Guilty as charged.
That’s me as of the moment, as I write this.
It’s been three weeks since my last blog post and admittedly life got too busy.
Time and again, week on week, I will tell my self that I will find time to sit down and write but that never happened.
And then it struck me: I was focused on finding time, not making time for something which truly mattered to me.
I have been blogging since 2018 and a lot of you have joined me in my journey, reflecting and recalibrating along the way through my various stories, musings and tips. Your unwavering support brought my blog to where it is now: as one of the top life coach blogs worldwide and the #1 Coaching blog in the Philippines. I will always be grateful for that.
So I would like to humbly ask for your understanding for not being able to update my blog in the past few weeks. I did have a lot on my plate: exams and reporting for my PhD classes, speaking engagement, brand collaborations and media hosting stints in between managing coaching clients. The remaining time I had, I spent resting and spending time with my loved ones and working out.
No, I am not justifying my short coming. I don’t intend to. Because this led me to have my own breakthrough:
That finding time is different from making time. Hard knock for me.
This hit a home run in my vocabulary. I realized that when something or someone is truly valuable for you, will be willing to adjust or even clear your schedule to accommodate them. It’s all about reverting back to your core values and what you hold close to your heart. Ask yourself this: what is the value if I actually change my schedule to have time for (fill in the blank). Come from a space of honesty and you can never go wrong with what you choose to prioritize.
2. Making time is a sign of taking responsibility.
Accountability is key. I have always believed that you can never be too busy for people and things you value most. And one great way to show value is to make time for whatever it is you hold close to your heart. You are not only showing your commitment to what you do or to that other person; you are also giving yourself what is due: the opportunity to make yourself happy, complete and fulfilled in the long run as you take responsibility for what matters here and now.
3. Making time does not mean it will take most of yours.
Even a fraction of your time spent on what truly matters to you makes a whole lot of difference. A 10-minute meditation. A 30-minute walk. One hour of studying. 2-hour date. A half-day with family. What matters is you, despite your busy schedule, are able to adjust it accordingly without guilt as you do the things that matter to you and be with people who bring joy and meaning to your existence.
4. When you’re clear with your intentions, you can always make time.
This. When was the last time you actually asked yourself why you’re doing the things you do? Are you merely following a routine? Letting everything else around you dictate your schedule. Hold on buddy, that’s not exactly the way to go. Practice the power of mindfully choosing what deserves your time and energy now. What matters more in the long run? What decision can I make now that my future self will be most proud of? Looking back 5 years from now, what is it that I wished I had done more of? Take it from there and then adjust accordingly.
5. Making time is a solo choice.
What a beautiful realization: finding time is based on external factors, other people who are already existing in your space and requiring your attention. Making time on the other hand allows you to really make tough calls, regardless of what others may have to say or do about it, if the need arises and if it’s most important for you. Life milestones, pursuing your dreams, letting yourself be — some of the things that require you to simply decide for yourself and take responsibility for it there after. You know what’s best for you always. Never let anything or anyone make you feel otherwise when it comes to your usage of time.
The funny thing is even as I write this, I am learning more and more in the process.
I guess that’s the beauty of making time for one of the things that I value most.
Let’s keep it that way. My note to self.
Time to make time for yours.
