Gratitude for Nothing to Do
We all need space to breathe. We all need ease. And I know firsthand how challenging it is to create those things.
It's rare that I don't have a calendar packed with work stuff, kid stuff, and things on my to-do list. Many days, I wish I had more hours in the day to get it all done. This isn't a great feeling for me, but I guess life is just, well, busy as hell in adulthood. I'm trying to get better at creating more space for nothingness and stillness. While I know I can't just step away from my life and duties. I think that with intention, I can make more time in my calendar to not have something to do. I'm the type to fill my work calendar to the brim, and it's really for no reason when I think about it. Most of the time, I see an open spot and say to myself that call can go there and that meeting request can go there—even if they're only five minutes apart from one another. The truth is, I've become so used to doing something that doing the opposite feels wasteful—when it's not. We all need rest. We all need space to breathe. We all need ease. And I know firsthand how challenging it is to create those things.
This weekend, I spent time with my dear friend and walking buddy, Libby DeLana. My oldest kiddo and I hopped on the one-hour flight to Boston to hang out for a few days. We had very little on the agenda besides Charleigh's thrifting request. The three of us ate good food, went on glorious walks, and spent the days together just moseying around. Nothing new was added to my work calendar. I only had two mandatory calls. The spaciousness of my schedule felt jarring. I almost felt like I wasn't being productive. However, our time spent was so easeful, light, and meaningful. I teared up today thinking about how much I need this type of space—this type of ease and time, more often. During our trip, I really leaned into the fact that I don't always have to or want to be doing something. I am still valuable without my work and my agenda, and my long to-do lists. The days moved slowly, more slowly than they had in months. My breathing felt less constricted, and my mind was clear. I could hear and see things, truly. I wasn't just zipping through the day, checking things off.
Instead, I was in every moment and grateful for each little thing that met me during the day:
The slices of cheese Libby left out for us.
The crunch of toasted sourdough bread slathered in salmon cream cheese and jam.
The sweet fresh fruit and the contrast of the bowls that cradled them.
The smell of chai in my cup and the taste of the honey that dripped from the rim.
Everything felt better. Slower. Grounded.
Everything was more vibrant.
I wish it didn't take time away from my daily life to realize how much I need more time to think, hear, and do nothing—but I am grateful for the re-centering. It's essential and heart-opening for my well-being. Moments like this remind me to stay committed to creating ease and stillness in my daily life. I moved away from penciling myself in like I used to. That was my act of self-care. I do it less now, for some reason. After this weekend, I see that I can't NOT have my moments of care and rest scheduled. I plan to get back there, though. I'll keep you posted on how that goes.
Until then, I am so grateful for doing nothing these last few days. It nourished my soul.
Community: What are you grateful for this week? How has stillness shown up and nourished you?
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