never have taken a few minutes to think about this. If you are a little bit like me, a parent, a career-driven individual, or simply a human, it’s understandable. This notion of what you would do if you had the time you always “hope” you have.

I had never stopped to wonder how it may look and feel. What if my time became more about personal choices and wants? It didn’t seem realistic to think about or maybe felt selfish just to imagine. 

It’s not and you should. I encourage you to take 5 minutes today to think about it.  yes, JUST 5 MINUTES think of what you would do. 

Think about what you wish you can do. Think about all those things you usually do in a rush. Think about all those moments you think “I wish I…  

It seems like such a foreign concept. 

But why is that? Why do we become accustomed to this way of living in a constant rush, stress, and pressure? Some will say “It’s because I like it!” 

I am one of those people. Now I have realized it’s just what I have trained my brain and my body to do. I am learning this becomes the norm when WE make it the norm. I am learning WE choose to live in this “fast-paced” environment. 

We often try to convince ourselves that we don’t have a choice. Nonetheless, the fact is we do. We always have a choice. 

Last month, I chose to focus on myself. I prioritized my mental health. I walked away from what didn’t align with this. 

In the moment it felt like an impulsive decision but I have learned it was exactly what I needed. I gifted myself time. 

It has been a long time since life felt like this. Light and not overwhelming or rushed. 

The last time it felt close to this was during my maternity leave after Gael was born. It sounds crazy, but this is how it felt with a newborn. All I remember during that time is feeling a deep sense of joy. If you know me, you have heard me talk about how my feelings shifted after giving birth. During my pregnancy, I felt sad and overwhelmed and dealt with deep feelings of shame and disappointment. This all changed once Gael was born and life felt more manageable. I felt joy. Time felt mine, like now. 

As the year comes to an end, I encourage you to make time YOURS. Do more of those things that bring you joy. Make time work for you, not the other way around. Allow yourself to imagine what this looks like for you and take small steps towards it.