Okay, back to basics. Not much thinking, a bit of CBT and most importantly, Me time.

I am grateful for the time each day that I can call my own. This falls mainly into two periods; first thing in the morning and in the evening after dinner.

The early morning is the great escape. My sole focus upon rising is to get outside before anybody wakes. I am usually up between 7.15 and 7.45 and it takes about 15 minutes to get ready. Enough time to wash face, get dressed (clothes laid out in kitchen the night before) and consume half a banana and a glass of water. Mandatory visit to loo on the way from bedroom to kitchen! I then grab phone and keys and I am outside.

The best part of the day. The cool fresh air on my face, the quiet stillness, the early bird songs and the colours and scents of the garden. I am in the moment, reconnecting with outside world. Then I have to make a decision; which path to take. I have a choice of around half a dozen using the local waterways, parks and walkways. The main experience is being with nature before most of world has woken. Sometimes I meet somebody, a complete stranger or a regular walker (often with dog). This is a bonus because we usually exchange a few words and it adds to my connection process.

Now to my early evening escape. After evening dinner and before I settle down to watch TV I escape to the office. Door shut, computer on, select sixties music and You Tube does the rest. For the next 30 minutes I am immersed in nostalgia. Slow romantic ballads to upbeat rock, quite a mixture. I have also discovered some new musical surprises such as Dana Winner singing “One moment in time”. Excellent treatment for anxiety. Particularly if you know the words and can sing along!

Why is Me time important? Because you need to find some peace with yourself. If you respect yourself you are in a much better place to help others. And if others respect you they will understand your need for a short time alone.

Me time has nothing to do with being selfish. It is part of finding the correct balance in your life between all available options. So there is no reason to feel guilty.

Someone once said “It is hard to love yourself if you never spend time with yourself.”

Don’t you deserve some Me time?

Teg

A Moodscope member.