Time Out
Last week I took a time out. I didn’t push myself outside my comfort zones, I stayed away from my laptop and tried to be present in the physical world. I do this on occasion for several reasons. Last week my reason was my daughter. She turned 17. I share custody and I was lucky enough to have her on her birthday this year.
I didn’t write, blog, post, or stare longlining at my computer waiting for inspiration to happen, I just unplugged for the week.
It was during this week of family time and self-reflection that I came upon some much needed realizations. Some of these things I have known, and I just simply forgot…others were light bulb moments.
The first thing I realized, is that while having the time to literally do nothing felt AMAZING, I had a hard time enjoying it. I put WAY more pressure on myself than anyone I know. I literally had to sit myself down and have a conversation with myself, that it was ok to take a week off. I came home from managing a restaurant last year, time off was not something I had a lot of. Now, a year later I find myself with all kinds of time, but I guilt trip myself if I don’t fill every second of every day with something that I deem “productive”.
The second thing I realized is that while I have spent the last year focusing on my physical health and mental health…I was severely neglecting my spiritual health. Some might ask, what is spiritual health? Well, I think that means something different to each of us. Some people find spiritual healing in religion, some find it through meditation, through physical fitness, or by simply being out in nature. Nature has always been my favorite way to reconnect with myself spiritually but living in the middle of a 110-degree, concrete jungle…that is hard to come by.
So instead, I have started going to church and bible study with my daughter as she has expressed an interest in following a Christian path. While I was baptized Catholic, I whole heartedly support her on this journey and will walk it with her. That alone has been a huge help in my ability to maintain an optimistic outlook on life. I am also beginning to study and practice Pilates, as it is supposed to be great not just for my body, but my mind as well. Learning new things has always brought me a measure of pride that feeds my optimism.
The last thing I had to remind myself, is that my campfire is sacred. What I mean by this, is do not allow people that you do not value, look up to, or have mutual respect for…sit at your campfire. This advice came from my favorite therapist, the late and great Dr. G. He once told me if the person that I am having a tough time communicating with is not someone I would seek out to ask for advice, then they should no longer take up space in my mind, my heart, my day, or at my campfire. This perspective has been the biggest help in my life.
The next time you find yourself burnt out, tired, or just needing some family time and needing to unplug…do it and don’t feel the slightest bit guilty about it. Life is a journey, not a marathon and we only have one go at it. Stop and take a time out, get to know yourself spiritually, take a deep breath and focus on what matters. You, your heath, and your family, and only allow your favorite people at your campfire.
L.