Clearing space
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To read.
To sing.
To write.
To draw.
To meet people.
To potter in the shed.
To learn about gardening, cookery, space travel.
To test your theories.
To volunteer.
Whatever takes you forward, clear some space, both in your time and in physical terms. Unless you do so, you will look back in 2 months time, 2 years time, or even 20 years time and know that because you did not act, nothing changed.
Saying no
The hardest thing about clearing space is saying no.Where once you have said yes, you now feel you have to provide an explanation for turning somebody down. Don't. You are a grown up. You can say: I'm not able to help anymore, and leave it at that. Someone else will come along. If you are the one keeping a group together, it needs a new leader. Ask for volunteers. Let the group disintegrate. Don't let it worry you. You haven't failed.
Saying no to absolutely everything that you are not legally contracted to do for a month works wonders. You will feel lighter, and will begin to slow the pace when you walk.
Start the play session
All this space you have created means that you have time to play with. And play you should. I suggest you pick a project or two that you've really had in your mind for a long time. It doesn't matter if you do it and it doesn't work out, or if it doesn't turn out the way you thought it would. The important thing is that you did it.
In playing, watch your language like you would in the company of a child. Don't berate yourself for a) not doing something before, b) messing up - not getting it right the first or the sixtieth time c) tell yourself your stupid for trying. Why? Because a) you're doing in in the NOW, the most important time, the only time when we have power b) not getting it right does not mean you'll never get it right and c) you're not stupid and the more you tell yourself you are, the less you value yourself.
Becoming open whilst keeping on guard
Now you have started to play again and have some more time and space to explore what you want to do and how you want to move forward, look for possiblities. Look up a new class or group. Browse for books. The key is to take you to the next step. Interacting with people is one of the best opportunities for moving forward because once you speak the things you want to do, you make them almost tangible. They are out there. You'll also find that people know people who can help. Not always first time, but keep open.
The danger is when you get out there, people begin to want you. They want your time and expertise. Keep focused on saying no unless it's a REAL yes, and you can't help but say yes with a big smile on your face.
What are the things you wish you had more time for and how can you clear some space?
