Published monthly by Sharon Eakes, Hope Unlimited, LLC
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FOCUS: GET MORE TIME FOR YOURSELF
Discipline: Self-mastery

"If you need more time, get more space."
Thomas Leonard

THOUGHTS

Physicists say time and space are the same. I experience it like this: when 1200+ E-mail messages were somehow erased from my computer inbox, after first being horrified, I was overjoyed. Suddenly I had more time.

When our space is filled with belongings, piles and treasures, our time is filled tending them. It makes sense, then, that when we clear out some space, we have more time. This principle operates at a deep level. Even long-ignored, out-of-sight basement collections take up space inside of us and require invisible energy.

Spurred on by my E-mail purge, I went on a space-clearing spree. I used the Buddhist questions, "Is it still alive?" and, "Do I love it?" as my guides. I have been amazed at the result.

EXAMPLES

Here's some of what I tossed, gave away or sent someone:
- Outdated computer books
- Lovely nature books
- Piles of typing paper used on one side
- Loads of old, not very good pictures
- Years of Chip Chat & Consumer Reports magazines
- Clothes I thought I'd alter someday
- Outdoor furniture we don't use
- The gate on our deck, which was always in the way

When we put the gate out, a neighbor showed up almost immediately to ask if we were giving it away. It was just what he needed for something. Reminded me of the best recycling system I ever experienced, in Pt. Reyes, California, in the early 1970's. There was a large room in the back of a bookstore where people brought what they no longer needed or wanted and took what they now needed or wanted. We got a record player there. My kids regularly recycled toys and clothes. It was a lovely, community way to share and not get so bogged down with "stuff."

COACHING TIP:

To free up time, Leonard suggests, "adopt the mindset of a master gardener: prune mercilessly and confidently". Go through closets, drawers, piles. Throw away, give away, return. Feel your time expand.

INVITATION:

Go on a space-clearing rampage. Enjoy your extra time. There is no telegathering this month because I'm going on holiday! Hope you are too.
Reach me: 1-888-907-HOPE (4673)or e-mail sharon@hopellc.com. I am a personal and executive coach. Please share FRESH VIEWS with your friends.

Each month FRESH VIEWS focuses on a single topic, relates it to one of the five disciplines of a learning community, and offers a coaching tip and a follow-up telegathering. Please forward it to friends and colleagues. My purpose in writing FRESH VIEWS is to nurture, prod and encourage readers to think and talk about these topics with their families, friends and colleagues. Mine is only one view. Multiple conversations may deliver us to insights only hinted at here. Such a process sustains the vitality of learning relationships, learning families, learning organizations and learning communities.