After reading Christina Wallace’s article about sparking joy in your calendar, I started to wonder if this would be of interest to my clients. Managing all the stuff in our homes is one challenge, but I think managing our day-to-day, hour-by-hour schedules' is another.
I’ve spent time researching the best time management method for me and speaking with countless college students about time management. I’m all for applying the KonMari method to your calendar. Here’s how I would approach it.
1. Tidy by Category
Take out of piece of paper and think about the way you spend your time. (Look at your calendar from last week, if tat helps.) In my case it’s work commitments, teaching yoga, family/friends, wellness/exercise, errands, life maintenance (laundry, paying bills, etc).
2. What Sparks joy?
Of the things you do with your time, what sparks the most joy? Perhaps close your eyes and remember an event from last week. How do you feel? If you feel light and happy and notice that your smiling, this event sparked joy. Make note of that on your list with a star, happy face, or sticker.
The things that don’t spark joy need further reflection.
- What is leading you to spend your time on this?
- Is this truly what your heart wants to do? “Tell your heart that the fear of suffering is worse than the suffering itself. And that no heart has ever suffered when it goes in search of its dreams…” (Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist)
- How can you bring a sense of joy and lightness to these events/activities?
For additional thought pondering questions, I suggest you check out The Alchemist or Peace is Every Step by Thich That Hanh.
Take a moment to honestly sit with these thoughts and what you’ve written. I’ll be back with Part 2 next week.