Sundays have been a bane in my existence lately. I usually have to work an early shift, usually too tired to do much when I get home. The rest of my family works daytime hours with their weekends free. I work weekends, Saturday night and then Sunday daytime hours. That leaves us no time to be together to have fun, share some activities.

I finally came to the conclusion that the income I make from working every Sunday isn't worth what I'm giving up doing it. So I've requested to be scheduled off on Sundays. Hopefully once the new hires are fully ready to fly I'll have Sundays to spend with my family again. I got a replacement for today but was told last night that they'll need me the next couple of Sundays until the new girls are ready to fly.

 

Isn't it remarkable that in today's society we have to actively seek and plan together time for our families? We're so caught up in the bills and our ever-growing responsibilities that family and down time take a back seat. I finally realized that cutting back to make up for the loss of Sunday income is so worth it.

 

I want to be able to go to church again. And have Sunday dinner with my kids. And have picnics and swim in the pool. Or just sit and watch a movie with them. I guess I've been missing having a life that matters to me. I'm tired of life directing me. I want to direct life.

 

I think it's all about balance. We all have to pay the bills and meet our obligations. But we can't let that be our whole pie. There has to be time for family and relaxation and fun. And for worship or time to be our spiritual self. I think if we achieve a greater sense of balance, we perform better in all aspects of our lives.

 

Think about your daily life. Is there time for being spiritual? For being a good and happy parent? Do you ever feed your passions? Do you have time to just be you?

 

Maybe a change is what you need. Since it's soon Spring, and rebirth and cleaning out is what we all do at this time of year, take account and think about it. We all need to slow down a bit. We're only here for a brief time. Balance yourself and divide your pie a bit more fairly to yourself.

 

Go to church if that's what you miss. Read a book that you've always wanted to. And in some cases, say no to one more demand on your time that will take you away from true balance...

 

I've taken the first step in reclaiming my Sundays. At first it made me feel as if I was being selfish. Okay, maybe I am. It's all about me afterall. Me, wanting time with family. Me, being able to recharge. Me being a happy person.... That's not such a bad thing. Give it some thought. One small step can lead to other changes in your life that you've really wanted to make. All it takes is the first step!