Leaving Room for White Space: The Power of Embracing Margin in Life

The Impact of Scheduled Empty Time: Solitude, Not Idleness

In our frenzied world, most of us are constantly running to keep up with an unending to-do list. The common perception of success is often equated to busyness, with our days packed from morning to night in a continuous stream of activity. However, this relentless pursuit often leaves us feeling drained, uninspired, and even unhappy. Therein lies the paradox; we fill our lives to the brim, in the belief that the more we do, the happier we will be. But is this truly the case?

Drawing a parallel from the design world, it is the 'white space' that gives an artwork its beauty. White space, or negative space, isn't merely 'empty' space. It is an integral part of the design that aids clarity, prevents visual clutter, and emphasizes the primary elements. When applied to our lives, the concept of white space or 'margin' promotes a balance between activity and rest, achieving and simply being, doing more and enjoying more. Having margins in our lives is essential to our well-being and happiness, allowing us to breathe, reflect, and just 'be.'

The Power of Speedy Meetings

One effective way to introduce more margin in our lives is by making our meetings 'speedy meetings.' The average work schedule is often bloated with meetings that stretch for hours, leaving little time for focused work or personal time. By trimming a typical 30-minute meeting to 25 minutes and a 60-minute meeting to 50 minutes, we could reclaim valuable minutes and hours in our week. This practice encourages efficiency, prompts us to stay focused on the agenda, and discourages unnecessary digressions. The additional time saved can be used to pause, reflect, or simply transition to the next task without rush.

Scheduling Empty Time

The second approach to creating margin involves deliberately scheduling empty time on our calendars. Although this may initially feel counterintuitive, scheduling empty time doesn't mean being idle. It's a period dedicated to breaking away from the shackles of our routine to engage in activities that rejuvenate us. This could be a simple walk in the park, practicing mindfulness, pursuing a hobby, or just soaking in the silence. By carving out these regular 'white space' periods, we allow our minds to relax and refresh, boosting our creativity and overall mood.

The Power of Saying 'No'

Lastly, finding more margin in our lives involves mastering the art of saying 'no.' In an effort to meet expectations or avoid disappointing others, we often take on more than we can handle, leaving no time for ourselves. Saying 'no' when you mean no isn't about being selfish; it's about recognizing and respecting your personal boundaries. By saying 'no' to tasks, commitments, or activities that don't align with our priorities or values, we make room for the things that truly matter to us.

Creating margin or white space in our lives doesn't suggest inactivity or complacency. It is a conscious effort to ensure that our lives are not just filled with actions, but also imbued with meaning and joy. The world may continue its frantic pace, but we can choose to step aside occasionally, breathe, and appreciate the beauty in the margins. This is not just about doing less but also about enjoying more, not just about achieving more but also about living more. By incorporating these simple strategies, we can make room for what truly matters in our lives, bringing us one step closer to true happiness.