When Leisure Runs Short

MILLIONS OF INDIVIDUALS are very busy. There's a lot going on in their lives. Most of the time it seems to them like their plate is full, and perhaps even to the point of spilling-over.

Busy folks find that obligations are demanding. The pressure of responsibilities can mount. The duties required either at work, at home, with the family, at school, in the community, at church - or a combination of two or more of these entities is often nearly overwhelming.

And, in the midst of all this, busy people - like the rest of us - also find that the unexpected time demands come along. For example, the car has a flat tire! Little problems, difficulties, and surprises that must be dealt with rather quickly can raise their ugly heads far more often than we would wish.

What about leisure? Some might say, "What's that?" Others could respond, "I don't have any." A remark I've heard several times is, "There's no such thing as free time for me." Can you relate?

Actually, leisure can be in short supply! It is possible for free time to be available only in minimal amounts. When this is the case, what can we do about it?

At least part of the answer may be to change our way of thinking a bit. Leisure doesn't have to come in big blocks of time. If we don't have an entire day free, maybe we could find an afternoon or evening. If not that, perhaps an hour or two. When necessary, alter your thoughts about free time to hours and minutes instead of days, weekends, or longer.

Perhaps you realize that there will be an hour and a half between other appointments on Wednesday of next week. Ask yourself, "What could I do in that period of time that would be fun, or relaxing, or helpful?" Look for possibilities. Think about some options. Intentionally plan to make good use of that small "gift of time."

Instead of being discouraged about "never having any time for yourself," be positive and upbeat about discovering time gifts when you are free to choose what you want to do. It's easy for some folks to whine or gripe about "so much to do." But, rather than complain, it would be better to think creatively about what you could do when those sweet surprises of free time happen to come along.

Here are some examples of what might be done in brief periods of leisure: go for a walk; begin reading that book which you received at Christmas; soak in a lovely sunset; drop by an art gallery; go out to lunch; relax on your porch with a glass of tea; throw Frisbees at the park with a friend; listen to your favorite music; play kickball with some kids; take a bike ride; do some scrap booking, take some pictures; exercise - at home or at the gym; take some flowers to a neighbor; write in a diary; begin a drawing or a painting; take a swim at the community pool; organize your photographs; send someone a note; make a call to someone; go to a concert; or a thousand other things.

When leisure runs short, don't despair! It happens to many of us - at least on occasion. Just be ready for it when it happens. Even when your leisure is shortened to what seems like only moments and minutes, live your life to the fullest. It's well worth the effort.