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Subject: Protecting Our Most Precious Commodity: Time
Dear Sunya,
I greet you warmly as we fully step into 2025!
2024 was a year of emotional highs and lows as we continued to navigate an ever evolving social and political landscape of change. Studies indicate Black women have been one of the most keenly affected groups (both socially and economically) in light of the pandemic of 2020. Many of us are still trying to catch up.
As we leave January and walk into February, let's take a moment to reflect on the one thing that’s demanded of us, often expected of us, that we often give freely, but can never get back: our time. As Black women, we often prioritize others' needs over our own, sacrificing our time and energy for the sake of family, community, and can I say it?... church. But it's time for us to recognize the value of our time and start protecting it.
Why Time is a Precious Commodity
We can always make more money, but we can't turn back the clock. Time is a finite resource, and how we choose to spend it has a direct impact on our well-being, relationships, and personal growth. When we allow others to waste our time, we're essentially giving away a piece of ourselves and shortening our lives.
Strategies for Investing in Self-Care, Development, and Boundaries
Over the next 12 months, let's commit to prioritizing our time and investing in ourselves. Here are some simple, easy-to-implement initiatives to get you started right now- in January 2025:
- Schedule Self-Care: Treat self-care as a non-negotiable appointment. Set aside 30 minutes each day for activities that nourish your mind, body, and soul, such as meditation, reading, or exercise.
- Learn to Say No: Practice assertive communication by saying "no" to requests that drain your time and energy. Remember, "no" is a complete sentence.
- Set Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries with family, friends, and colleagues. Communicate your needs and expectations clearly, and be firm but respectful.
- Prioritize Personal Development: Invest in courses, workshops, or coaching that align with your goals and values. This will help you grow personally and professionally.
- Use Time-Blocking: Schedule your day into blocks of time dedicated to specific tasks or activities. This will help you stay focused and avoid multitasking.
- Take Breaks: Make time for rest and relaxation. Take short breaks throughout the day to recharge and avoid burnout.
- Re-Evaluate Commitments: Assess your commitments, including church and community obligations. Ask yourself, "Is this alignment with my values and goals?" and "Can I adjust my level of involvement to better suit my needs?"
Early New Year Challenge
To get you started, take the following challenge:
- For the next 30 days, track how you spend your time. Write down as many activities you can think of, including time spent on social media, watching TV, or scrolling through your phone.
- Identify time-wasting activities and habits.
- Replace one time-wasting activity with a self-care or personal development activity.
In conclusion...
Sunya, it's time for us to take control of our time and prioritize our well-being. Remember, time is a precious commodity that we can never get back. By investing in self-care, development, and boundaries, we can create a more balanced, fulfilling life. Let's make 2025 the year we prioritize our time and ourselves.
Stay tuned for more tips, strategies, and inspiration throughout the year as I share more specific ideas that may be helpful for you as you nurture your valuable time. Share your how you are prioritizing your time and let me know your ideas. Reach out to me here:
sunyafolayan@seesunya.online
PS- We still have a few spaces available for our retreat where we will be prioritizing our rest, and assisting our participants in considering relocation and making plans to shift into more freedom, rest, travel and ease. You can still register here:
https://sfolayan.coachesconsole.com/jumpstart-your-souljourn-copy
Take care, and Happy New Year!
xo,
Sunya
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