How is it that we know how to make time for others in our lives (husband, children, family and friends), but we don’t schedule any appointments for ourselves? Oh no, I’m not talking about the doctor, the dentist or the plumber appointments. I mean scheduling some time for us to have a “Calgon Moment” and be “taken away” (as the slogan goes).

Is it that by the time we get time we’re too tired? Or maybe we just don’t ever get the time. And that is exactly why you must schedule time in your little ol’ calendar for you. We might say, “Oh, but that sounds so selfish. I mean, what if…?” What if, nothing! Would you keep driving your car long after the gas light came on? No! You would stop for gas, whether you had time to do it or not, because you know that the vehicle is not going to get you where you need to be if you don’t. Well, just think of yourself as a vehicle.

You must stop to refuel because nobody else is going to stop for you. Doesn’t that make sense? I mean, really, when it’s time to fill up the gas tank, are you expecting anyone else to pump it for you? Of course not! So don’t expect to get a huge chunk of time in your day for yourself. You have to be vigilant and make time.

Now, how do you go about making that time? The same way you do anything else in you life: you schedule it and write it down. And if you have young children, find someone who can watch them.

What shall I do during my time? Oh, I have tons of ideas, but see if you can make your own list too. Here’s what mine would look like:

  1. Catch a movie.
  2. Go for coffee.
  3. Walk around shopping center and window shop.
  4. Go for a jog or to the gym.
  5. Go out to eat and read a book.
  6. Visit a friend.

The list could go on. You know what makes you really smile. Find it, and schedule it.
Now, for those of you who have young children and really can’t find anyone to watch them, here are some great ideas of things to do after your children are in bed:

  1. Sip on some hot tea and read a book.
  2. Watch a movie you’ve been wanting to see (rent it earlier that day so you’ll have it ready to go).
  3. Paint your toenails.
  4. Shave your legs and enjoy a nice leg massage with some yummy smelling lotion.
  5. Do a facial mask and/or a special conditioner for your hair.
  6. Take a hot bubble bath.

Again, your list may look different, but you’ll never know what it looks like if you don’t make it. So, here’s what you do. Write the list out and cut the slips of paper into strips (each strip containing one activity that you can do for yourself to help recharge your batteries). Then keep two little gift bags nearby with these great ideas (one gift bag full of the ideas that require a babysitter and one gift bag with the ideas that do not). Finally, once a week, reach into the grab bag and pull out the activity for you. Schedule it and keep your appointment. There’s no greater appointment that you will schedule than the appointment that will refuel the Family Vehicle. A little maintenance once in a while saves everyone in the long run. Start your list of ideas today!