32 Things I’ve Learned in 32 Years: Part II

by Kena Paranjape on September 30, 2008

in Your Life

No.17 of 32: Book off "me" time

To read 32 Things I've Learned in 32 Years: Part 1, click here.

Book off "me" time. It is so easy to go into overload with our packed, over-scheduled lives. Make an effort to take time for yourself - see a movie, browse a bookstore, go for a walk.
Use beautifully scented products - it is such a simple way to bring pleasure to the every day. Carefully select scented dish soap, handcream, handsoap, laundry detergent, etc. (note: of course this doesn't apply if you are allergic to fragrances)
Spend as little time as possible with people who stress you out. You can't change them, so better to distance yourself.
Eat cookies.... mmmm....cookies (especially peanut butter or chocolate chip....or even better, peanut butter AND chocolate chip)
Take time to figure out what you want to be when you grow up (even if you're 32!)
Don't compare yourself to others; from my experience, it is one of the greatest sources of unhappiness. (Tal Ben-Shahar writes about this in his book, Happier)
Avoid celebrity overload from media sources like People, Entertainment Tonight etc. Why are we giving these people so much of our time? While you are at it, turn off the TV; it is amazing what you can accomplish without this time waster.
Eat breakfast. It really is the most important meal of the day. And your chance to start off the day healthfully.
Get up early (I have more than a few friends who will laugh in my face about this one!). But I have found having time in the morning rather than racing out the door brings more clarity to my day.
Ask for help when you need it. Most people genuinely want to help, and you never know when they will need your help in return. It also results in more intimate relationships.
Collect your favourite movies and watch them when you are down, lonely, sad, bored or generally in the dumps. They will comfort you like an old friend. Some of my faves: Breakfast at Tiffany's, The Devil Wears Prada, Practical Magic (yes, the one with Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock as witches...don't ask)
If you are holding anger towards anyone or yourself, work hard to let it go. It will hurt you more than anyone else.
Try something new. Many of us had activity-packed schedules as kids and as adults we let most of that go (does brunch count as an activity?). Find an activity or two that you enjoy and dedicate some time to it every week, whether it is golf, a sewing class, or volunteer work.
Don't make the problems of your loved ones your own. I can't think of anyone who can't relate to this - who doesn't feel sad when their mother/father/son/daughter/sister/brother is sad? The skill is to learn to empathize with them without making their sadness yours as well (you probably have enough of your own). Although this is challenging, it can make a big difference in how you manage your own emotions and also strengthens your ability to support your family member.
Keep a notebook with you at all times. You never know when that proverbial lightbulb will go on. I keep one in my handbag and one next to my bed (preferably a Moleskine). Jot down recipe ideas, the name for the company you're going to start one day, or the makings of a perfect Halloween costume.
Be a daydreamer. Daydreaming is sadly another activity we embrace as children but give up as adults. Along with our education and experiences come doubt, skepticism and sometimes, over-powering logic. Asking yourself what you would do if you could do anything in the world should be a requirement at all stages of life. Maybe it is more within your reach than you think!