Monthly Musing – September 2021 – Making time
I recently posted a photo of my knitting on Instagram and somebody commented that they didn’t know how I had the time to fit everything in that I do.
Neither do I – but in a lightbulb moment of clarity I realised that we can all make time for the things that we want to do most. Now, I know this is not rocket science, but actually, how often do we make the time for the things we want to do most, and how often do we prioritise something or someone else? There’s a line in a song by the band The Script that goes “spending our time like we’re millionaires” … do we fritter it away or use it wisely? Personally, I think that life should be a balance of both but it’s not always easy to step back so that we can see what we are doing with this most precious of assets.
Obviously, there are things that we all have to do – looking after people, going to work, cooking and cleaning, and I’m not suggesting that we don’t prioritise those, but if I think about my own situation, what I love to do most is knit and often there’s a point in the day when I have to remind myself that it’s OK to stop and do that. The metaphorical in-tray is never empty and some days, if I don’t make myself stop and sit down, I will keep tidying or sorting or checking emails or doing something else until suddenly it’s bedtime and then I’m cross because I feel that I haven’t had any time to switch off.
After reading the Instagram comment and my lightbulb moment, I decided to take another look at how I’m spending my time in both my days and my weeks and prioritise what makes me feel good. Whilst I am never going to say that scrubbing the bath is my favourite thing to do, I do like a clean, fresh-smelling bathroom so instead of thinking about the cleaning and what I don’t like, I’m going to start thinking about the end result and what I do like to see if that helps. I’m going to try to get better at saying ‘yes’ to offers which will make me feel good (rather than, “I’m too busy”) and ‘no’ to things which I might take on out of a feeling of obligation when I don’t really want to (funny, I never say “I’m too busy” then!). I’m going to be more mindful about what feels like a use of time that makes me happy – and yes, cleaning the bath can be that if I’m going to enjoy a long soak later! It never hurts to be reminded that we can always adjust our schedules and calendars to improve the balance of how we go through our days.
After all, I’ve only got the same 24 hours as everyone else and although there are always going to be jobs that have to be done that I would prefer not to do, some of those 24 hours should be spent doing things that I definitely do want to do – and that time is priceless.
Totally agree with this. I try to spend at least an hour each evening just doing what I want. Usually that involves sitting listening to Audible books and knitting. Even if I am tired I can usually knit a few rows. Last winter I was knitting this in-the-round Icelandic style jumper which was a new experience for me having never been into knitting in the round, and sometimes I really did not even achieve a whole row but that time was precious and made me feel that at least I had some me time. I am currently on my second pair of socks using your knit along. I have to say its really helpful having it there. I do hope it will stay online because following a pattern for socks is right now very daunting for me. I am hoping by the time winter is fully here that I will have finished my second pair. Thanks for the help with this because I never thought I would ever knit socks let alone anything at all on such tiny needles.
It sounds like you’ve really got the time thing sorted! Yes, the Sockalong will be staying on the blog, I have no intention of removing it so you should get that second pair finished. The 4ply yarn will be quite a change from jumper yarn! 🙂 xx
I read your lovely comments and description of Toffee. I do feel for you having lost our own elderly naughty tortie some months ago. They leave a hole in your heart but oh the pleasure they bring. Time is kind and leaves only the happy memories.
I do hope so, and I’m so sorry that you have lost your tortie as well. That hole is huge, isn’t it? xx
Thanks for this useful reminder. Also touched by your tribute to Toffee. Sums up what a pet means to so many.
It’s definitely a reminder to myself as well – I need to be better doing this! Thank you, we’re going to miss Toffee very much xx
Thanks again Christine for a thought provoking missive – always enjoy them – you are so right – I would love to sit down and knit feeling guiltless but there are always jobs to do – chores or acts of love for family and friends and you do feel better when you have done them and can relax and enjoy your knitting even more – so sorry about the pussy – they become part of the family and are sorely
missed – Love Ruth x
If I ever work out how to sit down without feeling guilty when I look around at what else I think I should be doing, I’ll let you know! Thank you, we’re going to miss our furry girl immensely xx
Wise words from a wise woman. Thanks!
Ah, I’ll be really wise when I heed my own words! 🙂 xx
I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your beautiful cat.
I have had this grief in the past. My current 2 are 10 years old.
Thinking of you, and sending love.
My husband has a saying – “what good is your YES if you never say NO. I am learning to step back from a busy life in my county WI and can now bring myself to say NO. I’ve recently taken up cross stitich (still knitting, though) and love to do that in the early afternoon. Otherwise, I might just be sat at the computer doing stuff of not a lot of importance!
Your husband is absolutely right! It is hard though, isn’t it, when you’ve always taken things on and lived life at full pelt? I hope you are enjoying your cross stitching! xx