The Time You Enjoy Wasting…

I am back, creating and blogging. As you might remember I finished my goal of creating 1,000 calligraphy pieces back in March. I took a couple months off and am now back in full production and writing mode. This piece was created for my weekly calligraphy challenge, the prompt for week 20: Bertrand Russell was the idea given for the week. We were asked to do anything related to his words or accomplishments.

I have done several of his quotes in the past, this one seemed most appropriate knowing that I could utilize it for my blog. It can be tough stepping away from a habit, even harder getting back into the swing of things. Guilt, panic, even a bit of remorse sometimes accompany us as we head back to work after a vacation…catching up makes the peace and quiet seem almost like a curse rather than a blessing.

Relaxing, focusing on other things or actually doing nothing can leave us feeling less than or even wasteful. Taking time to focus on ourselves AND not feeling guilty about it is a big step in growing up. Self care is not selfish, it is a necessity. When we fail to care for ourselves – being quiet, reclining or even ‘wasting’ time – we prevent our best self from being able to shine. No one can run full throttle all the time, eventually exhaustion catches up with us and we cannot work ourselves out of being tired.

So let us revel in Bertrand Russell’s words…the time you enjoy wasting is not time wasted. Let me encourage you to go waste some time and relax. Let the day fade away and the quiet fill you in all those weary crevices. Breathe deep and exhale slowly. Walk away from all those to do items, give yourself time to refresh even if only for multiple minutes consecutively. You will be better for it, your work will be better, your passion will be stronger and you will better be able to serve the people in your life. It is not time wasted, consider it an investment in yourself and your sanity.