When was the last time you truly relaxed and had nothing pressing on your mind? When was the last time you laughed from deep within? How long has it been since you chased your little kids around the house, or played Battleship with them? When last did you spend an hour doing nothing but admire nature? How long has it been since you sat on a swing or went down a slide in the park? When did you last have a good snowball fight?
Have you ever thought of scheduling time off? No? Why not? Write in your diary that you will visit the circus next Saturday. Schedule the walk in the park with friends, by yourself, or with your family. If you have children, imagine how thrilled they will be if you were to schedule even something as simple as a visit to the ice cream parlor on a weekday evening. Sure, it’s fun to do something spontaneous, but when you schedule the time off you are more likely to follow through with your plan, and it gives you something to look forward to.
Do something out of the ordinary. Perhaps you spend a lot of time in airports like I do. Have you ever gone to the chapel in the airport and spent a little peaceful time, gathering your thoughts? Next time, go ahead and do it. Are you always in a hurry to catch your flight? Get to the airport a little earlier and look at the artwork of six-graders that is proudly exhibited there.
We have many gadgets around us and in our possession. Take time away from the gadgets (yes, even the cell phone) and take a long walk in your neighborhood. Discover the treasures that are practically in your back yard.
You may say that you are too busy to take off. I say to you that you cannot afford not to do it.
Yours,
Didi Ji