"I'm too busy."
"I wish I had more time."
"I need 48 hours in the day to get everything done."
Sounds familiar? I bet you have said at least a few of these statements. Maybe even today. After all, it's Monday morning, the weekend was way too short, and instead of doing laundry you binge-watched Netflix, and now you're out of clean underwear. (Go commando, it's okay. I won't tell anyone.)
I have said these words thousands of times. Bemoaning the fact that I was caught in the endless cycle of work, housework, a bit of TV, eat, sleep, repeat. Feeling drained at the end of the day, with no energy to do the things I wanted to do.
Well, that has changed. Since January 1st, I suddenly have plenty of time every.single.day, and it's - hmm, how shall I put it?
It's overwhelming, thought-provoking, and enlightening.
Knowing that it will only be for a limited time gives it a sense of urgency, the pressure that "I need to make the most of it!".
Luckily, I have Rich by my side. He reminds me to stop stressing, and to just enjoy it. He is the zen-master, highly skilled in relaxation and enjoying the moment. While he doesn't meditate in the traditional sense (i.e. sitting cross-legged on the floor, eyes closed and chanting "om" under his breath), he has been doing his own form of meditation for years.
He meditates in the morning, still lying in bed, staring into space. "What are you doing?" I ask him every time I see him lying there. Silently I urge him to "get up, get on with the day, do something", because that's how I am.
But Rich is completely relaxed. "Just thinking," he will say. But I know that he isn't really thinking - his mind is pleasantly calm and empty, and he just is.
He also meditates during long drives. If it's up to him, he won't talk much during drives. I've asked him many times, "What are you thinking about?", and he has explained patiently, over and over again, that he doesn't think; he tries to keep his mind blank.
Like I said: Zen master.
But anyway, back to me. Or first, a question for you: What would you do if you suddenly had all the free time in the world? I know that the first few days are no problem: The novelty of not having to go to work is delicious, and you do everything you fantasized about when you were a slave to the clock: Sleeping in, lazing about, drinking endless cups of coffee/glasses of wine while you while away the hours reading, social media-ing or watching TV (or all of the above).
It's heaven.
But sooner or later, you will get restless. As enjoyable as it is for a few days, you can actually get sick of being lazy. (I know. Who knew?)
What I have been doing is a lot of soul searching, reflecting, and cultivating my "perfect" life. I'm trying to establish routines now that I hope to keep up once I start working again (which, btw, is on Feb 4th! Yes, I'll start work right here in Merritt, and I'm thrilled.)
I have been reading lots, and learning lots as well! Some articles you should read during your coffee break today:
↑ This article is mind-blowing. It has the potential to be life-changing (and I don't use that term lightly.) It shed a lot of light on what went down at my last job, and made me understand the vicious cycle we all trapped ourselves in. Like I said, read it!!
↑ I'm doing a lot right now to shape my destiny, and I'm really proud of it. Now it's your turn!
↑ My newsletter. If you want to find out how I survived the worst time of my life (and how you can, too!), you should totally sign up.
Other encouraging reads for when you're down:
↑ It will make you more courageous. She is incredible.
↑ Too awesome for words.
Okay guys, let's do Monday.
P.S. Signing up for my newsletter will make you 10% sexier. It's a scientific fact.
Yay for your new job!! That's really exciting.
ReplyDeleteIn the meantime, totally enjoy the downtime! Channel your zen master husband! Gorgeous new place you have - I simply can't get enough of the pictures. So excited to see it change through the spring and summer and fall too!
Oh, same here! We have seen it in the middle of summer (we first laid eyes on it last August), but never in the spring. We have so many projects planned, I can't wait for the weather to warm up so we can get started!
DeleteI just have to say, the Obama/Biden memes are pure gold.
ReplyDeleteAnd congratulations on the new job!!
Also, yes to all of this! I really need to learn how to meditate because I really suck at it. But I know that it's so good for you.
Yeah, I hear ya. I don't think I will ever be the kind of meditator who sits on the floor with her eyes closed. But I hope that meditation also works when walking through nature or doing yoga - those I can do.
DeleteI wish I could say that I am on the Rich spectrum, all zen and such, but if I'm being perfectly honest, I'm way more on your side.... how does he stay SO calm?! My anxiety just won't allow that! ;)
ReplyDeleteOh, I hear ya, you and me both, sister! I'm trying to learn from him, but it's a sloooooow process. Most of the time, I'm the opposite to him, all frazzled and jittery.
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