Tonight I’d like to introduce you to my newest favorite Target purchase: the retro alarm clock. I bought this clock to replace a perfectly good clock radio for one reason alone—its lack of a snooze button. When it goes off, I am getting up. No loitering in bed, waiting for the pitter-patter of little feet, pressing the snooze and promising to get up next time.
This may seem counterintuitive to my theme of slowing down. I have come to the realization, however, that one major component to a well-paced, peaceful day is having a smooth start. Another is providing yourself time to do the things you need and want to do.
For many of us, the early hours can be the best time to find this time. I am not a natural early-riser, but my day goes significantly better if I have a few minutes of quiet before beginning the work of getting ready to walk out of the door. It might be a few minutes of reading or journaling or prayer. It might be sitting still with a cup of something hot. It might be a shower alone, with no preschooler poking his head through the curtain.
I am rising tomorrow before my child. I plan to savor both the quiet time alone and also the repose of giving myself enough time to get ready. This time has always been there; I am just planning to use it better.
Where are the places where you find hidden time?