Taking Better Care of Things That Matter – TPW437

Important things can get overlooked in the daily hustle. As we approach the end of this year’s first quarter, let’s pause, think, and commit to spending just a little of our time, energy, and attention taking better care of what matters.

Let’s take better care of what matters most

Sometimes things that are important get lost in the day-to-day dealing with the urgent. That’s been happening to me. I realized that the end of March marks the passing of a quarter of the year. Time seems to be passing too quickly, and a few things that matter to me have been neglected in favor of the urgent. As I sat down to think about how I can intentionally make time in the next couple of weeks to take care of those important things, I thought I’d share with you what I came up with, including specifically what I intend to do, along with some alternatives that might spark ideas for you.

1. Take better care of my body

• What I’ll do: Move my body for 20 minutes–treadmill or stationary bike, or at least a brisk walk outside 
• Alternatives for your to consider: drink more water each day, get hair or nails done, get a massage, take a yoga or spin class, eat only healthy foods for one day

2. Take better care of my soul (do something that feeds me, lightens my spirit, brings me joy)

• What I’ll do: Get outside for 15 minutes–eat lunch or breakfast outside if the weather permits 
• Alternatives you might consider: listen to inspirational music, visit an art museum, work on a craft project

3. Take better care of my mind (easy when days are busy with work or other commitments to collapse in front of the TV at the end of the day–or mindless internet surfing).

• What I’ll do: Read something that challenges my mind or my perspective — a book or article written by someone I disagree with, or about a challenging topic I want to learn more about [could also watch or listen to something, but there are benefits to actually reading . . .] 
• Alternatives for you to consider: take a class (or at least sign up for it), or spend time playing a word game or meditating or listening to some Mozart

4. Take better care of the people I love

• What I’ll do: Call a friend I haven’t spoken with for a while 
• Alternatives for you to consider: Date night with your spouse, or adventure date with one (or all) of your children; send a card or flowers to your mom or your sister.

5. Take better care of my space

• What I’ll do: Declutter and reorganize one drawer, cabinet, shelf, or surface 
• Alternatives for you to consider: Refresh your yard or a flower bed for spring; clean the baseboards or under the furniture in one room; repaint a wall; buy some fresh new towels for the kitchen or bathroom

6. Take better care of my future self

• What I’ll do: Schedule annual medical, dental, and eye appointments 
• Alternatives for you to consider: transfer money into a savings account; gather all your tax documentation; schedule an appointment with an attorney to get a will drafted

Some final thoughts

Taking care of business each day is important, but it’s easy to fall into a pattern of just getting through the day just reacting to what comes our way, and before long we realize a week, a month, or more time has passed without our giving attention to what matters most to us. As we approach the end of the first quarter of the year, let this be a reminder to pause, think, and spend just a little of our time, energy, and attention taking care of what matters.

What do you think?

What will you do this week to take better care? Post your thoughts and suggestions in the comments section below or in The Productive Woman Community Facebook group, or email me.

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