You Need Margins In Your Life!

 

Let us look at this word.  I am fascinated by this word and how it relates to special need families.

mar·gin

(mär′jĭn)

n.

1. An edge and the area immediately adjacent to it; a border.

2. The blank space bordering the written or printed area on a page.

3. A limit in a condition or process, beyond or below which something is no longer possible or acceptable: the margin of reality; has crossed the margin of civilized behavior.

4. An amount allowed beyond what is needed: a small margin of safety.

(thefreedictionary.com)

Special need families live stressful lives.  There is no getting around that fact.  Part of the stress is that each day has its unknown challenges to face.   It could be a child’s behaviors, medical appointments, or lack of sleep to name a few.  That is why it is so important to build margins in every area of your life.  Margins in the checkbook, will help avoid overdraft fees.  Margins in savings account will help ease the stress of emergencies, which you will inevitably have.  You may even need margins in therapy appointments.  I remember one time I cancelled a therapy service.  There were just too many and we needed a break.  I did not feel guilty.  I knew I was doing the best plan for the entire family.  Margins are helpful in your calendar as well. Margins are vital to maintain an even pace throughout your day, week, month and year!  Plan margins in your daily planner.  Give yourself room to breathe and do nothing.   Do not plan every minute of every day–you will burn out!

 Here are some synonyms: elbowroom, space, boundary, surplus, allowance, extra, and leeway.

To explore this topic more I encourage you to read the book Margin: Restoring Emotional, Physical, Financial, and Time Reserves to Overloaded Lives by Richard A, Swenson, M.D..

What area in your life needs a margin?

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