One of my favorite times of the day is when I sit down to write my blog post. I have some breakfast and sit in front of my computer until a topic comes to me. And then I write.

And sometimes it goes smoothly and effortlessly.
And sometimes life tries to butt in and take over this peaceful space. Usually in my house this happens in the form of cats running through the room (sometimes fighting each other) or crying because they want to have us sit with them while they eat (seriously spoiled). There are so many other potential distractions that can lead me away from this sacred time - my time (e.g., the phone rings, an email pops up, etc.).

When these distractions occur (which they will), it's good to have a system in place beforehand to recognize them and eliminate them so you can continue with your work.

I write in my office. And usually I have the door open, so the cats can come in and out as they choose. Usually it's a great system because I love having them here with me. But sometimes they get a bit wild and distracting. When this happens, I simply close the door until I am finished writing.

If the phone rings while I am writing, I don't answer it. Simple as that. If email popups get distracting, I close my email program.

When you take the control back in your own life and schedule non-negotiable "you time," you will no longer be at the mercy of all of these distractions. And you'll feel more empowered and happy that, in this moment, you are putting your needs first, which is crucial for your own happiness. And when you are finished writing, creating, meditating, etc. - then you pick up where the distractions left off. Play with the cats, return the phone calls, answer the emails, etc. They will still be there when you are ready. And you will feel more whole and happy because you took care of yourself.

So practice this today - take some time for you and push aside any distraction that appears during your sacred time. Your soul will thank you for doing this.

Author's Bio: 

Jodi Chapman is the author of the inspirational blog, Soul Speak; the upcoming book, Coming Back to Life: How an Unlikely Friend Helped Me Reclaim My True Spirit; and the bestselling Soulful Journals series, co-authored with her amazing husband, Dan Teck. www.jodichapman.com