Time Is a Gift: Learn to Prioritize It For Your Peace of Mind

Life has a funny way of keeping us on our toes, doesn’t it?

There’s a saying that time waits for no one. It can certainly feel that way when you’re dealing with transitions—navigating the empty nest, balancing a career, or adjusting to a new season of life. Between caring for your family, managing your work, and your spiritual life, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

But what if I told you there is a key principle that’ll help you find peace and stay centered in this whirlwind of busyness? It lies in one simple principle: prioritizing your time.

We’ll dive into this precious gift of time and hopefully end with purpose, peace, and fulfillment.

Time is Your Most Valuable Resource

You may be thinking, “I don’t have enough time for everything I need to do.” If that’s you, you’re not alone. Many women—especially those in their 40s and 50s—are in a season of life where they’re juggling multiple roles and responsibilities.

Are you an empty nester? If so, you may be trying to rediscover your purpose, career, or personal passions after years of focusing on your family.

Or maybe you’re simply trying to maintain a balance between caring for others, maintaining your spiritual life, and still pursuing your own dreams.

Here’s the thing: Time is a gift, but it’s also finite. We can’t make more of it, and we can’t go back and reclaim wasted moments. This is why it’s crucial to prioritize your time wisely.

Prioritizing Time: One Key to Peace and Fulfillment

Prioritizing time is less about doing more; and more about doing what matters.

In Luke 10:38-42, we see Martha during an impactful and busy day. She was hosting Jesus, preparing meals, and fulfilling her responsibilities. But she felt overwhelmed. I mean look at her sister, Mary. She sat at Jesus’ feet, listening to Him.

Martha’s frustration grew as she tried to do it all. Jesus gently reminded her that Mary had chosen the better part by prioritizing her time with Him.

I’ve felt this way in my life throughout the years. I’d take on too much, and then get frustrated as I tried to meet all the demands. The overwhelm and resulting discontent negatively impacted me—and those around me.

We can learn a few things from Martha’s situation. The work needed to be done, but it distracted her from the deeper, more meaningful moments that could have brought her peace.

In your life, prioritizing your time means choosing the most important tasks—you know the ones that bring you closer to your God-given purpose.

When you prioritize the activities that align with your values—your faith, family, and personal growth—you create more space for peace. You stop feeling overwhelmed by the noise and distractions of life. You become more intentional about the time you spend each day.

Practical Tips for Prioritizing Your Time

Now, how do you take this principle and apply it to your own busy life?

1. Set Boundaries and Say No
   Learning to say no is one of the most empowering ways to reclaim your time. When you say yes to everything, you’re actually saying no to your own peace.

   Set boundaries in your personal and professional life that allow you to focus on what’s important to you. If something doesn’t align with your values, it’s okay to let it go. Saying no is self-care and wisdom that you may want to embrace for yourself.

2. Use Time-Blocking to Stay Focused
   Time-blocking is a simple but powerful tool that helps you dedicate specific blocks of time to particular tasks.

   Whether it’s work, family time, prayer, or self-care, by scheduling your day intentionally, you make sure that you’re giving each area of your life the attention it deserves. You can also set aside specific blocks of time for deep reflection or journaling, which is especially valuable during life transitions.

3. Reflect on Your Priorities Regularly
   Pause each week to reflect on what truly matters to you.

   What do you want to prioritize in this season of life? Is it your spiritual well-being, your relationships, or your pursuit of new goals and dreams? Regularly reflecting on your priorities helps you align your daily actions with your bigger vision.

The Power of Living in the Present Moment

As Oprah Winfrey beautifully says, “Doing the best at this moment puts you in the best place for the next moment.”

When we learn to prioritize our time, we create space for what matters now. That puts us in place to prepare for the next moment—a new season of life, a new chapter in your career, or a fresh beginning in your relationships. Living fully in the present moment allows us to make the most of the time we have right now, which ultimately shapes the future we desire.

A Resource for You:

As you prioritize your time, take a moment to reflect on your thoughts, ideas, and goals. Writing things down helps clarify what matters most and brings structure to your intentions.

That’s why I highly recommend the Empower Women Spiral Notebook. It’s the perfect tool for jotting down your thoughts, making to-do lists, and tracking your personal and spiritual growth.

This beautiful notebook will be your trusted companion as you work through your priorities, reflect on your goals, and the life you desire. Find it here: Empower Women Spiral Notebook.

Live Inspired,

Yvette