#11 — Making Time For Myself

I have a confession to make: I’m a thief.

The reason I’ve never been caught is simple: I plan my heists solo. After years of practice, I’ve become so adept that no one has suspected a thing. At the start of each month, I meticulously craft my plans, delighting in anticipation for what’s to come. Today is a heist planning day. What mischief will I get up to? I’m not sure, but the thrill excites me. I can almost taste the freedom.

Stealing Time for Myself

You might wonder what I’ve been stealing, given that I’m not rich and still working a day job. The truth is, what I take isn’t for money; it’s for whimsy, joy, rest, and myself. What I’m stealing, my lovely friend, is time.

Time is precious, and we never seem to have enough of it. Think about all the adulting we do—work, cleaning, laundry, taxes, budgeting, groceries. The list goes on. A couple of years ago, I realized my schedule left no room to relax, zone out, or simply be. I was booking dinner plans two months in advance. When did we lose the ability to be spontaneous? We’re tied to our schedules and calendars; even my young nephews keep diaries like little CEOs. School, soccer, swimming, homework, reading time— where’s the space for joy? They’re not even ten yet. What happened to lazy afternoons, lying under the clouds, guessing their shapes?

Anyway, I digress. To get what I wanted, I realized I’d have to game the system, a small act of rebellion. So, at the start of every month, I review my calendar and find a spot where I can block at least four hours just for myself. It could be a weekday or a weekend, and I disguise it on my calendar with boring titles like ‘review paperwork’ or ‘x-ray appointment.’ If I have enough PTO, I’ll even take the whole day. The key is NOT to tell anyone you have this time off; protect it fiercely. I don’t even tell my partner. Sometimes he assumes I’m at work, leaving me free to enjoy my secret adventures.

Rules of a Time Heist:

• Block the time
• Disguise it (boring titles only)
• Protect it fiercely
• Do whatever you damn well please

What do I get up to?

I do whatever I damn well please. Sometimes I’ll have a lie-in, eat a PB&J and read a book. I’m currently deep into The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah, and honestly, I couldn’t put it down. Other times, I’ll do tutorials, like this one by Aditya Madiraju, which I’m using to improve how I do my makeup. Other times, I’ll get my nails done, grab an iced chai, and a cupcake if I’m feeling extra cheeky, and walk around my neighbourhood, exploring the cute little shops. This gift shop is one of my favourites.

I’ve gotten into cookbooks lately, so I spent an hour the other day perusing the ones at Indigo.

I also love research and data, so I’ll complete random surveys as an act of community service or participate in studies. Last week, I participated in a research study that provided me with a free EEG. I learned that I do not like all high-pitched sounds, probably because they trigger migraines.

I’ve used my stolen time to go to the movies, attend meetups, browse stationery stores, and wander through Homesense and Marshalls. Sometimes, I simply use it for personal admin or to plan a trip. I’ve never regretted it. It feels wonderful to steal time for myself, unapologetically, and just breathe. Not being responsible for anything or anyone is a bonus; I can simply be. Reclaiming a bit of my humanity in this capitalist society is special, and I’m proud to steal this time for myself.

Steal Time for Yourself

Let my thefts inspire you: take your time back, unapologetically. Don’t wait! Block out a mental health day or PTO, and do something that fills you with joy, rest, or adventure. Start now; you deserve it.

If you can’t carve out four hours, steal small chunks of time when possible. Today, a meeting ended early, and I used the extra 30 minutes to watch planes fly by. Living on the YYZ flight path, I get to see dozens of planes starting at 4:30 pm. With a cup of tea in hand, I watch them and decompress.

Challenge yourself: plan and complete your own time heist this month, guilt-free. Then share what you did and how it made you feel.

Because the truth is, no one is going to give you this time, you have to take it. Take your time back. Start your heist today.