I've decided to do something a bit unconventional. I've used AI to help write this blog post as I wanted to see how much time I could save. Yes, you heard that right - AI! I was a bit skeptical at first, as I prefer the old-fashioned way of writing: pen to paper, scratching out, deleting, and adding. But I decided to give AI a chance after attending a 3 hour workshop!
And let me tell you, it's a game-changer. I can now quite cleverly (even if I do say so myself) create a blog by speaking into a microphone and let the AI do the typing. Why didn’t I know about this powerful innovation before? It's incredibly efficient and saves me a ton of time; time to focus on the things that truly matter to me. Does that sound selfish? Perhaps a little, but who wouldn't want more time for themselves?
Why don't we prioritise me-time more often? We get so caught up in daily life that we sometimes forget to take care of ourselves and our own needs. It can be like a leaky bucket. The analogy is that no matter how fast we put water in, unless we plug the hole, the water will always run out. If we have nothing in us how can we give out to others?
Recently a simple experience highlighted the importance of me-time. I took a break from work to go for a swim (no wetsuit - see previous blog!), followed by a relaxing steam session. Afterwards, I met Rob (my hubby) for coffee and took the dogs for a run on the beach. What a joy and a lot of fun it was watching one Old English Sheepdog hurtle around playing with other dogs in the surf and on the sand and the other Old English running to join in even though she is much shyer and more timid. Not a care in the world. The walk and the sea air cleared my mind and boosted my energy levels for the afternoon of work ahead of me. I could do this!
It's amazing how a short period of me-time can make a big difference. We can all benefit from taking breaks, whether it's a short walk, a prayer or meditation session, or simply switching the phone off an hour!
What can we all do to ensure me time?
Be intentional i.e., book a slot in the diary and it doesn’t have to be the same time every week or doing the same thing.
Say no! We don’t feel guilty about saying ‘no’ and this is what I do. I often put a caveat with it, for example, ‘I can do it at a different time’ or ‘it may be better to find someone else as I won’t give this the attention it deserves.’
Get involved in activities that you enjoy doing.
Step away from the phone. And that is a hard one!
Spend some time on the beach, in the woods, by a lake.
The best part is that a lot of these activities can be free. We don’t have to spend lots of money on being happy.
Remember, me-time isn't selfish; it's essential. By investing in ourselves, we can better invest in others.
As for AI - it works and it gives me more time to focus on other things. Can I rely solely on AI? The answer has to be ‘no’ as it’s important that my voice is heard in my blogs but AI gave me the basis and from there I could rework and rewrite to be authentic and true to myself.
If you want to create a more balanced and fulfilling life and invest in yourself but are not sure where to begin, please contact me for an initial chat as I would love to work with you.
Next time (sounds like a TV series from the '80s): How a rescue dog teaches patience, calm and kindness.
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