As a child, I learned to ask permission before going off to play. Once I reached the age of responsibility however, the initial response from my parentals was often the same. "Do you have the freedom?" That was code for, "Have you already completed all of the things you are supposed to do?" aka homework, chores, and such. I used to hate that question! It meant I needed to be responsible and think through my to-do list. 

Now I'm an adult making my own schedule and managing my own time. So theoretically I can "play" whenever I want - though the consequences for neglecting a responsibility might be greater. Overtime, this flexibility has led to free-time with a load of guilt over my head and reluctant productivity. Example: After a long day, I want to reward myself with a movie or YouTube hair tutorials. :) But I have a running mental list of to-dos. So I a) sit down in front of a screen with a cloud of guilt over me...I should be getting things done OR b) I begin to knock out my to-dos ...reluctantly and with great opportunity to work on my attitude 🙃 Neither of which seem like a healthy option. 

Guilt shouldn't be my motivator. A) It's not healthy and B) it's annoying. So it's time to restructure! 

• What are my available windows of time?
• What is on my to-do list? ....Probably should go ahead and write it down.
• Then it's a puzzle - which task fits into which time slot?
• Remember to give myself grace - things inevitably take longer than I think they will.
• Then get 'er done. 

I'm hoping this will equip me to manage my time more efficiently. It should help me be more emotionally prepared on the full days and allow me to truly rest or play when the time comes. 

Genesis 2:2 By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. 

Guilty spurts of rest are not what God intended for me. Work hard - play hard!! When I do the work first, I have the freedom to embrace the gift of rest as God intended. 

Looks like my parents may have been onto something.  ☺️

Things I've learned from this new schedule:

1. Learn to be ok deviating from the plan - it's a guideline

   I was presented with a dinner invitation the other night. And I was torn between elevating the relationship or following my self imposed schedule.

2. Prioritize the schedule

  Sometimes there are simply not enough hours in the day... something needs to give. I don't want it to be the most important thing that falls off.

3. The art of timing and multitasking

  I'm currently typing/speaking this between coats of nail polish. Not the most efficient way to write, but it's a relatively efficient use of downtime while my fingers cure. 🙃 Perspective flip. 

4. When I'm diligent, I can accomplish exponentially more than I think I can!