Time for Me

Welcome friend! In just an hour of reading time, Time for Me offers a gentle yet empowering reminder of how women can care for themselves in everyday life. Helene Lerner presents a holistic approach to carving out more personal time through four key powers: clarity, letting go, pleasure, and practice. I like that these are called powers because they put the control in my hands. I am the one who can bring clarity to my thoughts, let go of what is not serving me, choose activities that bring me joy and practice mindsets that will uplift me.

I enjoyed the stories of women sprinkled throughout the book, showcasing how they used the powers. This book is geared towards women. We all have busy lives, whether we are home makers or working outside the home. We all carry full plates and the “Never-enough-time attack” that Helene describes was all too familiar to me. It’s when I am overwhelmed, not knowing where to start or how to make more time for myself. Today’s review is a collection of quotes and some reflections. Let’s begin with the book synopsis!

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Time for Me – Six Quotes That Grounded Me

Here are six quotes that I want to highlight from the book:

✨ Quote 1

At any point in time, we can wake up to what we need. If we are stretched and drained, we can change that. If we are irritable because we’ve said yes too many times—when in our heart of hearts we really meant no—it’s possible to communicate differently. In fact, when we do, we become even more powerful because we are prioritizing our choices.

Introduction to Time for Me

Reflection: This is such a skill to learn about ourselves – what drains us, what excites us and where we need to exert boundaries. I love the reminder that I have control over this. At the end of the day, I have to look out for myself. It is possible!

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✨ Quote 2 & 3

We are stressed because we are “stressable.” It’s not the situations in our lives that cause us stress but our reactions to them.

Time for Me, Power 2

Reflection: I remember once my daughter turned 3 months old and was starting to interact with the world, people often asked if I was going to join mom groups, like I needed to be doing more with our time. Though there may not have been any pressure to join anything, everyone around me was doing something while I preferred to stay home. Both the quotes above were a lovely reminder to trust my instincts. I am taking care of a human like I want and that is enough. I can do it my way. I don’t have to do what everyone else does. It’s hard to be different but it is the best power.

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✨ Quote 4

Reflection:  I love this idea! For me, mindset is everything. If I look forward to something, if I feel positive about something I am going to do, I feel better throughout. It’s like another one of my favourite quotes from the book, Soundtracks. “Today will be light and easy”. A small shift in how we see the day can help so much!

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✨ Quote 5

Reflection: I have felt this to be true. Accepting responsibility, embracing experiences that come my way help me nourish my soul. 

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✨ Quote 6

I allow the excitement of change to fill my life.

Time for Me, Power 4

Reflection: Change is hard. Transitions can last a long time and sometimes, all I want is for it to be over, for me to be settled in the new way of life. But if I am excited about the journey and finding ways to help myself, I can make things smoother for myself.

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Time for Me reframed familiar ideas in a way that felt surprisingly powerful. It reminded me to take a deep breath during a “Never-enough-time attack” and offered real tools to navigate those moments. One breath at a time. One moment at a time. We can make space for ourselves.

I recommend this book to every woman who feels like she’s running thin. Whether you’re in a season of caring for others, managing too much, or just needing a reset, you’ll likely find something here that makes you feel seen and helps you reclaim even a minute for yourself. Your efforts do not go unnoticed. You are worthy. 

Thanks for reading!