Happy Wednesday, friends!
It’s time for this month’s LET’S LOOK!
If you don’t know what LET’S LOOK is, once a month, Erika and I do a little link up where we “look” at different aspects of our lives (and then if you blog, you share and link up too!). We have been doing this little linky party for years now, and it’s always one of my favorite posts each month because most of the topics are YOUR suggestions!
Today, Erika is on vacation, so it’s just me holding down the fort 🙂 .
Just as a reminder, here’s what we have “looked at” in 2026 (all your suggestions!)…
In January, we looked at THINGS WE OUTSOURCE WITHOUT REGRET.
In February, we looked at WAYS WE’VE TURNED INTO OUR PARENTS.
In March, we looked at FAVORITE FAMILY VACATIONS.
In April, we looked at the HARDEST THINGS WE’VE EVER DONE.
In May, we looked at MAKING COUPLE FRIENDS.
And today, we’re looking at WHAT I’M MAKING MORE TIME FOR.
Agh, you guys…I love this topic.
I’m certainly one who would love there to be 85 hours in a day because…I WANT TO DO ALLLLLL THE THINGS.
I feel like you already know this about me, but I love a hobby/passion/book/interest/place to visit/people to share my life with/time by myself/being active/being chill/on the go/being here/being there…I just really get excited about LIFE and would love more time to do all.the.things.
Despite the fact that I do “want to do all the things”, I do take this gift of time very seriously. In fact, in my the Bible Recap book, I keep this…
…as one of my bookmarks this year.
Since March 1st, I have read Psalm 90:12 every single day as I study my Bible. Time is a precious commodity. We can’t make more of it, we can’t slow it down, we can’t buy it or earn it…we just get what we get and spend it how we spend it.
I took your prompt: WHAT I’M MAKING MORE TIME FOR and thought a minute about this last year or so and what I’ve consciously been trying to make more time for in my life. I doubt I have every single thing listed, but here are the first things that came to mind when I considered what I’ve really been trying to make more time for in my life.
In no particular order…
NANTUCKET
Heck yeah! I really love that place. It feels like home to me in a way other places have not. I try and visit as often as I can during the off season because it just fills my heart with a special kind of joy. I keep waiting for the honeymoon phase to end, but my love has only grown more. I am certainly making more time for Nantucket.
CONNECTING WITH MY TEAM
I work with nine amazing women. This is probably kind of nerdy, but for me, one of the coolest aspects to being a small business owner is waking up in the morning and these ladies just know what to do to make my business go round. I don’t know, it’s just super cool to me that I created this travel agency by myself at the kitchen table and now, each day, these other ladies get up and pour themselves into it. It just humbles the heck out of me. They spend their time working so very hard on something I created. It’s so freaking cool. We talk/text/email/communicate many many many times a day about work, but I have been trying realllly hard to make sure we’re all connecting about other things too. At the beginning of 2025, I implemented regular video calls as a team so that we can see each other’s faces…and I always make a point to discuss non-work things during these calls. We have the best time together on our annual trips that I want to make sure we’re all staying connected throughout the year in that same personal way too.
READING
I love to read. I could sit and read for hours and hours. I just don’t think I could ever have enough time to read all the things I want to read. I’m constantly making more time to read.
WALKING
Breaking news: as a life long runner and yogi, I am going to admit to you guys today that walking has done more for me than any other type of “activity”. I know that I *need* strength training to stay strong (so that’s the most important thing I’ve done for myself), but walking has had the greatest overall impact on me. It’s given me more time to listen to podcasts and learn about topics/listen to things that teach me/grow me/inspire me. Walking has given me more time to chat with friends either in person walking with me or on the phone. Walking has given me more fresh air, more peace, more joy than running or yoga ever has. I continue to make more and more time for walking.
TRAVEL
I am constantly making more time for travel. Just when you think I can’t travel any more…trust me, I can.
DRINKING WATER
Why oh why do I always have to bring up water? Why can’t I just drink a bunch of water without thinking about it? I’m not sure, but I can’t. I can drink a bunch of coffee without thinking about it…but drinking actual water requires more work on my end. I am making more time to hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.
HANDWRITTEN NOTES
Last year, I decided to start writing more handwritten notes. I write them to friends and family, I send them to certain clients. They take time and require a little effort (like buying stamps!), but every time I drop one in the mail, it makes me happy.
