In the last few months of 2015, our family was struck with a tragedy. My mother-in-law was rushed to the hospital and found herself in the midst of an 8 hour brain surgery that changed her life. Fortunately, she is stronger than any adversity and has truly amazed us with her resilience. Even though I was not the one going through a life changing event, those few weeks changed me forever.
Life is fragile.
As the ball dropped on New Year’s Eve, my year flashed before my eyes. I saw myself starting a new full time career. I saw myself growing iConnect Influencer Management to it’s biggest numbers to date. I saw myself hosting a successful blogging conference and helping colleagues grow their own brands and businesses. I saw myself raising two beautiful girls, helping with homework, attending dance recitals, working the school fair and chauffeuring my little ones to many social events. I saw myself taking care of the home, bills, and laundry. And I did see glimpses of spending quality time with my husband. What I didn’t see? Me just being me.
If not now….when?
During this little flashback, it was obvious that I had a busy year. But I definitely noticed that I spent very little time focusing on me and that needs to change. But since my life pace is not anticipated to get any slower in 2016, how am I going to find time for myself? Fortunately, I have some pretty amazing friends in this world of blogging and Jessica Turner reached out to me to take a look at her new book, The Fringe Hours: Making Time for You.
What is a fringe hour? Turner defines it as:
“…a limited or appointed piece of time that is found in the margins of the day….something decorative. Activities and passions pursued in the fringe hours make your life more beautiful.”
Sounds great, right? But how do you find your fringe hours? Well, you will have to read the book! But I will tell you that following Jessica’s suggestion of tracking your time for a week was a real eye opener. This exercise allowed me to better understand where my time is being spent, how I can streamline activities and where I can possible find my fringe hours.
While it is still very much a work in progress, I am genuinely excited about finding time for me in 2016. Want to join me in finding your fringe hours? You can find the Kindle version of The Fringe Hours by Jessica Turner on Amazon for just $1.99 this week! It’s time to focus on YOU. If not now….when?
Proud to be your partner in this journey. And thanks for sharing My Fringe Hours. Love tat kind of stuff!
This sounds like a great book. I am going to go and check it out on Amazon.
This book is definitely up your alley, Cis!
I used to call these my “after hours” when Red was little and went to bed, husband was working late. Now, much older, I prefer to SLEEP during all hours! 🙂
I really need to find some fringe hours for myself. Right now, my fringe hours are sleeping. LOL
Sorry you had to go through that sadness, but glad it came out OK for you.
I lost my mother back in Oct and know also how fragile life can be.
This looks like a good book idea.
I have seen so much about The Fringe Hours lately. I really need to check it out.
Taking time to focus on ourselves is something that we tend to forget to do. As women I have found that we spend so much time focusing on taking care of everyone else that we forget about ourselves. This book sounds very useful.
Making time for myself is something I struggle with but understand how important it is. I am definitely a better wife and mother after taking time to make me a priority.
I know that I need to make more time for myself. This sounds like a great book.
This sounds like a great book to read. I found myself realizing how little I focus on myself as well. I plan on improving that this year.
I love the term ‘fringe hours’ what a great way to find time in the everyday for myself.
I rarely make time for myself, and when I do it never usually happens anyways. Sounds like an interesting book!
I just adore the idea of utilizing those fringe hours of the day. The book sounds like a great way to finally fit in some me time.
This book is making its rounds! It looks like a great read for the year and at a super great price!