How I Find Time For The Things I Enjoy

I turned my crochet hobby into a business about 6 years ago, selling handmade items in stores and wholesale. What I am really saying is I had a full time job and a side hustle at the same time. How did I do it? I may never know…but truly it took planning and taking advantage of every moment. Here are 5 ways I found time in my day to make it all work:

While the water boils

I read a book at the beginning of my crochet side hustle about finding time. Honestly it’s been so long since I read the book I don’t recall the title but, I do recommend researching and reading a book about finding time. It changed my life. The tip that started the ball rolling for me was about taking advantage of the time while you are “waiting for the water to boil.” I read while the water boils. I post to social media while the water boils. I cut tags for items while the water boiled and yes, I even crocheted while the water boiled. (The water boils is a reference to little pockets of time here and there.) Get creative and seek moments where you can tuck in a little project time. The main point here is: you can find time while you wait.

Hide your phone

My phone is a hand magnet! I admit it. I am addicted to it. I check my phone, for God knows what, without even thinking about it. So, I hide my phone. "Out of sight, out of mind." I leave it on the counter if I am in the living room or place it behind me while at my desk. It’s a work in progress but, I believe that small little changes add up to big changes. The point is: phones use a lot of our time. Replace screen time with that hobby or extra thing you wish you had time for.

News Flash! Pick Up Orders are where it's at

I only go to the grocery store if I absolutely have to. If not I add to cart, hit order, and pick up my groceries before or after work. Also, I crochet, listen to a podcast or read while I wait for my super fabulous grocery shopper to bring my groceries out. How long does it take you to go grocery shopping? Take that time and do something for you. Then, find out if your grocery store has an app for pick up. Bonus Tip: You might even save money by ordering through an app. 

Plan Ahead

There's something exciting about being spontaneous. Even though I am a creature of habit and love a schedule I understand and once in awhile enjoy the spontaneity. However, if you're looking to find time for the things you are dreaming about I highly recommend you plan ahead. Check out my blog 'Let's Talk Calendars' for more tips on scheduling.

We set our alarms early to catch a sunrise
in Miami on Spring Break.

Set your alarm 20 minutes early

What can you accomplish in 20 minutes? I know what I can accomplish. I can do yoga, add a few rows to my crochet project, read a few chapters in a book, write half a blog, plan social media, or be ready for my day early. These are all examples of things I know I can do in 20 minutes because I do them in the morning. I enjoy doing them so much that I found time for it. Yes, somedays I hit snooze instead of taking that 20 minutes but if there’s something I really want to do, I set my alarm 20 minutes early. 

My husband and I used to say, ‘I don’t have time for that.' At some point in time he learned that you have time for the things you make time for. He taught me the same and I'm grateful that I embraced this philosophy. I broke the habit of not just saying I don’t have time but, thinking I don’t have time, too. It’s a harsh reality but thinking you don't have time is just an excuse. You have time for the things you make time for. You make time for the things that are important. Write a list of your priorities and start making time for the things you’re passionate about.

You got this!

Karlee

Ready to Start Again

To start off, I want to tell you a bit about my journey. I want you to know a bit about how I landed on, and eventually, found my way back to blogging. If you don’t know me already I think this blog is a good place to start. In a sense, the first chapter.

I started blogging when Ryan and I were a newly engaged couple as a way to share my journey with the world. That was 11 years ago and here we are now: married and (mostly) happily in love. ;P

When I started blogging, I loved it! Writing online was a positive outlet and I got to share my perspective with the world. If my words reached just one person and made them smile, I knew I was making a small ripple in this big world. That was my ultimate goal. It was also a way to express stressful or difficult situations by reflecting on them. Most of the time I found a way to add humor and positivity to the experiences, giving myself strength and new energy. 

When I became a mom I found less time to write consistently. Motherhood changed me in so many ways. If you're a parent you understand the list is very long. Motherhood wasn’t the reason I quit writing. Actually, I continued to write about motherhood and my family for many years after Edee was born. My focus changed slightly with this new role as a Mom. I wanted to reach other moms who might be going through similar things, share how I cope, and to also show other Moms they aren't alone. At this stage in life I just wasn’t writing as often.

When I started my career, 10 years ago in October, my blog took a back seat. I blogged here and there but focusing on my family, my job, plus a hobby-turned-business was more than a full plate for me. My creative outlet, self care, therapy at this time became crocheting and graphic design. If there's one thing you should know about me it's that having a creative outlet is fuel for my soul. 

But, confession time…

I stopped blogging. I realized at some point I lost track of why I started blogging. All of a sudden I was logging on just to see how many views my blog post received. When my views were high I was excited and inspired to write more. When they were low, I was sad and analyzed why a blog didn't get seen. I questioned if I was good enough to be writing a blog.

Right around this time my blog started generating money. Just pennies here and there but it quickly became my focal point. I was more interested in trying to make money off views. A little extra cash is nice but far from my why. When I realized this, I knew I had to take a step back. Stepping back from doing something I enjoyed left a gap. I wasn't writing for my own benefit anymore.

All along I should’ve been logging on to share my story because that’s what was most important to me. I just got lost along the way.  

Fast forward to today.

One of the most rewarding things I find now is that I have all my writing to look back on and eventually share with my daughters. Future generations can read my stories, new Moms can find a good laugh and maybe even find optimism from my humor. My journey will always be there. This is one of the many reasons I couldn't fully let go of writing.

Do I regret not continuing to write my blog consistently? Not at all! I made space for other things like camping, paddle boarding, seeing lighthouses in Michigan, selling handmade items in 5 stores, reading, raising an energetic and loving daughter, growing my relationship with my husband, growing my career and investing in myself. Plus so much more… 

Now that I’ve determined how to combine all of my interests into one space and have refocused on my why, I am reinvigorated and excited. I am ready to continue writing not just for myself, but for others, too. I have the same goal in mind, but bigger! I hope you stick around to see what Booked In Michigan is all about.

Karlee