Fourth of July Weekend Look & How I Learned to Master My Time

Posted on by Jeanelly Concepcion
Hi, loves! Hope you’ve had a wonderful 4th of July Weekend! I recently went to Houston for a weekend getaway and we ended up going to the Kemah Boardwalk and Galveston. It was such a lovely day! I wore this striped romper with pom pom details from my previous PS by JustFab box on that super hot and humid day. As comfortable as it was, I still had like a gallon of sweat dripping down my back, but I endured thanks to the tons of water I drank.

I planned that trip with my husband about 2 days prior to driving to Houston because I found out that some of his friends from Puerto Rico were there. In a rare occurrence, the stars aligned and we both had the ability to take off for the weekend! Let me give you a quick explanation as to why this is such a rarity in my life. I have a full time corporate job at AT&T, I also work as a Style Contributor/ Field Manager/ Film Editor/ Creative Director/ Show Host with Style Lush TV. I’m also a Young Women’s Division Leader for the San Antonio Region with the Soka Gakkai Intl., a lay Buddhist Organization, I’m married and have an active social life, aside from running my blog. Busy doesn’t even begin to explain my life. So, I’m sharing my biggest tips if you’re feeling overwhelmed with a busy lifestyle.
Kemah Boardwalk, Houston, TX

1. Master Your Time

Last year, during a Buddhist retreat, I received incredible guidance about mastering my time. I’ve complained about not being able to balance my life, or get enough rest, or even spend enough time with loved ones for so long, that I just had to seek a better way to get that balance. And what I learned was that this so called “balance” is a myth. Instead of trying to “manage” my time, I learned that I need to MASTER it! It’s impossible to manage it, as it keeps going regardless of my ability to use it wisely or not. To Master it, I aim to use every minute of my life creating as much value out of it as I can. As soon as I understood this concept, my life has improved so much! 

2. Faith Based Practice

The first thing I do every morning is pray; I chant the Buddhist mantra Nam Myoho Renge Kyo (you may have heard Tina Turner chant this in interviews and if you saw the movie “What’s Love Got to Do With It”, you heard Angela Bassett in her role as Tina, as well). This mantra allows me to connect myself to my life and helps me unleash my inner most potential. As I do this, I self reflect and understand how I can become unshakably happy. You can use prayer, meditation or mindfulness, yourself. I’m not trying to convince anyone that this is the only answer for you, but it’s what works for me.

3. Live in the Moment

I learned to be 100% in the moment and make use of my time with value. I realized the importance of giving 100% of my attention during every single activity I do, whether it’s work, spending time with my husband, religious activities and mentoring young women or even relaxing. During that time, I don’t multi-task, try not to look at my phone or even think about what I’m going to do next. That way, whatever I’m doing is enjoyed to the fullest.

4. It’s ok to say No

I’ve learned to say no. So many people think that I’m everywhere and do everything, but it’s not the truth. I’ve even had people tell me things like “Well, it looks like you have the time to do this or that.” and I just laughed uncontrollably because I don’t. What IS true is that I sometimes have to say no to certain things. I weigh my answer by considering how much value I can obtain or contribute by attending certain activities. If another activity, or my relationship or my inner peace is at stake, then I politely decline. I do have commitments that I keep, especially if I’ve committed to being there ahead of time. Sometimes, I’ll stop by an event right after work on my way home, I’ll take a few pics and leave 30 minutes later. 

5. Share Your Calendar

I share my calendar with my husband so that he knows to plan around that. Now, if an impromptu trip comes around and I need to move a few things I had agreed to do but aren’t crucial, then I can do that, too. 

6. Value Your “Me” Time

It’s not like I only do things for everybody else. It’s also important for me to relax. I try to take a day out of the week to relax, have a glass of wine, and have a home spa day. Even if it’s putting on a hair mask or face mask, that time is all mine. I also plan my week ahead so I can attend my fitness classes at InBalance. That hour every day, is all about me and my fitness goals.

Romper and sandals from JustFab
Bag from Stella & Dot

Why am I sharing this with you all? Because I’m so much happier since I started doing this. Hopefully some of these tips work for you, as well! 

Do you have a tip on how you make the best of your time? Go ahead and share in the comments!

If you’re curious about Buddhism, you can and SGI Center near you on www.sgi-usa.org

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