Put Yourself back on "The List"

Are you on your own list?

Most of us keep running lists—work responsibilities, life logistics, driving kids, scheduling appointments (so often for everyone else). What often falls off that list are the small and large ways we take care of ourselves.

Life is busy. Keeping everything running takes time and emotional energy, and it can seem like there’s never enough left for you. I know that feeling, too. Some weeks, even though I try to leave room for myself, I still struggle to make space. That’s real life, and it changes from week to week. The biggest shift for me has been learning to notice when I’ve slipped off my own list—and making plans to change that.

Getting yourself on the list can be simple, but simple doesn’t always mean easy.

One direct way is to actually schedule time for yourself on your calendar, and treat it as non-negotiable. Protect that time. If it feels impossible, let’s explore what it could look like.

Start by asking yourself how much daily time you really need. Sometimes, big things like spa days or coastal hikes sound wonderful—but they aren’t realistic every day. Many people think you need an hour or more for self-care, and if you have that, wonderful—take it! If you don’t, don’t worry. Small moments can make a big difference, too.

What could five minutes look like for you? Breathing in the car before heading to work? Centering yourself before you get up or just before sleep? Standing in your garden for a moment, or stepping outside between calls to feel the sun? Let go of any nagging, judgmental thoughts in these moments.

What about ten minutes? Maybe reading just for fun, taking a short walk, prepping a healthy lunch, making that overdue appointment, journaling, or reaching out to a friend.

If you have half an hour, what would feel good to you?

Noticing and valuing even these small pockets of time is the first step to getting back on your own list. As you give yourself this care, you’ll start to see more clearly what you need, feel more energized, and understand your choices—especially in those moments when something or someone else tries to take that time away.

You deserve to be on your list, every day, even if just for a minute.