LEAVING EARLY
I do not like to be late. I am someone you can count on for always being on time (if not early!). That being said, I often get myself in a pickle where I feel rushed because I don’t leave early enough. I’m always cramming one more chore (I’ll throw the laundry into the washing machine), one more phone call (let me just call that client back really fast), one more whatever and then I’m running just a tad behind which makes me feel rushed. I don’t love that feeling. I’m trying really hard to just leave early. I find it way more relaxing and enjoyable. Also…I find that other drivers aren’t terrible drivers when I’m not rushed. It’s when I’m rushed/behind/frazzled that all of a sudden “no one can drive”. Ummmmmm…because it’s a “me” problem. Sigh.
DINNER PREP
I’m really good at meal planning and grocery shopping, but I sometimes fail at prepping early enough. I’ve been trying really hard to prep as much as I can earlier so that (especially during the school year) I’m not doing it in between sports/activities/etc.
CALLING MY GRANDMOTHER
I have one grandparent left (and a bonus granddad left!) and goodness gracious, I love her so much. Though she’s in excellent health and cognitively sharp, she will be 90 on her next birthday, so I’ve been trying really hard to make more time for calls and visits.
NOTHING
I struggle with this one the most. Ha! I am *trying* (and often failing) at making more time to do nothing. When you love life and want to do all.the.things, the art of doing “nothing” can be hard to enjoy. I know there is value in just “being”…so I’m trying.
I’ve said this many, many, many times before, but I love Pinterest. It’s by far my favorite form of social media. I find it so relaxing and motivating to scroll through and add things to my boards. I’ve been making less time for Facebook and Instagram and more time for Pinterest.
PRAYING
I could pray all day. There is just so much to pray over. In my life. In my house. In my family. In my friend group. In my community. In this world. I am making more time for prayer because…it’s everything.
BRUSHING MY DOGS
I get lazy about brushing them. They have so much hair, and even though they’re frequently groomed, it gets matted. I have been trying to make more time to brush them between grooming appointments…but ugh, it’s just an undertaking.
And those are a few things I’M MAKING MORE TIME FOR right now.
Next time on Let’s Look, we are going to look at…
…OUR “SUMMER SELVES” (how it’s different).
Alrighty, I want to know what you’re currently MAKING MORE TIME FOR in your life. Big, small, silly, whatever, I would love to know what you’re consciously trying to do with your time. Please comment and share!
Don’t forget, if you blogged along with us today, please make sure you link up below.
Have the best Wednesday, friends!
I’ll see you tomorrow. xx
Elspeth Mizner says
Love this topics!! I’m trying to make more time for things that bring me joy and not feel like extra added stress!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Taylor says
This was such a good post. I really appreciate all of the details. I stopped in my tracks when I read making more time to talk to your grandma. I need to do the same. We text a lot but I know she would appreciate more frequent phone calls. Thank you for the reminder.
Kara says
I love this topic… life is so busy with our 3 kiddos and working but I am trying to make more time to do puzzles and spend a few minutes a day sitting with my doodle b/c he is simply the best 🙂
Bonnie says
For me, it’s slowing down enough to listen. As a working mom outside the house, I am constantly trying to get all the stuff done. Task to task. I need to slow down enough to just listen to people.
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh this is such a good one!! Thank you for sharing!
Dana P says
I’m finally doing what I “haven’t had time for”- getting my master’s in biblical counseling! Okay, so I’m only on the first class, but I’m doing it. 🙂 I’m also making sure to read the Bible to my teens before they go to school each morning. That feels like a balm to my soul! And finally, if I need to listen to something or leave a voice note, I jump up and walk around the block.
Mix and Match Mama says
WOW! That is an amazing undertaking! I am so proud/excited/happy for you, friend! xx
Cindi says
Shay, if only we could make more time, right? When I saw that you had your prayer time sandwiched between your Pinterest board and brushing your dogs, it reminded me of a pastor’s analogy that I heard many years ago. Our life is like a pie and each slice of our pie represents our life priorities: marriage, family, children, career, hobbies, healthcare, etc. And many would say one slice is our spiritual life. However, our spiritual life is the CRUST of our life pie. So every slice of our life is upheld by our quiet time, Bible study, prayer, worship and fellowship with other believers. These spiritual disciplines are not boxes to be checked but practices to be lived out through every aspect of our lives. At 68, I’m still learning to do this…and to remember “In Him we live and move and have our being.” I hope this resonates with you as it did with me! I’ve never looked at a delicious pie the same since!
