When doing nothing is too much
How many times have you decided that Sunday (or some other day) is a “do nothing” day and then found yourself exhausted by all of the things you didn’t do? That’s because “doing nothing” is really hard to do, right? “It’s my day to relax” you exclaim and then feel compelled to “just do this first” … sound familiar? It happens to me all of the time. I’ve concluded that in my case it’s a combination of guilt and fear of missing out.
I’m not good at doing nothing. That said there are many things I do that I find relaxing. Writing often empties my head of all those ideas spilling over. Then there’s sorting out papers or reordering a drawer, using up or throwing out those little herb and spice jars holding the last dregs of whatever used to smell so good or dead heading in the garden.
Oh no, now I can’t get Julie Andrews out of my head – she’s been singing those songs since 1965. It’s fair to say that my favourite things aren’t particularly difficult or costly. So long as I’m being creative or throwing something out (for others to make use of) I’m happy. Just this afternoon I went into the garage in search of my ancient wooden rolling pin. I’d only recently used my 20-inch polyethylene one to roll out fondant for a wedding cake although I prefer my 40+ year old wooden one for scones. It smells of olive oil and butter although occasionally I freshen it up in the dishwasher!
And yes, you’ve guessed already that with Mr. Watt safely installed on a Portuguese golf course for the week, I threatened a home spa retreat of doing nothing. It took around 24 hours before I was busy planning an epic scone making extravaganza in preparation for my Macmillan coffee morning on 27th September. Hence the importance of the rolling pin. A rummage around the garage (so many plastic boxes of kitchen overspill) soon led to a rationalisation of compost and cardboard boxes to release floorspace. Yes, this was Heather at her best and “ish” doing nothing!
I often mention that looking for a new role can be a full-time occupation although it’s also important to take time out from work or looking for work. It’s a balance thing. There are so many reasons why we seek a new role. Sometimes it’s for our benefit and sometimes it’s to satisfy others. Occasionally it’s to escape others or a sense that we’ll be labelled or discarded. I realise that it’s easier said than done although sometimes a focus on something else can be liberating. And remember whatever you do instead, whatever diversion you create – it doesn’t need to be a masterpiece – a good effort will do.
It’s fair to say that today has been a combination of productivity and relaxation. I sang along to some old hits from Beautiful South as I tried to remember where I’d filed my comforting wooden rolling pin. I’ve recycled some cardboard, used up the last dregs of seaweed fertilizer and set up a few traps for those dastardly munchers hell bent on eating my pansies. Life is good today.
If scones aren’t your thing and you need a different distraction or you’re worried about finding a new role so you simply can’t relax, why not give me a call … Let’s chat.
