Work-Life Balance

Time Is Precious

LaPorterJanuary 26, 20208 Replies

Time is a created thing. To say I don’t have time is to say I don’t want to. – Lao Tzu

Affiliate Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you purchase through any of the links (at no additional cost to you).

Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! Time has a wonderful way of showing us what really matters. Honestly, it feels like forever since I’ve written a blog post and it was only last Sunday. I want to apologize for not publishing at least two blog posts last week. Between my new work schedule, family life obligations, and my boy’s mid-term schedule, I did not have extra time to write. Therefore, this hectic work week helped me realize my limitations with working full-time so my new goal will be to publish at least one inspiring blog post per week.

GOAL #1 – WRITING & BLOGGING

The purpose of the first draft is not to get it right, but to get it written. – John Dufresne

Well, like I’ve stated before, 2020 has started off busy for me, but in a positive way. For starters, on the writing front, I have decided to create the following writing and blogging goals:

• Write & publish my first Renew Inspiration book – 1st draft complete [2020 – 2021]
• Continue and improve my Renew Inspiration blog [On-Going]
• Strive to keep journaling, reading, writing, and meditating [On-Going]
• Network with other talented authors and bloggers [On-Going]
• Support other bloggers by reading their material & commenting [On-Going]

Overall, I have really enjoyed this blogging experience while connecting with you and have met so many awesome bloggers along the way. I felt it necessary to document my writing goals again this year in a blog post to keep me grounded on what’s important in my life, right now, in this very moment. In addition, I want to be accountable to my overall writing career and make plans to reach all of these goals. Why now you ask? Because I feel time is precious and I want to enjoy my passion which is writing.

AMAZON RESOURCE # 1

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GOAL #2 – WORK-LIFE BALANCE

Never get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life. – Unknown Author

Next, I plan to create a healthy work-life balance after accepting a full-time Secretary position in December 2019. This has been a great opportunity for me overall, but I need more time to adjust to my “new normal”. I really enjoy my new job, but there’s so much information to learn, new systems to analyze, and family obligations to juggle.

I realize my extra time is very limited and most days I find myself re-thinking my daily tasks when I need to be at work earlier for workshop prep which includes early drop offs and pickups for my boys. Oh, I cannot forget to mention the same thing happens if there are no school, early dismissal days or the boys have a therapy session to attend.

As you can see, I’ve been struggling to balance my full-time work, family obligations and writing projects which are all dear to my heart. My husband is very supportive throughout this process and have stepped up to help, but it is still very stressful and difficult for me to find a healthy work-life balance while adjusting to my new work schedule.

AMAZON RESOURCE #2

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TIPS TO MANAGE WORK-LIFE BALANCE

Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin. – Mother Teresa

Work-life balance can be defined as the balance that an individual need between time allocated for work and other aspects of life. Areas of life other than work-life can be, but not limited to personal interests, family obligations, social or leisure activities.

Here’s some tips to help you manage work-life balance:

• Tip #1 – Set realistic goals and schedules. However, do not strive for perfection.
• Tip #2 – Prioritize your health by eating healthier options, meditating and exercising.
• Tip #3 – Make time for yourself to relax, read, and update your planner.
• Tip #4 – Organize yourself and remove non-essential tasks from your daily agenda.
• Tip #5 – Rethink your errands and household chores. Then, delegate duties to others.
• Tip #6 – Take time each day to make a To-Do List which helps prioritize the tasks.
• Tip #7 – Analyze your tasks to figure out how you’re currently using your time.

AMAZON RESOURCE #3

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IMPORTANT SKILLS NEEDED

You’ve got to be a beginner before you can be anything else. – Unknown Author

As we continue this journey called life, strive to learn important skills that will help you grow as an individual. Remember, your success is found in your daily routine. Never be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Don’t forget to find ways to help improve your time management and work-life balance throughout your journey.

Here’s some important skills needed to help you through this process:

• Goal Setting – Be able to set realistic goals and write them down.
• Prioritization – Be wise when you prioritize tasks for the day.
• Self-Awareness – Be aware of your needs and feelings.
• Self-Motivation – Be your own inspiration and cheerleader.
• Focus – Be sure to focus on your goal. Don’t look any direction but ahead.
• Decision Making – Be prayerful and ask God to direct your path.
• Planning – Be wise and plan ahead.
• Flexibility – Be ready and willing to adjust your schedule as needed.
• Stress Management – Set a time limit and take breaks often.

As we all embrace change while trying to live the best life, be mindful to how precious time is. Learn what’s important to you and always strive to be better today than yesterday. Be your own inspiration throughout life while learning how to set realistic goals, how to learn a new skills while setting healthy parameters for time management and work-life balance.

AMAZON RESOURCE #4

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JOURNAL PROMPTS

Time is what we want most and what we use worst. – William Penn

Journaling is a powerful way to process events in your life, build self-awareness, get more clarity, and keep yourself on track. Journaling also allows for past reflection, future insight, and present surrender. Keep in mind that this is a journey and everyone takes their own path. Ready, set, write!

