How I’m Creating Space to Breathe, Dream, and Refuel—Guilt-Free
I had an ah-ha moment recently.
I realized that in the midst of showing up for my family, my work, my community, and all the people I love—it was easy to leave myself at the bottom of the list.
I was pouring out, but I wasn’t always pausing to be refilled.
And the truth is: when I ignore my need for rest, joy, and restoration, I end up showing up halfheartedly everywhere else.
That’s when it hit me:
What if I scheduled “me time” the same way I schedule meetings, appointments, or family commitments?
What if I blocked 60 minutes a day—just for me?
No agenda. No guilt. Just space to do what feels life-giving that day.
So that’s exactly what I’m doing.
What Daily Me Time Looks Like (In Real Life)
Each day, I’m giving myself a 60-minute block for me time.
It might look like:
- A nap without apology
- A walk at the lake, just to breathe and think
- Watching a show or reading a book that brings me joy
- Coloring or journaling
- Laying in my hammock with worship music
I’m keeping a list of life-giving activities nearby, so I can quickly check it and pick what feels right for that day.
It’s not about productivity. It’s about presence.
It’s not about checking a box. It’s about creating space for my soul to breathe.
Why This Matters (and Why It’s Not Selfish)
For so long, I didn’t necessarily see pausing as lazy—but instead of intentionally choosing something that was life-giving, I found myself defaulting to distractions.
Scrolling. Zoning out. Filling time with things that numbed rather than nurtured.
But here’s what I’ve learned:
Me time isn’t about escaping—it’s about intentionally choosing what restores me.
When I make space for rest and joy on purpose:
- I show up more present for my family
- I create space for God to speak to my heart
- I feel more grounded, creative, and at peace
- I live from a place of fullness, not depletion
It’s a small shift that’s helping me live—and lead—with more intention.
Want to Try It, Too?
Here’s how you can create your own daily me time block:
- Schedule it in your planner.
Protect it like any other appointment—because it’s that important. - Make a life-giving list.
Write out things that fill your cup, bring you joy, or help you decompress. - Check in with yourself each day.
Ask: What would feel life-giving today? Then choose from your list—without overthinking it. - Release the guilt.
Rest is a gift. And when you show up for yourself, you’re able to show up for others from a place of fullness.
Reflect & Reset
- What’s one small way I could create more space for me time in my current season?
- What activities feel restorative, joyful, or life-giving to me?
- How might I begin to see rest not as a luxury—but as an act of obedience and stewardship?
Your life doesn’t have to feel rushed, reactive, or depleted.
You can build a rhythm that nurtures you, too.
Because you matter.
Your rest matters.
And a well-nurtured you will always have more to give.
