Listen to the blog here: https://anchor.fm/meghan-greenwood/episodes/If-Missed–Add-It-Back-e144q1u

We all go through the motions of everyday chores and responsibilities. Whether we are working or caretaking or administrating, we are doing what we think we need to do. We are making it work. And we slowly turn into robots…with pieces of us potentially fading away.

But how many times do you sit back and consider what you WANT to do? In particular, what you wish you could do…again.

For example, maybe you were once really invested in rock climbing but life has gotten in the way. Do you miss it? Do you find yourself pining for the time when you were high in the air, the sky above you?

Or perhaps you loved to paint. It was more than a creative outlet for you, it was a passion. You couldn’t wait to see what would appear on the canvas after a few hours of free brush strokes.

These pieces of your previous life are not hindrances or bad habits. They shouldn’t be shoved aside to make way for the monotony of 9-5. They are restorative, they are rejuvenating, they ARE your self-care.

Close your eyes and envision a moment when you were completely immersed in an activity you love. You were likely in a state of flow, where no matter what else was going on in the world, you remained focused. Do you feel joy in picturing this moment? Does your heart begin to sting when you consider the hours spent NOT doing this activity?

If so, now is the time to add it back. Anything that brings you happiness is worthwhile. It balances life’s stressors and gives you purpose outside of your job and your family. It doesn’t have to be associated with income or accomplishment, just for your sake.

Carve out the time, no matter how small. You deserve it.