When it comes to getting things done in life, I find that rest is at least as important as activity.
For example, sometimes I don’t feel like writing a blog post. Other times, I write two or three in a single sitting.
When I’m resting, I do nothing. When I’ve rested well, I can do twice as much. See? It all evens out.
There’s no doubt in my mind that there are seasons in this life, and I’m not talking about summer and winter.
The Bible was right about this: “To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under the heaven.”
Take a Break for Heaven’s Sake
Sometimes, there’s nothing to do but REST:
R = Relax
E = Escape
S = Snooze
T = Take it easy
… And not just from midnight to 6 a.m.; sometimes resting requires daylight hours.
Physics says a body at rest tends to stay at rest, and a body in motion tends to stay in motion.
Gilbertsonics (I made that up; can you tell?) says a body at rest will begin to move again once it’s rested enough, and a body in motion eventually gets tired and becomes a body at rest whether it wants to or not!
I have no problem with acting like a “lazy bum” sometimes, because I get stuff done in the long run.
I’d rather work hard and fast sometimes, than work at a middling pace all the time.
So I’ve been “unlaxing” with people I love this week, after an honest year’s work. I’m filling the tank in a wonderful way.
Busy, schmizzy. For me, this week’s motto is, “Why do this week what you can put off till next year?”
I agree with you Tina, it is a great thing to do nothing. The hard part for me is not “feeling guilty” when others around me are “doing something” and I’m “doing nothing.” I feel like I should get up and help or at least act like I’m not a lazy slob. Sigh………..losing those voices in my head that make me feel guilty………..not easy.
I hear you, Rosie. As long as your critical voice uses language like “not doing anything” and “lazy slob,” you’re in trouble. If you relabel the behavior “resting,” and remind yourself that you have a RIGHT to rest, that might help.
Check this out: When you rest on purpose, you’re exercising your right to rest. And since exercise is good for you, you deserve a reward!
In therapy we call that reframing the picture. It’s a legitimate self-help intervention. Or maybe it’s a Jedi mind trick. Either way, it just might work.
Thank you, Rosie, for your helpful comment.
LOL! You therapists (mine included) always have some tricks up your sleeve to help us “nutcases” (ok, I really didn’t use that word……..not positive 😉 ), see things from a different perspective. Thanks so much for your insights.