Me Time After 50

February 27, 2017

Me Time After 50

February 27, 2017

 

Me Time After 50

I’m one of those women who needs quite a bit of down time. My creative brain needs room to stretch out and relax so it can do what it needs to do. I need time to stare out the window and wonder “what if”, “why” and “when” more often than the average bear. It took me a long time to figure that out but I’ve got it now.

Everyone is different as to HOW MUCH time they need but I think you will agree that it is muy importante.

Especially for creative women. 

And it’s funny, I thought that when the kids were gone that my time would be MY OWN to do with as I please. Then I added another dog and then a cat, began weekly “Sunday Dinners” where I cook most of the day and everyone comes home to visit and eat. I got a part-time job teaching art classes and started a ginormous garden. While some of those are definitely items on my WANT to do list they aren’t always so rejuvenating. So I end up having less me time than I thought I would. And that can make me cranky and less creative than I like.

Is it like houses? The bigger the house the more stuff you will buy to fill it up? 

How do we MAKE the time we need to relax, rejuvenate and recharge so we can be our best creative selves? Here are some tips.

Do It In The Morning

Take a few minutes before your day really gets going for yourself. Sketch in an art journal, stitch a few stitches, stretch to a yoga video or take the dog for a walk. Whatever it is that you do for YOURSELF do it before anyone or anything can sidetrack you.

Block it out

Every week on the same day mark in your calendar “Me time” or “My Time”. In “The Artist’s Way” the author Julia Cameron has you go on a weekly artist date. This is YOUR time. A date with the most wonderful person ever. YOU!

Set a Play Date

Get together with a couple of close girlfriends and make it a play date. Find the friends who are into similar hobbies and get together for a few hours to work on it together. You’ll learn more about your friends and probably even more about your hobby.

Do Two Things at Once

Is there a friend  you haven’t seen in a while or maybe someone who has been sickly that could use a visit? Take this time to pack up your more portable projects and chat while you recharge. Just because you are keeping your fingers busy doesn’t mean you are ignoring the people around you. I mean, at least you aren’t totally sucked in by your phone.

There are lots of ways to make sure you get to do YOUR OWN THING as long as you aren’t trying to cram your newfound hours with any old thing. I know, it’s tempting when the kids first leave to pack your days to the max but be sure to choose activities that are fulfilling and relaxing for you.

Yes, it’s easier to find ME TIME after 50. The trick is to make sure that it’s time that fills you back up and helps you to feel more energized and creative.

 

 

Vicki O'Dell

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  • Charmaine February 27, 2017 at 4:42 pm

    Three more months to my own version of “me time”! I am well past 50 in age and finally retiring from teaching at the end of this school year. I’ve started a fledgling business and am looking forward to having the time to really make it all come together the way I imagine it. I’m also excited about being able to visit my grandsons more often and not just when I have a vacation from school. I’m going to hit that bucket list with a vengeance!
    I enjoy reading your posts and hearing all about the creative life you are living….and am looking forward to joining you, at least in spirit! And I think your advice to schedule that “me time”, even in retirement, is a very wise idea.

    • Vicki O'Dell February 28, 2017 at 1:23 pm

      Three months but who is counting? 🙂
      I be you are! I tip my hat to you teachers. It’s definitely not an easy job. I’m sure your grandsons will love spending more time with you too!
      Please do share your stories as you tick those items off your bucket list and don’t forget to put that “me time” in your new schedule when you retire.
      XOXO V

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