Ever been a full-time student during a spring term and had a job and ran a blog and had 2 books and a journal article you were working on for publication? Yeah, me too. To stay on track to graduate by next April, I’m not taking a break from classes this summer. I’m officially a full-time student until I receive my bachelor’s and walk out with two fingers in the air and say, “Peace!”
I told myself that in the summer I would focus on finishing the first draft of my book. I thought I would have more time, but I don’t. Homework still occupies much of my free time, my job occupies most of the rest, and my other obligations swipe up any extra crumbs falling off the clock.
Like me, people too frequently say, “I’ll do this later when . . . because I’ll have more time then.” And later comes and we repeat the phrase and the situation doesn’t change. Many of us fulfill our responsibilities and purpose at school, at work, and at home, but we ourselves end up feeling drained and unfulfilled. Why? Amidst all the things we have to do, we’ve forgotten the things we want to do.
Now, the things we have to do can be great and even be things we want to do, but there’s something refreshing about doing something good and enjoyable with no assigned agenda. We need to make time to do these wholesome things that make us feel whole, and then some.
Right now, I have a busy schedule, but I’ve decided to do the small things that make my life a little better. I now set aside time for exercising every day. I make sure I have time to spend with friends on the weekend. If I’m exhausted and need to relax, I turn on the television less and read a book more. These things work for me because I love doing them. Exercising, being with friends, and reading books helps me to feel more complete.
So, if you’ve been feeling down or overwhelmed with life, take a look at your days. Do they include the things you love to do? If not, you might want to reevaluate your schedule and find a way to do at least one thing you love every day. The opportunity to do these no-strings-attached activities make life a little more enjoyable, as if we were kids with no worries.
I hope this helps, and I look forward to hearing your experiences as you share what it’s like to start doing what you love again.
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