Have a beautiful and blessed day, Shay!
Mix and Match Mama says
I LOVE this analogy!! Love, love, love it!
Darcy says
Wow, thank you for sharing this wonderful analogy. I will never look at a pie the same again either with thanks to you and your pastor!
Bren says
I too love this analogy! What a great picture this makes in my mind of how I want to spend my time. Thank you for sharing, Cindi!
Valerie A says
Thank you for sharing! That is so profound and truly a lovely thought.
Jess W says
Love this. You are so lucky to still have a grandparent, that is such an amazing gift. My grandmother was my best friend and I had all 4 of them until right after college when I lost the first one. I know how lucky that was for me. My husband and I are 46 and 47 and we only have 1 of our combined 4 parents still living…my mom. I am trying to call my mom more and get back to my hometown to visit as much as I can. Luckily, it’s only a little over an hour away, but I know I’ll never regret spending that time with her.
Mix and Match Mama says
Never, never, never. xx
Amy Azza says
Jess, my grandmother was my best friend too and I was so lucky to have her until I was 33. My husband and I only have 1 of our 4 combined parents still living.. my dad.. so I try to make time for him as much as possible. Your comment really spoke to me today and just wanted to say hello wishing you well.
Beth Valenta says
More time to read, more time to relax and not cram every minute of my day with a list, more time to walk, more time to sit and talk with my mom, and more time for just me…I am so not good at this. I need time to wander TJ Maxx or Trader Joes, get the pedicure by myself, stay in bed longer, and watch the movie…stop folding laudry during that.
Blake says
I had to go back to your reviews to see if you’d read The Correspondent- every time I think of it, I want to write someone a note!
Mix and Match Mama says
That is SUCH a good book!
Susan P Fitzpatrick says
I’m trying to make more time for reading because I enjoy it. I can scroll on my phone all morning but I feel guilty when I read! That needs to change! I am also getting back into regularly walking every day and aim for 12,000 steps. There are so many great YT videos from people who have lost weight or gotten back into shape walking. I had a long layover in the Baltimore airport recently and I think I walked all three concourses at least 3 times. They even have a designated walking “trail”. Great topic!
Amy Owens says
“Other drivers aren’t horrible drivers when I’m not rushed.” This made me laugh out loud because it’s SO me! I need to work on that one too! Loved this post today. And because of you, my mom and I are taking our second trip to Nantucket next month (your blogs were the inspiration for the first trip) so I guess we’re “taking time for Nantucket” too!
Mix and Match Mama says
YAY!! I hope to see you there!!
Ashley says
Shay, I love your writing-just want to say that out of the gate! I really loved what you said about your team you work with. Despite them working for you, you are there for them as well. It is becoming more rare these days that in work space, there are personal relationships that go beyond the scope of work. I have had superficial community sort of relationships at work but never really personal ones. Yall are blessed to work together! Connections are key!
Mix and Match Mama says
We are SO blessed to work with each other. I absolutely adore them all.
Carol says
All of the things you mentioned are good. For me, the Most IMPORTANT one is PRAYER. As you said PRAYER IS EVERYTHING. BEST one is calling your Grandmother. You are so Blessed having her and your bonus grand dad. For me, both parents and all grandparents have passed. I am Blessed to still have one Uncle who will also be 90 and an aunt in her 80’s. I try to make sure to see them or talk to them as often as I can.
Time is precious. Take time–make time.
Please let your Grandmother know that many of us are Thankful that you have shared her with us through the years. I for one always enjoyed seeing her on your blag. So glad to she is doing well.
Elizabeth says
This completely goes against the theme of your post in what you make time for, but I hate brushing my dogs in between grooming, but it is a chore I will pay for, so I get my kids to do it and even if it’s not perfect, it’s a good start (and more than I usually make time for) and worth paying for in my book! 🙂
Gail Young says
Loved this post too! I am making more time for crafting…watercolor and card making. My daughter in love works for a major running shoe company and I am surprising her with a set of 12 encouragement cards to give to her team. Each one is shoe related and I have to say it has stretched me creatively to come up with a different shoe theme for each one!
My husband and I are also making more time to go and visit older people, either in their homes or taking them out for a meal. We are retired and finally have time to do extra things we struggled to find time for during our working years. I’m also making more time to talk with my 4 siblings on the phone, just to connect and support each other as we age and go through things you never think about when you are younger!
