In the world of technology, where books can be downloaded in such a short amount of time, the word bookend may soon become obsolete.  Me?  I still use bookends.  They are designed to hold books upright and steady on a shelf.  What about this image when thinking about your day?  Try a morning and evening bookend as safeguards to your day.

Take time for yourself in the morning.  It can be as simple as reading a favorite quote to help jumpstart your day before you walk out the door.  Perhaps taking time to sit quietly and take deep breaths and meditate for several minutes is more of what you desire.  Be intentional about taking this time for yourself.  (It does not require a huge time commitment.  A relatively small bookend can hold many books.)

At the end of the day, find a meaningful way to have closure to the day.  Sit outside in the quietness of the evening.  Look at the stars (or the fireflies).  Listen to music or to the birds.  Sip a cup of tea. Drink cold lemonade.  Reflect on your day.  Write in your journal. Be deliberate in taking time at the end of your day for yourself.  It does not require a huge time commitment.  It requires intentionality.

The bookends may have to be shifted somewhat to fit your schedule.  People working long hours or mothers and fathers of young children may need to adjust the bookends to fit a busy schedule.  The idea of bookending is to take time for yourself amidst the never ending demands of life.  Try the morning and evening bookending of your day.

Marlayne Whitlock, MS
mwhitlock@ GROWcounseling.com