BE SELFISH.

Growing up, we were always reminded that an idle mind is the devil’s workshop. No one wants to be seen doing ‘nothing’ we therefore pile so much on our plates ensuring that we are doing something with our time regardless of whether  or not it’s beneficial. We live in a  world where being ‘busy’ is glorified and taking time off to rest is frowned upon. We are always chasing paper, making ends meet.

That was me last year. Never giving myself any time off. If I had a day to spare I would make sure I had something to do on the day. I was afraid of being ‘idle’. If I’d spend a few hours to myself I’d rebuke myself for being lazy. At some point my body couldn’t take it anymore. I started feeling sick and tired all the time. I didn’t know why this was happening coz I eat right and exercise, what could be causing it? Then one day as I was doing some spring cleaning in my apartment I came across a card that one of my friends had given me on my graduation day. It said Always remember to stop and smell the flowers. It’s like a light just went on in my head. I realized just how ‘busy’ I had been. Life was passing me by, I wasn’t stopping to smell the flowers, always in a hurry to get things done.From that point on I made a conscious decision to at least take a day off every week just for myself.

Now, I am very selfish with my time. I don’t allow myself to be ‘busy’ just for the sake of it. I can spend a while weekend not leaving my house and do absolutely nothing GUILT FREE! Why? Because I have spent the past five days working so hard to make ends meet, I deserve two days off to myself. Before, if someone asked me what my plan for the weekend was, I’d be ashamed to say ‘nothing’. These days I say it loud and proud. I stay in bed, watch tv, eat ice cream, soak in the bath and of late I’m becoming a master at taking naps. I hear I may be elected Mayor of ‘Napville’ *hehe*.  My friends now know, when I say I’m doing nothing that’s not a suggestion to invite me for things to do. They know that nothing means my weekend is full. Try next week.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not promoting idleness. Far from it. I’m talking about workaholics who have no time for themselves. They have time for family, work, fitness, friends, even enemies but never for themselves. They give out all their time and leave very little if nothing to themselves. One of the things I learnt in 2015 is to be selfish with my time. Don’t allocate your time to things or people that are not worth it. It is not a sin to NOT be busy. It just means that you have managed your time wisely that’s why you’ve got extra to spare. Use it to do absolutely nothing as a way of saying thank you to your mind and body for being such a team player.

See you next week 🙂

Parting shot:

Image: Mark Wijsman

Disclaimer: this blog is proudly brought to you by the voice(s) in my head. It does not intend to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any personal issues. If symptoms persist, click  here