The Day of Rest

That is what Sunday is supposed to be. Back in the old days, and in some religions it was forbidden to do anything. Even cook. You had a cold meal that day. I think that is taking it a bit extreme, don't you?

But a day of rest is important. Maybe you can't have one a certain day each week, but we do need a time to recharge. A period of time just to yourself. No children, no spouse/significant other, no friends. Just you in a place you like. If I were in Michigan I'd go to the forest and find a clearing surrounded by trees next to a stream or river. But there isn't too much of that here in Las Vegas. We have desert and that just isn't the same to me. But that doesn't mean it won't be the place for you. Anywhere you feel at peace, that is the perfect place. And half the fun is the looking for it. Just think of the adventures you could have. But a note of caution, always be careful, tell people where you are going and make sure you have cell phone service.

When you find your spot bring with you items of comfort, a blanket, a pillow, something to drink, maybe a snack, a good book you've been dying to read, or a notebook just to write down your thoughts and dreams and ideas. When you are alone, without the distractions of your everyday life you will surprise yourself with what your mind comes up with. Being at peace with yourself requires down time.

If you are working full time, coming home to a spouse/significant other and kids and household chores, chances are when you fall into bed, long after you wanted to, your mind won't shut down, no matter how tired your body is. So your rest isn't giving your body the recovery time it needs.

So do that for yourself. You may say, but that is selfish, so be it, sometimes we need to be. I bet if you ask the people who have the most harmony in their lives, they will tell you that you need to be selfish on occasion, and in the long run it will do so much more good than the harm you fear will happen.

You find yourself snapping at the kids, your spouse/significant other, your coworkers, just frustrated beyond words. That is when you need to take this time for yourself, your special, quiet, personal time. I can almost guarantee you that not only will you feel more able to handle the day to day frustrations in a calm rational manner, but your friends, family, coworkers, will appreciate the new you.

And this needs to be a time that is scheduled into your life on a certain date and time, maybe not the same date and time all the time, but scheduled into your life. You make appointments with the doctor and you have to hold yourself to those, well, this is the same thing. Make an appointment, plan ahead, tell your spouse/significant other they are in charge for a few hours. At first they may protest, but when you come back and they can see the changes, they will agree with you. But now it is their turn, everyone needs this time. So work with your schedules and set aside this specific time for each of you. And hold yourselves to it, you deserve this and after you get over the guilt you are feeling - and do not let that last long - you will enjoy it and your health will also reap the benefits.

Remember that you are an important person to so many, but you are also important to yourself.