Ashley says
I loved linking up with this topic, Shay, and hope Erika is having a fantastic vacay! I love the scripture you have saved as a bookmark, I need to write that one down myself! I know too often I take time for granted and it such a privilege and luxury many people aren’t afforded today. One of the things I’m making more time for is The Bible Recap. I’ve tried and failed twice to get through it but am back to reading it nearly every day and want to make time and space for it!
I hope you have the best day!! 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
I’m so happy you’re back to doing The Bible Recap! I feel confident you are exactly where you need to be in studying God’s word. xx
Darcy says
I love everything about this inspiring post…what you are consciously spending more time focusing your energy on, the wonderful quotes/verses that you shared, and personal stories. I will re-read this post again and appreciate so many of the other reader comments as well. I’m consciously trying to respond to people with words of encouragement towards hopefully being the best versions of themselves…I’m praying to God for the right words/direction on this. I should be reading more, but not really enjoying my current bookclub read, but have so enjoyed the Netflix show “A good girls guide to Murder”….it’s like a modern day Nancy Drew and takes place in the most charming England town. I so hope that a season 3 will come out soon…in the meantime, back to my book stack!
Mix and Match Mama says
I am looking that show up right now! Thank YOU for spending time in this space. We are all so grateful for you. xx
Gianna says
This blog post is exactly why I have read your blog every day for the last decade plus. You always motivate me to want to be better, do more and cherish my time wisely. I always leave your blog feeling better than I did before and I want to thank you for that. Xoxoxo
Mix and Match Mama says
Well GOODNESS, you made my heart swell. I am so grateful for YOU!
Stacie says
I used to love Pinterest, but now a lot of the links are broken and every other pin is an add. I’m so sad because it used to be so fun to use back in the day.
Emi says
And everything is ads! I miss the old Pinterest.
Susan Dingler says
Love this post! I really need to spend more time praying. Thanks for inspiring me to evaluate how I spend my time.
Ruby Huling says
I love this post. I have to force myself to drink water! Just give me coffee or a tall glass of sweet tea all day long and I’m satisfied!! And I try really hard to get 10,000 steps a day but fall short too often!!
Sharon H says
Shay – you’ll never regret the time it takes to pick out, write and mail handwritten notes to people. My mom was the best role model for this, and when she passed away, people told us how much they loved getting notes from her. In today’s age of texts, emails, etc. I LOVE sending notes to people. A few years ago, I was thinking about paring down as the price of postage increased, until I got a note from a friend of mine that said it was the first time in years anyone had sent her a birthday card in the mail, including her own children. I decided then to make room in my budget for postage! PSA for those of you who write cards – postage is increasing 4 cents in July. Stock up now on Forever stamps!
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh wow, this is not only a sweet story but an excellent PSA!
Debra says
Love this post – I always make time for walking and when I can’t, I can tell in how I feel mentally and physically.
Also making more time to call my mom – we lost my dad last year and I try to call every day to check in, talk, and encourage.
We just bought a new place so I am also having to make more in my schedule for the remodel we are doing – meeting with contractors, picking products, etc. This is not my sweet spot or a passion but I know it will be worth it when we move in to our new place.
Lacey says
What Bible version did you use for Psalm 90:12? I tried to find it but I couldn’t. Thank you!
Mix and Match Mama says
I use the NLT, but I wrote this down from the Bible study I was doing, so I’m not sure exactly which version. The Message maybe?
Leanne Heern says
I LOVED this post…it was so inspiring… I’m making more time to read fiction…get lost in other’s stories and challenge myself to view the world in new ways… and I made more time for NURSING… I transferred to a speciality area that I never imagined myself in…which included learning a whole new skill set, picking up an extra day a week, and being on call…but, I’m loving the challenge! I’m in the final years of my career and I want to end it on a high note!! I love to learn…I’m always making more time to learn!
Mix and Match Mama says
WOW! Good for you!!! I think that’s crazy admirable!
Tracy says
I really love my time with Jesus in the morning…Bible Recap, meditation on Scripture, gratitude, journaling and prayer. It is the most important part of my day! I also take time to read the Bible to my three kids, even though sometimes I wonder if it is resonating with them. I remind myself that God’s Word does not return void! I love to walk and do pilates, read and am trying to make more time for embroidery and crochet because it brings me joy. I need to do better at meal planning and prep this summer!