The Best Use of Your Time is to Have Some Time

Sometimes things don’t work out or things fall through– because your dance card is already full. You just don’t know it’s full.

I’m someone who fills up her time, I confess. Blank space makes me nervous. Don’t get me wrong. I love freedom. I love the long country road it promises. But the urban me kicks in, bites her nails, and pushes for engagement. Productive me starts worrying and assigning minutes, worrying we won’t get things done, extract the most glory, make things count.

But sometimes I find the best use of my time– is to have some time.

Time without every corner crammed with plans, activities, people, ambitions, and deadlines. Free time without a movie or a yoga class. Some time to be. To breathe in AND exhale. To discover abiding possibilities, just past the fear of boredom. A chance for the Universe to slide in and say, “May I have this dance?”

I recently went to NYC. I always have much to do, many people I want to see. But on this last visit, I didn’t have the energy to set things up. I knew I should check in with friends, but I didn’t feel motivated. Part of me felt bad about this, like wasting food.

But I found out—again—that because I had the space, I had room to uncoil and fly.

I had time to write when creativity hit…because I wasn’t doing as much. And creativity did hit, maybe because I wasn’t doing so much.

Maybe you don’t want to fill your time, as much as you want to empty it.

Sometimes you can’t make something happen, a meeting, a business opportunity, even grabbing a latte or lunch with a friend, because something else wants to happen. Maybe there’s a revelation awaiting you in the absence of “identity,” self-importance and activity. Maybe there’s an invitation. Maybe there’s a creative vibration you’re meant to experience because your mind can tread barefoot down hallways without a stopwatch. Maybe the Universe is sitting in the parlor with you, taking up all the room, sipping on some fresh iced tea, blocking all other visitors and waiting. Maybe Spirit wants to get a word in edge wise. Maybe your heart would like to comment on this path of heart.

Maybe the lack of some external event is the presence of some other event and opportunity. It was for me. I had a joy ride, baby. I didn’t see a thousand museums, catch a play, or connect with “important people.” I connected with my Self. I connected with my soul. I had an art festival, rock concert, Broadway play, and learning intensive all for one.

I grew my business in leaps and bounds that night.

I know– because I grew myself.

Copyright © Tama Kieves  All rights reserved.

Tama J. Kieves is the bestselling author of THIS TIME I DANCE! Creating the Work You Love (How One Harvard Lawyer Left It All to Have It All!) and is a sought-after speaker and career coach who has helped thousands world-wide to discover and live their true work in the world. Visit her at www.ThisTimeIDance and sign up for free inspiration and support through her monthly e-newsletter or download her Free Transformational Report on “Finding Your Calling Now.”