Wednesday, November 26, 2014

The ART of Doing Nothing

I never thought in a million years my first post on my new blog would be about something heavy, but here I am because this is on my heart big time right now.

I worry about something so silly that I can't believe I'm going to say it out loud to the world.

I worry about people thinking I'm lazy.

I know in all reality that I am not lazy, but the fact that I'm not more productive drives me to that conclusion. Not that fact that I teach in a classroom all day, make goodies for my shop, or take care of my house and my people.  Nope, that has no bearing on how I see the use of my time.  The scariest thing is I am probably not alone in feeling this way.

 But here's the thing, when did we make the switch as a society that we had to be doing something every blessed moment of our waking day?  

When did we start glorifying busy?!?

I remember my grandpa coming home from driving a big truck, taking a shower, making a giant bowl of popcorn, and wait for it...just sitting and watching a movie or a show on T.V..  Never once did I think, "Wow, why isn't Pap mowing the yard or making something or fill in the blank."  It never occurred to me that he wasn't being productive every waking moment and guess what?!?  That was both normal and acceptable for someone that had just come home for work.

One of my most favorite books and movies, "Eat, Pray, Love" has an amazing scene from Italy where the characters talk about the sweetness of doing nothing.


Isn't that an amazing idea?  The sweetness of doing nothing.  
Permission to just be in the moment without some purpose or agenda.  

So here's my proposal, especially as we enter the crazy holiday season
take time each day to just chill, regroup, rest, whatever you want call it.

Stop the glorification of busy.  Stop comparing your life to all the other bloggy moms.  Stop worrying about what other people think about your productivity because in all reality they probably aren't even thinking about what you are doing.  Poor things are too busy worrying about what you are thinking of them.

Let's give ourselves and everyone around us a break and just enjoy all the blessings we have been given.  I know we all have stuff to accomplish, but hanging with your people while you all enjoy a movie is a better memory than getting one more load of laundry folded and put away.

I know it may not be easy to flip the switch, but I am betting it will be totally worth it!!

Until next time,
Amy Lynne

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