I didn’t realize until recently, that when I line up appointments and obligations with no room between them, it’s not much different from setting up dominoes. I placed each calendar item close enough to the next that if anything went wrong, each one would end up colliding with the next in a chain-reaction that would leave me stressed and tired.
Which of course, happened.
It was just a minor problem with my car battery, but I had a twelve-year old with me. And it was raining- buckets of water were dumping out of the sky, or at least that’s what it felt like. The problem carried over into the next day, when I had to pick up a client for an interview. I ended up getting to my second job late because of the car, and spent time that weekend replacing the battery and getting caught up on some other maintenance that needed to be done.
If I gave myself a little more margin, some time between responsibilities, then one problem wouldn’t have been so significant. It’s true with time and no different with money. If our monthly budgets are planned all the way down to the last cent we earn, one unanticipated bill will have the power to ruin everything. It’s terrifying.
I’m going to try to give myself more margin in my life. I’m making it a point to not dedicate every waking moment I have to work, writing or some social event and I’ll try to keep it that way. Do you need to give yourself a little space to breathe?
I think we all need a little breathing room, just not so much that we become lazy slugs. Such a balancing act.
You’re right. I’m dumb and always do this to myself. Sabbath always tries to remind me that I’m not a machine, constantly producing… not that I’m as efficient as a machine or anything like that….
I definitely need more breathing room in my finances and how I spend my time. Finances aren’t as easy to accomplish, as I don’t make enough to live on at my job and so have to walk by faith each month that I will have enough money to buy food and pay for the minimal living expenses, such as heat and water. Raising money through Ignite will help IMMENSELY in giving me less stress financially.
As far as time…I just need to disconnect from my busyness more. Set times where I don’t work on anything. Turn the computer off so I’m not tempted to tweak a website or post on FB.
Gotta get those dominoes spaced a little further apart!
gag. I know the feeling entirely. what’s fascinating is that time and money oppose each other in this game. The more I work, the more cash I have, but the less time I have to do the things that are important to me. If I quit the extra work…. it’s just fun, isn’t it?
This is great and something that I think we “Type A” personalities really need to practice. Life occurs one event at a time and leaving more room to breathe will help remind us of this.
SKINNY! You and I both need to practice this. Your husband balances you out pretty well though 😉
I generally schedule things to the minute as well, and you know the outcome. Sometimes in life, I thought I was pretty safe or cautious. Then God shows up to let me know, some of my best laid plans are worthless in His economy… I’m not sure I’m ever gonna get this thing right…
God makes messes, doesn’t He? It’s ridiculous.