Yes, You Have Time
“I don’t have enough time” is the most detrimental thought we can have for ourselves.
It’s the constant refrain, the number one excuse. When I’m talking to people and they’re complaining about not getting to do XYZ, or feeling stressed because all ‘this’ is on their plate, the very next phrase that always comes out is “I don’t have the time.”
Bullshit.
There is a place for venting, and now and again, it’s needed. But you always have time. You can shorten the venting, or stop it completely, and boom, now you have some time.
Too many chores around the house? Delegate. Have a conversation with them explaining it’s too much and you need help. They won’t listen? Won’t do it right? Then perhaps time is not the issue, rather something deeper that needs to be faced.
You’re the only one to take care of it all? Limit yourself. Prioritize the one or two things that legitimately need to be done now, and then take the time to do ‘what you don’t have time for’. The chores will still be there when you get back. And likely easier to handle now that you’ve done something for yourself.
Doom scrolling? Check your screen time. Use app limits. Endless tv or YouTube? Press pause and ask yourself: am I really enjoying this right now? If you are, great! Have at it! But, if you’re not, turn it off. Now you have more time.
Kiddos to take care of? They need to learn boundaries too. Where can you find even five minutes of you-time, calming your over-stimulated nerves, refreshing your self? You’ll all benefit from that breather.
Time is mine to control. (And yours too.)
I don’t remember when I finally knocked myself in the head to realize this, but many many moons ago, I did. I accepted the fact that I have plenty of time to do all the things that I want. I just haven’t been spending the time in a way that makes me feel fulfilled, joyful, accomplished.
Since then, time no longer controls my feelings, my energy, or my choices. It doesn’t stress me out or make me anxious. Time is mine to control. Sure, there are a few things that have to be done in that moment. I prioritize them and then move on.
We use this idea of time much too much as an excuse to not do what we truly want. It’s an easy out. After we utter the sentence, “I don’t have time,” the majority of people around us nod their heads in grave agreement.
Because it’s easier.
It’s easier to make the excuse of ‘not enough time’ rather than face the real reason we aren’t doing something. For me, it’s always been a combination of imposter syndrome, failing only to prove the imposter true, succeeding to the point of change that I’m afraid I cannot handle it, others laughing hysterically at my poor attempt to go after my dreams.
Facing the darkness within ourselves can be terrifying. But it’s more liberating than anything to put it all out there. Once you no longer use ‘time’ as an excuse, so so much opens up.
Make the time.
Do we get a say in how much time we have? Absolutely not. But we most certainly get a say in how we spend the time we do have.
Do not let anyone take that away from you.
Do we have circumstances that prevent us from doing some things when we want? Most definitely. But we also get to figure out how to work within and around those circumstances.
Figure it out.
Take back your time. Stop letting yourself believe that time is this elusive freedom that only some people revel in. You can revel in it too. You just have to fight for it. Get strong in your boundaries and make the time.
Otherwise, why are we even here?
