Guilt-free Times to Chill!

 

Years ago, I used to reward myself with little pleasures after I had finished all the tasks for the day. It could be a couple of squares of chocolate, a cream cake or a half-hour reading indulgence. Working a 40-hour week, caring for five children, organizing the supper, prepping for the next day’s teaching schedule etc, etc, did not yield many indulgences. Guess what? Even without being a slave to housework there was never anytime to do the things I wanted. Don’t get me wrong, I was happy to do all those things by God’s grace, I just wish the day would cope with all the tasks.

ULTIMATE DECADENCE COFFEE IN THE SPA

Now that the adult children have created their own chaos, flying back with grandchildren and a dog in tow at mutually agreed spaces, I am able to schedule other things into life’s timetable.

I began writing seriously in 2011 and before long I had made my own treadmill. I expect you have guessed that I am a bit over-organized. I can hear some empathetic and even sympathetic tuts out there, thank you.

You see my generation grew up without words such as ‘good mental-health’, well-being, me-time. So each dip in the jacuzzi, or afternoon reading or tea and cake with a friend led to feelings of guilt and shame. Now I’ve come up with some brilliant excuses to myself for these lapses in due diligence. You might want to borrow them.

 

“What’s the point of having a jucuzzi if you don’t use it?”

“I’m reading because I’m writing a review.”

“This is a book for book-club at the end of the month.”

“The tea and cake? I’m networking.”

Taking time to chill makes you more productive in your writing times. What about you? How do you cope with the Writing/Life balance?

About the Author

Rosalie Weller is an ordained minister in the Uniting Presbyterian Church of Southern Africa. She has contributed to “Closer to God” the South African Scripture Union Devotional in 2020, 2023 and 2024, Worship & Word UPCSA Devotional 2024. She has written several bible study guides, available on Amazon, a historical novel, and a bereavement journal. Her YouTube channel highlights a biblical reflection and an original poem every month. Website www.rosalieweller.com