Over a year ago I came up with a time designation method. This is because I had become frustrated that too often my days felt like they went by just digging out of piles or putting out fires. Many stay-at-home parents have shared how one can spend all day working, yet, by the end of it, feel as though he/she got “nothing” done. Plus, on the treadmill of daily life, it can be hard to set aside time for some things that might be perceived as “unnecessary.” However, the “unnecessary” items on the to do list are often what we need most for our well-being.
All of this in mind, I took some time to examine my own process for productivity and what makes me feel most balanced. Eventually I identified seven areas that I aim to prioritize, at least in some kind of rotation, throughout the week. I call them the Seven Cs. They don’t all get equal time, but they are each important and deserve representation in the pie chart of my life. Here they are:
1. CLEAN: Cleaning not only helps me get my house looking better, it also helps clear my brain so I can see the rest of what needs to get done.
2. CARE-TAKE: This refers to the many assorted tasks that I manage on behalf of the family, and my volunteering responsibilities at church and school.
3. CULTIVATE WELLNESS: Doing something for my physical health is the goal here, whether that’s going to the gym, taking a walk outside, going for a bike ride, etc.
4. CLEAR CLUTTER: In a culture that inundates us with too much “stuff,” I need to stay on top of decluttering my habitat or my serenity gets crowded out.
5. CREATE: I believe we all have the capacity to create (e.g. photography, gardening, baking, etc.) and that creating is actually a form of playing, which my soul needs.
6. CAREER TIME: This is time I spend on advancing and offering my work as a writer, recording artist, and teacher.
7. CONTEMPLATE: As a contemplative person by nature, I try to take time to intentionally rest, meditate, reflect, and pray about whatever my spirit brings to the surface.
Not only does this mix of the Seven Cs work for me individually, but I often engage our children in this flow and enjoy the variety together (Note: Their “career” time is school work or the like.). Of course there are other aspects of our weekly life that happen, in addition to these Seven Cs, but I’ve found it helpful to at least have some kind of guide to reference when I feel things are getting out of whack.
Perhaps, if you haven’t already, you’ll want to spend some time considering (or reevaluating) what you need in the rhythm of your life, in order to maintain equilibrium. May you be inspired!