I think most women lead lives that are over-booked with
“Things I MUST Do”:
the house, the kids, the job, the shopping, the errands, the bills, the yard, the cooking, the cleaning (and on and on and on!)
And then there are the things that you WANT to do:
spending time with your friends and loved ones, working on a craft or hobby, reading a book or watching a movie, getting your nails done or taking a class, writing in your journal or blog, knitting or cooking or painting or gardening.
Try squeezing anything extra into a busy life and even pleasurable things can become a chore!
But when was the last time you gave yourself permission to daydream?
Permission to just lie around in your PJs on a rainy Saturday morning,
or sit on the beach and stare at the clouds,
or gaze out the window instead of at your computer screen.
Not thinking about anything in particular…
Not making lists of what to do next…
Not feeling guilty for being lazy or unproductive…
Not worrying about your family, your money, your chores, or even your body.
Permission to just do nothing.
When was the last time you allowed yourself to just be quiet, be still, be you?
Somewhere inside all of this noisy, busy life you lead is who you really are.
The You who has no size, no shape, no color, no age.
The You who has no concern for what other people think.
The You who is carefree and creative, funny and playful, unselfconscious and innocent.
If you can’t remember the last time you doodled or daydreamed,
if your focus is on everything and everybody else,
if you concentrate on the outer you and forget the inner you,
then it’s time to treat yourself to an hour, a day, a weekend of doing nothing.
A little bit of nothing makes all of the “everything else” so much easier to do.
This illustration is for my next book in progress, in which “Big Girls” do everything except cry.
I posted the original sketch for this painting back in July.
Since I've retired, it's been a lot easier to find time to do nothing and not feel guilty. When I was working full time, that was another story!
Tuesday I felt bad so I stayed home from work. It was raining, you know that slow sleepy rain. I curled up on the couch and dozed, drank hot chocolate and watched television. It felt so good.
One of my favorites so far. Nice work! And message.
Just found your blog and boy is it a welcome sight! Plus sized or not, I've been getting tired of these Bratz/Barbie button/icon/ad women and wondering where I could find some reality in this women blogger world. Even the SITS support buttons are stick thin women, to the point where I was actually hesitant to put it on my website because I felt I was perpetuating something inappropriate. Thank you for being refreshing.
Oh–such good things to think about/keep in mind. I actually have a whole unscheduled weekend for a change, and it is indeed lovely. I've been drawing and playing music, and looking out the window. It's so true about needing to feed your inner self.
And I really like the painting too. She looks so happy.
I love this post! I'm going to print it out and send it to my mom and grandmother (they don't do computers).
Just last week I had to re-evaluate what I was doing… I realized I had been so busy, my TV and radio hadn't even been turned on in about 5 weeks. I had a couple hours where I just stared at the wall, and for at least this week, I've read a chapter of a book before going to bed (the completely for pleasure type of book). Have a wonderful rest of your weekend – just dropping by from SITS.
thanks for leaving your comments! I love hearing how you are trying to find a little space for yourselves. And isn't it the truth that women overbook our lives… almost time for my favorite "nothing": a Sunday afternoon nap…
I think I am going to call out sick today and do just that : ). Work is stressing me out and I need a break! I always love coming here! It is a breath of fresh air!
Very inspirational and something I need to be reminded of often!!
Visiting from Sits…
You draw beautifully and have excellent advice for us over-worked, stressed-out women. Have a SITStacular day:)
I doodle all the time I am just not good at it. I do love to color still. visiting from sits. lovely drawing. you draw beautifully
I LOVE THIS PIECE! There's something about it that's so inspiring! Your commentary and imagery is amazing!
thanks for stopping by my blog this SITS Saturday! I had to come over and meet you, ans I'm so glad I did! this post is so inspiring!
Thanks for the great reminders!
(happy SITS Saturday Sharefest!)
What a great post! I totally agree with this philosophy. I found your blog through SheWrites, and I'm glad I did. Nice art and a wonderful message. Thanks!
this is beautiful. I love the art and the thoughts written for it are so true. I take at least an hour every Sunday for myself… usually several hours as I start with prayer/meditation and go to church, thoughtful reflection, a devotional, and a long hot bath.