• How do you define time?
• How important is time in your life?
• What is your vision for the next 6 months? year?
• What fear is holding you back?
• What is one behavior you need to let go this year?
• What values do you want to live by and promote?
• What did you do today that brought you closer to your goal?

TIME TO SHARE & COMMENT

Let’s talk. Share your thoughts in the comments section. I look forward to reading your feedback!

Believe in yourself today, tomorrow and forever!

Affiliate Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you purchase through any of the links (at no additional cost to you).

My Time, My Season

LaPorterJanuary 19, 201919 Replies

Time, Season, Clock, Plant, Writing, Blogging, Journaling — pexels

Time has a wonderful way of showing us what really matters. – Unknown Author

Affiliate Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you purchase through any of the links (at no additional cost to you).

Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! So, how has your January been? Honestly, it feels like forever since I’ve written a blog post. Well, I don’t know about you, but 2019 has started off busy for me, but in a positive way. For starters, on the writing front, I have decided to:

• Continue my Renew Inspiration blog.
• Plan to write my first Renew Inspiration book.
• Strive to keep journaling, reading, writing, and meditating.
• Continue to write articles via Hub Garden.
• Pursue other freelance writing opportunities.

I have really enjoyed this blogging experience while connecting with you and have met so many awesome bloggers along the way as well. I felt it necessary to document my writing goals in a blog post to keep me grounded on what’s important in my life, right now, in this very moment. In addition, I want to be accountable to my overall writing career and make plans to reach all of these goals this year. Why now you ask? Because I feel it is my time and my season to enjoy my passion which is writing.

In addition to following after my writing dreams, shortly after the new year, I started a new part-time secretary job in an educational setting. If you know me, I have another passion which is doing administrative type work, such as typing, organizing/doing projects in an office setting, answering calls and resulting customer complaints, managing paperwork and/or online files, etc. This specific job proves that it is my time and my season as well. I was offered a full-time job after months of testing and interviewing, but I had to decline the offer due to family conflicts. Unfortunately, I have to drop off and pick up my children from school so I cannot work full-time hours at this time. Then, they offered me the part-time position right after I declined the full-time offer which was a total blessing for me and my family. This job opportunity allows me to work in an office environment (which I love), offers me an opportunity to work in an educational setting (which I have a passion for learning), gives me an opportunity to contribute to my retirement (which is a bonus) and offers me a flexible work schedule which is a WIN – WIN any way you look at it!

Time, Season, Work Space, Clock, Desk, Home Office, Writing, Blogging, Journaling — pexels

Never get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life. – Unknown Author

Well, as you probably already know, I have been pulled in so many directions in the last few weeks. I’ve been struggling to balance my work, family obligations and writing projects which are all dear to my heart. There’s so much information to learn when starting a new job. Quite frankly, it is totally stressful and difficult to find a healthy work-life balance that works for me while maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

TIPS TO MANAGE WORK-LIFE BALANCE

• Set realistic schedules and do not strive for perfection.

• Prioritize your health by eating healthier options, meditating and exercising.

• Build downtime into your schedule to relax, read, and update your planner.

• Make time for yourself. For example, schedule a spa da or day out with your friends.

• Rethink your errands and household chores. Don’t be afraid to delegate duties to others.

MY TO-DO LIST FOR TODAY

• Count my blessings and take nothing for granted.

• Practice kindness to everyone I come into contact with.

• Let go of what I cannot control, seen and unseen.

• Listen to my heart in every situation.

• Be productive throughout your day yet calm in your spirit.

• Just relax and breathe.

HOW TO COPE WITH ANXIETY

Your life only gets better when you do. Work on yourself and the rest will follow. – Unknown Author

Anxiety can be defined as a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease, typically about something with an uncertain outcome. Often times, if not properly treated, a person could be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder which involves compulsive behavior or panic attacks. I realize that transition and change are sometimes difficult for us to handle throughout life. As you experience these type of situations, please remember, you are not alone throughout this process.

• Get enough sleep.

• Eat well and exercise.

• Organize life as much as possible. Example – plan meals, get clothes ready at night, etc.

• Ask for help when necessary.

• Avoid masking how you feel. Honesty is key.

• Make self-care a priority during the transition.

• Remember your strengths.

• Know that you are in control.

Time, Season, Journaling, Writing, Blogging, Journals, Desk, Writing Space — pexels

TIME FOR REFLECTION – JOURNAL PROMPTS

The most important person to keep your promises to, is yourself. – Unknown Author

• What makes you proud of yourself right now in this very moment?

• What is your vision for the next 6 months? year?

• What fear is holding you back?

• How do you respond to setbacks and failure?

• What is one behavior you need to let go this year?

• What did you do today that brought you closer to your goal/dream?

• How can I love myself on today?

SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCES, GOALS & DREAMS

Do you feel it is your time and your season? How do you handle anxiety and the fear of the unknown? What are some of your goals and dreams? Do you have passions that you plan to pursue or are pursuing?

Believe in yourself today, tomorrow and forever!

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