By the time I was a young woman in my early 20s, I had worked overseas, gone through several bumpy relationships, worked hard, partied hard, made friends, lost friends, earned money, spent money… all to realise one thing – that I was all over the place and I needed some stability.

Basically, I had to love myself a bit more.

I had to sit back and remember who I was.

So I slowed down. I learned how to enjoy my own company. How to be by myself.

I sat in cafes by myself. I sipped coffee and ate BLTs. I read books on park benches. I took long walks. I went jogging. I went shopping. I explored new places. Visited art galleries. Went to the beach. All by myself.

I loved it.

I loved the whacky conversations in my head. I loved how my creative juices would flow. I loved seeing the world with my own eyes and hearing my own thoughts.

And most of all, I loved being happy, positive, strong and confident. By myself.

Several years later, I met a guy, got married, traveled a bit, moved house, had children, and started my new life as a wife and mother. A companion and a nurturer.

Never have I been happier. Yet, never have I realised the importance of ME TIME.

It’s easy to forget that I’m still Karen.

It’s easy to forget that I once liked things like… kick boxing, Latin dancing, scuba diving, yoga, cycling, rock climbing, swimming, and dancing on the stage in night clubs!

It’s even easier to forget that, I once upon a time… I wanted to try wind surfing! Canoeing! White water rafting! I want to try a 3 day camping hike in the Australian bush! I want to climb Mount Kinabalu in Malaysia! I want to run in a marathon!

I really like Adidas’ new campaign – aptly named Me, Myself.

They contacted me, and asked if I was interested in exploring this idea of Me Time. I was like – Sure! Look, I have a blog category called Me Time! I’ve dedicated a whole section of my life to this idea!

I’ll be trying out a new Adidas “Me Time” Calendar on Facebook, planning my weeks, slotting in my exercise routine, time for tinkering with my hobbies, my shopping time slots and relaxing time. Add me as a Facebook friend to see what I’m up to!

And feel free to take a peek, join in the fun, share your own ideas, and spread the love on the “Me Time” Facebook Group.

Hope to see you there!