rest and refreshment

#midlifeblog cresting the hill

One thing I am learning as I take time out from the workforce is that it is okay to rest and revitalize. When you are continually busy on the treadmill of life you get out of practice at being still and letting life happen at its own pace.


As the days turn into weeks, I am finding a new rhythm and a new way of looking at the day. A new sense of it being okay to just take some time for me. A new opportunity to breathe and not immediately rush on to the next job or the next appointment. A new "me" is starting to emerge and I can feel the hamster wheel slowing.

It's a strange feeling letting days go by without achieving what the world would see as important. I am finding a new perspective on what actually is "important" when it comes to the bigger picture. The daily grind is a necessity to provide the bread and butter of life, but that doesn't mean that I can't take a step back from it and find a season of rest and refreshment. I'm reminded of the Ecclesiastes passage about there being a season and time for all things under heaven (my paraphrase!)

The world seems to be turning faster and so much more is expected of me (partly because I expect it of myself...) and it has been a really good opportunity to cast off some of those expectations and start living a life of community rather than a life of industry. I'm getting to know more people in my church because I have time to go to a morning tea that I would have missed because it was at a time when I used to be working. I have time to chat to my neighbours. I have time to invest in my friends. I have time to read and think and just "be". It is a pretty fabulous time of life - which has surprised me.

I think I was at risk of losing the woman I am in the hustle and bustle of keeping all the balls in the air. I've included a quote below that sums up the loss I was feeling. It's great to slow down and not only enjoy the scenery, but take stock of the journey and the destination and maybe change course a little so I arrive somewhere I'd like to stay for a while.

Slow down and enjoy life. It's not only the scenery you miss by going too fast. You also miss the sense of where you are going and why

14 comments

  1. Hi Leanne, I love this post and found much to relate to. I, too, was caught up in the daily business of work and family and totally lost time for myself and for connecting deeply to other people. I have had a hard time with rest and relaxation; I always think I should be doing something productive. Since I left full time work I am also finding a new rhythm, and realizing how hard I pushed myself. I love your comment about "start living a life of community rather than a life of industry." I am trying to learn to do that, and as time goes by it is getting a little easier. I now have time to read blogs like this one and have conversations with other people and realize that I am not alone in my Journey. I am glad I stopped by from the Friday Blog Boosters. Michele

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    1. Hi Michelle I feel exactly the same way - I'm really wanting to get my life balance right. I am never going to work as much as I did before - I want to do a little bit of work, a little bit of volunteering and a little bit of family and fun. Yes my hopes are high!

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  2. I'm so glad you are enjoying your time off! It sounds like it has really been a great benefit to you.

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    1. Hi Rena - it's been great. I have another interview coming up for a 2 days a week job which is the best balance for me for the future. The one I missed out on was 4 days and that is way too much. It has taken me these weeks off to realize that my working days are not going to run my life!

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  3. Before long you'll wonder how you ever had time to work! So nice that you are getting to slow down and get in touch with yourself and the world. Life's a journey and it sounds like you're enjoying a nice trip.
    Kimberly
    http://FiftyJewels.com

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    1. Hi Kimberley - I already wonder that! My days have been relaxed but there's been something to do all the time. I think a much shorter working week will be my future to allow for more "me" time and I'm loving getting to know you all too x

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  4. I firmly believe that if we each took a page out of your book, life would be better - and longer! :)

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    1. That's a lovely thing to say Diane! Thanks so much for the encouragement :)

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  5. Don't let me ever find you shopping on a Saturday! That's reserved for working folk to duke it out for the last ripe banana! Enjoy your new life! Thanks for joining #MidLifeLuv.

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    1. I'll make sure I leave a couple of green bananas behind during the week so they're ready for you on Saturday :)

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  6. What a lovely post Leanne. It is nice to see you emerging into your new lifestyle and enjoying it.
    Thanks for adding your positive attitude to Fridays Blog Booster Party.
    Kathleen

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  7. This is such an important message, Leanne and I am glad you used the word "perspective." Taking the time to refresh and "re-create" is important to our well-being. Thank you for linking this to The Leisure Link!

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  8. This resonates with me so much. I've been getting this message for a while now. :)

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    1. thanks Corinne - I'm glad you stopped by and that we are both learning the same lessons!

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