Bonus Episode 3 – Making time for the things that matter

Welcome to the Mentor 4 Moms Podcast!

On this episode:

Today we’re going to talk about time. How are we going to navigate time? I’m so hesitant to use the phrase, “manage time.” It’s a common phrase and I get what people mean. But all that we can really manage is attention. Time is going to pass us and move on. But our attention is something we can manage.

In the midst of unsettling times when change is the order of the day I find myself saying, “here’s my plan for today, but stay tuned, things may change.” I’m putting that caveat on everything. That’s just where we are. Time is going to flow, but I can definitely manage my attention and help my family to do the same.

So, now that we’re in this time of doing all the things at home, and losing the activities that were normal for our schedules that helped us set up our time, we’re figuring out what our time will look like. We don’t have the transitions periods that we normally have with the coming and going. So how do we mark time?

If you have designated times when things need to happen, those are scheduled in. But overall, I feel like there’s a lot of gray area in our lives with a lot of shifting and changing. So that means we have a lot of routines. So, we need to figure out in our own lives what routines matter right now. Some things that we used to do may seem unimportant and we just let that go. But what are the routines we should keep that would support us as we’re navigating these times?

One is a morning routine. What are you going to do in the morning to start your day? What are the things that will support you in having the day that you want to ultimately have? What does that day look like? Think about how you want to start your day. My husband and I have reinstated a routine we used to have of praying together before we head out to start our day.

Then throughout the day, I think what would help us navigate a routine is to have some designated times of the day, without necessarily attaching a specific time to them (unless a schedule serves you). We have a time for scripture and prayer as a family. Some other ideas for designated time:

a time for housework – a designated time when you do that; a time for learning.
a time for quiet – for rest and reduced stimulation;
a time to go outside for fresh air, sunshine, and connection with the outside world;
a time for getting updates on the news – be intentional about what you’re taking in and from what sources;
a time to check in with family and friends and what that looks like.
a time to settle down for the evening and prepare for the night; the times to eat, rather than grazing all day;

Make time to look for ways to help and encourage others who are struggling. Even if your household does not get the virus, some people are in the fight of their lives. Even if your family is not financially impacted, some people are watching their livelihoods vanish. Even if you aren’t bothered by school closures, some people need school so they can work.

If you aren’t affected medically or financially, recognize how blessed your family is. But please don’t advise people who are struggling as you sit in your place of blessing. Be helpful or be quiet.

Make time to do things at home that have made you and your family feel better in other stressful situations, such as reading, watching movies, listening to music, playing games, exercising, or engaging in religious activities (prayer, participating in services on the Internet). Make time for those things that help your family cope and deal with stress.

These are just some of the designated times that I would love for you to consider. If I’ve missed any, let me know. I’m always open to more ideas. I think it helps all of us to be stronger. I love hearing from you all and would love to know how this series is helping you. We are all in this together.

I look forward to talking with you tomorrow about education at home and what that can look like.