Holding Stop Position

By popular request, I am following up on my stop day. It’s almost over and was pretty successful. I did spend most of the day doing pretty much nothing. It was nice not having to be anywhere at any certain time. My sidekick and I spent quite a few hours on the couch watching TV. After a few hours of channel surfing, I decided it might be best to finish watching last season’s shows before the new season starts. Then I went to the grocery store which is really nice when you are not in a rush. Stopped at Central Market (which I love) and bought myself some sunflowers (my favorite). Then returned home for more TV, internet shopping (bought my alumni shirt) and a nap (which I never do!).

I do admit, it was hard settling into doing a day of nothing. And there were a few times I thought about work or the things around the house that needed to be done. Every time I felt anxiety about what I wasn’t doing, I made myself remember that it is just as important for me to do nothing as it is to do something. This nothing was for me. I earned it and I shouldn’t let anyone (even myself) spoil it. With that said, I have a few more hours of nothing to do. See you tomorrow.

The Day I Stopped

In the last four years, I’ve moved twice, served 3 terms on a board, traveled over seas for the first time, began consulting, helped re-launch four brands, served on two church committees, learned to box, sewn two quilts, started running and, as of an hour ago, completed two degrees. What I haven’t done is had a true day of rest.

For years, I’ve been constantly busy with work, school and stuff. Unless I’m very sick or extremely injured, I tend to go until I can’t go any longer.

Apparently, I’m not the only one. According to zen habits, in today’s culture, time to rest is rare commodity. “There are just too many things to get done, too many demands, too many responsibilities, too many bills, and too much urgency. Nobody can afford to waste time resting in today’s results-oriented culture.”

Though, the reality is rest is just as important as eating and exercise. It is essential to a healthy mind, body and soul.

So, tomorrow, I have schedule myself a stop day. Dr. Matthew Sleeth says a “stop day” is a day you really cease from your labors. I prefer the Urban Dictionary definition, which gives a pretty accurate description of the day I have planned:

a day typically reserved for sleeping, eating, watching Netflix and other forms of comatose solidarity.

I’ve had my stop day planned for months. It is a celebration of the end of school and the start of new things in my life. I’m excited for my stop day and hope I truly manage to spend the day doing what Prince called “something close to nothing”.

Wish me luck!