I have a pattern – 6 weeks after returning from the Christmas break, I need and take a day off. First I cash in the massage gift certificate given by Hubbs at Christmas (ooh, ahh), then I take a Friday off. And the only ‘schedule’ about the day off is doing it.
I shut off my phone, turn off the alarm, and sleep. Sleep ’till I wake up, whenever that may be. Around 7:30 today I woke with a start, sure that I was late for something. Smiling at the early light outside, I ‘tucked & rolled’ back under the covers. At 8:45 I couldn’t sleep any more so I knew that was just right for me.
Pouring coffee I looked at my phone: 74 new emails, some informational, and a couple marked urgent. Few are, geez people settle down.
I didn’t answer.
My out-of-0ffice is on and my staff is capable. Plus, I know better; if I answer one – just one – the phone will start ringing. Nope, not doing it. The world will not end between now and Monday, of that I’m sure.
I used to spend my days off racing around the house getting things done, answering emails, being available to everyone except myself. Sometimes I still do, but not so much anymore.
Now, I give myself permission to accomplish nothing. Zip. Nada.
Amen to that! google images.com
To putz and hover and think.To read, to write, to laugh to dream. To sing, to play, to live.
Later I’ll sit in little chairs and happily accept warm hugs and sticky kisses at the grand kids’ Valentines day parties. I know one thing for sure – they don’t care how many emails I have or who wants me to call. They’ll care that I’m there. That my phone is off. That they have my attention. 100%.
And the very best part about a day of purposeful nothingness will be the peace that fills my soul. And it will be otterly wonderful!
“Many of us harbor hidden low self-esteem. We deem everything and everyone more important that ourselves and think that meeting their needs is more important than meeting our own. But remember this – if you run out of gas, everyone riding with you will be left stranded, too.- Bishop T.D. Jakes
How good are you at taking a day completely “off?”
So funny. Our minds are in the same track. I wrote about consciously squandering time this week. I enjoy doing that but only when necessary!
Yes and yes! MJ
Enjoy your day! Sounds like you deserve it, and well done for ignoring those “urgent” things that aren’t.
It was a perfect day, Susan! MJ
I love Snoopy! So cute. Yay for a planned day for just you. Otters are wonderful, fun to watch. They know how to enjoy life.
I think in my next life I shall be an Otter 🙂 MJ
Oh, that sounds wonderful! I’ve been thinking that I need to do the same, and soon. But after burning up every last bit of my PTO time in 2015, I’m being ultra cautious … at least in these early months of 2016. Maybe by March I’ll be ready to schedule a long weekend.
You’re right though. We need to give ourselves time to recharge our batteries sometimes. Hope you enjoyed your restful day!
I did enjoy it and your long weekend will come around again soon, I hope! MJ
Good for you. I always called those days, “mental health days”. Sometimes you just need one.
I did! MJ