We’ve completed our first ever Virtual Book club! We read The Fringe Hours by Jessica N. Turner. This book focuses on self care for women using the time you already have available. The book is divided into four parts and is an extremely easy read. If it seems like you haven’t been able to actually finish a book for yourself in a while, this is definitely a great place to start.
Here are some of our favorite take-aways from the book:
Part 1: Explore
Finding a work-life balance is difficult for women. We tend to “over-yes” ourselves and put everyone’s needs ahead of our own. When we get 150% to everyone else, there is nothing left for us. We tend to feel guilty when we say no and take time for self-care. We seem to think someone may be judging us when actually no one is keep score. Stop comparing yourself to other women. Instead celebrate the accomplishments of others.
Part 2: Discover
“You are never to busy to make time for what you love.” (pg 83) We have to learn to prioritize and realize that if we continue to run ourselves past empty, we will crash and burn eventually. You are not too busy to refill your tank with whatever activities bring you joy. What do you enjoy doing? What are your hobbies? Maybe it has been so long since you made time to do something for yourself, that you don’t even know anymore. Make a Pinterest board with things that inspire you and start there. What is the overall theme?
Part 3: Maximize
We all have the same amount of time available to us each day (24 hours), we just have to learn to manage it. Prioritizing activities and learning to say no to things is a great place to start. Don’t overcommit your children or yourself. Fringe Hours may not be an actual “hour” of time. It could be 5 or 15 minutes. Being prepared to use those pockets of time will help us feel more refreshed. Keep your latest read in your car or your latest knitting project in the kitchen. That way, when you have those few minutes, instead of wasting them checking Facebook updates, you can accomplish things that refresh you.
Part 4: Live Well
Finding community around us can be a great way to use fringe hours. Doing something you love, with someone you love is like a double-whammy. Rest- physically and spiritually- is an essential part of self care. Spending time doing nothings can rest our souls and bodies. When we over-exert ourselves, we can create serious issues with our physical health.
We hope you all enjoyed the book as much as we did. We would love to hear any thoughts or questions you have. Leave us a comment!