Not too long ago, while scrolling Instagram, I saw Buffy (@sarahmgellar) recommended a book by Randi Zuckerburg called, “You Can Have It All (Just Not Every Day)”.
I downloaded it and read as much as I needed to, at least for now, to get what I needed. Everyone carries buckets with them which make up their lives. Folks typically try to fill each bucket every day, and then pay for it with their own sanity and happiness. They seem to lose themselves while trying to meet the needs of everyone else. I read the theory behind it and I made up a bullet journal chart to look at how I am spending my time.
Last night, S came over with a lovely housewarming gift and the two of us sat at the table and just chatted and enjoyed each other’s company until close to midnight. We talked about a group which she and I were both originally part of, and I have since left, because I don’t feel I have adequate time to give to this group regularly although I would like to be an active part of it. She understood and will keep me posted about events that take place at a time when I could join, as it would start after bedtime. I shared with her about the book, and the concept, and my bullet journal template.
Reflecting on yesterday, I started the day with walking the dogs at 5:30, where I enjoy the sunrise and the birdsong. Upon arriving home, I did my prayers and had a nice yoga session. All this starts the day with some drops in the “Me” bucket. I spent the majority of my day at work, so that bucket would be full for the day. After work, I went to a retirement party where I got to spend some adult time with co-workers in a social setting (and drink Mead…another story for another time). This would satisfy some more of the “Me” bucket. The kids, Hubby, and I ate dinner together after I got home, which put drops into the buckets for “Children” and “Husband.” After dinner, I spent time with the kids while Hubby played with his new printer, so more again for “Children.” Bedtime also put drops into both of those buckets. After bedtime, S arrived and that added more drops to the “Me” bucket. Since I woke up early and went to bed late, I did not get enough sleep last night to put much into that bucket. With the time I spent with S, while Hubby tinkered and had his own “me time”, his is partially shaded since there was some but not full.
Looking at last night’s reflection, I will be focusing more time and attention tonight on the buckets which did not get filled enough. Then, reflection and looking into other buckets the next night. I am playing with two templates now, a weekly one and a monthly one. For the Each ring is for one week, and I have 32 weeks worth of buckets to review to find my balance. I don’t think it will take me that long, since I feel pretty balanced now. I will likely only utilize these when I am feeling overwhelmed and I need to recalibrate myself. Should that time come, I will already have the means to do so!
