LEAVE A MARGIN: THE POWER OF BEING EARLY

How often do we find ourselves running behind due to traffic, last-minute tasks, or unexpected delays, despite our full calendars packed with meetings and engagements? There’s always something to do, whether at our desk or at home before an appointment. I’ve even asked my phone to tell me when I should leave… but recently, I stumbled upon a simple yet transformative idea from a podcast by Mary Austin, a pastor from Kalamazoo, Michigan. She’s the writer behind Stained Glass in the City, and during an episode, she shared a piece of advice that really stuck with me: “Be an early person, not a late person.”

Being on time is more than just a habit; it’s a mindset that can bring peace and clarity to our lives. When we’re not rushing, we create a sense of calm that fills the space around us. Instead of feeling scattered and stressed, we arrive relaxed, ready to breathe, and settle in.

Her advice? Leave a Margin.

It’s as simple as this: when we’re heading somewhere, always leave extra time. Life rarely goes according to plan, and unexpected things inevitably come up. If a trip usually takes 15 minutes, try leaving 30 minutes early. That way, we can arrive not just on time but mentally prepared for what’s ahead. I’ve adopted this by setting my wakeup alarm earlier in the morning, giving myself time to prepare calmly for the busy day ahead.

Mary’s advice really hit home for me, bringing up less than happy childhood memories of my father frantically honking the car horn, urging us to hurry so we wouldn’t be late for Shabbat services at Temple Emanu-El. The drive was always 25 minutes, and during rush hour, it could take even longer. We’d end up running from the car into the temple, throwing our coats in the closet, and walking into services embarrassed by our timing. As a result, I grew up with a sensitivity to being late, and I’ve come to realize that life flows much more smoothly when I can leave a margin.

Those of us who tend to run late often try to squeeze in “one more thing” before we leave, and more often than not, that results in being late. By making a habit of leaving that extra margin of time, we avoid that frantic energy, and the world feels a little less hectic.

“Leave a Margin” isn’t just advice, it’s a tool that can transform our daily routines. It helps us reclaim a sense of peace and It’s the gift of time for ourselves.

How many of you leave a margin?  This wisdom came from an episode of The Best Advice Show, a podcast by Zak Rosen. It’s one of those simple, practical tips we can all benefit from. In a world full of juggling responsibilities, taking a few extra minutes to prepare could truly make all the difference. Inhale, exhale… repeat.

Shabbat Shalom.