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Andrea Fortenberry

The Fringe Hours

February 20, 2016 By admin

20 Feb

Would you love to invest in your passions and hobbies but feel like you don’t have the time?
What would you do with a few extra hours every week? Would you craft, bake, read, exercise, or learn something new? What makes you truly happy?
If you read one book this year, this is the one! It’s The Fringe Hours by Jessica Turner. I read it over a weekend and so needed its message. I am confident it will resonate with you too!
Jessica reminded me that it’s important to spend some time doing things that make me truly happy. We can all make time for what makes us happy and fulfilled in our fringe hours, the little pockets of time that we already have in our days.
I underlined so much of the book and know that I will refer back to it regularly. Here are some of the quotes that really impacted me:
“In today’s busy world, the only way to have balance is to fight for it. A woman’s ‘normal’ schedule should not be overwhelming. Your schedule should be manageable, with open space. When you make room in your schedule to breathe, you make room for you—and that is key to discovering fringe hours.”
“The reason so many women today struggle to make themselves a priority is because they are trying to be everything for everyone. If you are like most women, you believe (maybe subconsciously) that this is what’s required of you. This is a lie. In fact, living as though you have to be everything for everyone will suck the life right out of you.”
“Self-care needs to be included in what you shouldbe doing. It is not a privilege. It is a necessity.”
“Activities and passions pursued during the fringe hours make a life more beautiful and the participant feel more alive and more uniquely herself. This is not something to be taken lightly. Redeeming your fringe hours can lead to a life filled with abundant beauty and pleasure. Moreover, the results of those fringe hours will benefit not only your life but the lives of all whom you touch.”
I’ve started putting the principles of this book into action over the past few weeks and I’m loving it! I baked a loaf of banana nut bread last week, just because! I’ve spent time on making photo books, something I’ve not done in a very long time. I love to read and am remembering to bring reading material with me whenever I’m out because there are usually a few minutes of my day when I can read a chapter or article. I am feeling more creative and inspired to continue taking care of myself in this way.
If you’re looking for encouragement and inspiration on making time for you, you must get this book! It’s actually somewhat of a workbook too, as there are questions in every chapter that help to make The Fringe Hours more personal.
I’m a Dayspring affiliate and love their line of Fringe Hours products. (When you buy through the links below, I do receive an affiliate commission. I only ever recommend products I personally enjoy and think would benefit my readers.)
Book: Normally $14.99, on sale for $11.99
Awesome Gift Set: Normally $30, on sale for $22.50
Journal: $10
Cards: $10

Notepad: $6
New Book – My Fringe Hours: Normally $14.99, on sale for $11.99

There’s also a supplemental book out now called My Fringe Hours (above). I’m looking forward to picking up a copy of it and will probably buy some as gifts.

Or, if you’re more of an Amazon person, here’s the link (also affiliate) for the book: The Fringe Hours.
Make a quick list right now about what you’d love to do, but aren’t currently making time for. Read Jessica’s book and you’ll find ways to make time for these passions and desires of yours. You are worth it!
I’d love to hear what you think of the book and how you’re putting it into action. Leave a comment or send me an e-mail.
Here’s to pursuing our fringe hours together!

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Hi! I’m Andrea Fortenberry. I write and speak on marriage, motherhood, friendship and faith. I love to help women seek and see God in their everyday life. Being a wife and mother of two gives me lots of material and teaches me oh so many things.

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