A few months ago, I booked a hotel and went away for the night.

Just me.

I walked there, took chocolate and a good book, and did nothing except relax, read and be in my own company.

I don’t think I said a word for hours.

It was a wonderful treat. It felt indulgent and exciting (and maybe a little weird?).

And it was EXACTLY what I needed.

Some time apart from my family (much as I love them).
Some time and space on my own (without being in charge of anything or anyone but me).
Some time away from my regular life. A break from the norm, a mini adventure.

It also unlocked something. The word permission came to mind. I’m allowed to do things like this :-)

Since then I’ve actively put ‘time for me’ in my diary.

Not another night away (yet), but consciously scheduled and regular small doses…

A Monday morning coffee in a local cafe to write.
A dogless walk with a podcast on a Saturday morning.
A great fiction book that I can curl up in my favourite chair with.

It’s a joy.

Often we can find it hard to claim time on your own, and yet for me, and so many of the people I work with, it’s one of the most energy giving ways to spend some time.

What would it be like to have some time and space just for you?

And how can you give yourself permission to create it?

Wishing you all a great week,