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.

©2011 Tama J. Kieves.  All rights reserved

Tama J. Kieves has been featured on Oprah Radio and is the bestselling author of This Time I Dance! Create the Work You Love.  She is a sought-after speaker and career coach who has helped thousands worldwide discover and live their true work in the world.  Sign up at ThisTimeIDance.com to receive the free monthly email newsletter with Tama’s latest articles (and events).  For daily inspiration, continuous support & great group conversation, join Tama on Facebook and Twitter.