The importance of time-out time
I’ve recently returned from time away from my desk, usual housework and responsibilities. It’s great to spend time with friends, when you can just sit, chat, rejuvenate your friendships and rejuvenate your mind, body and spirit. It’s even better when the weather cooperates and the sun is shining. Makes the spirits soar and your time away more energizing and effective.
What do you do (or need) to rejuvenate yourself?
Everyone is different. Some people love the serenity and solitude of spending the weekend with a good book. But not me.
As a writer, people find it surprising that I don’t read a lot. Have never been a big fan of fiction, so whenever I read, it’s almost always something educational — whether pertaining to my work (and passion) as a travel writer, learning something new, or finding research material for a project I may be contemplating. Or whether it’s a book or publication to assist with my personal development as a human being, it is always non-fiction that I seek to read and that I want to write.
Good times with friends at a PWAC conference.
But somehow it is not the solitude of reading that I seek when I need rejuvenation. It is the companionship of good friends. I am an extroverted social being, and despite my many interests, hobbies and passions, it is the discovery of people and places and the interaction of the two that best feed my spirit.
I am happy with that and have no desire to change. It seems to be my role in life. To connect with people and to help people connect with one another. I do it through my work and in my personal life. And I think I do it well.
Have you discovered your key role in life? And does it make you happy?
Hello,
Thanks for the nice comment to my guest article on Ana's blog, "The Writer Today." Ana was gracious to post that.
I like your comments here. I, too, find rejuvenation with friends, unless I am extremely tired. Then I like to enjoy some isolation. But, I tend to be a people-person, so feel drawn to them. I do read a lot, though. I find a lot of daily rejuvenation by sitting down with a good book.
Good blog here. If you get a chance please visit Family Fountain. wb
Thanks so much for the positive affirmation, Mariellen. And for sharing your perspective with us. I can vouch that you are one very committed and driven individual (in addition to being creative, talented and passionate.) Good luck in following your dream.
I can attest that you are VERY good at connecting — and supporting — people from my own experience!
I'm not sure what the connection between time-out and finding your key role in life … but that probably says a lot about where I'm at in my life just now.
I have found my role, path, purpose, passion — whatever you want to call it. Boy, it sure took a lot of years (and therapy, and searching, and learning, and luck!)
These days, I am so motivated to travel in India, study yoga, and write about my adventures and my experiences, I almost never take any time out! I waited so long to find my dream career, that now I feel I have a tiger by the tail.
I hope I can inspire others to go after their dreams. In fact, I am writing about this topic on my blog: "What does it mean to breathe, dream, go?" at http://breathedreamgo.com/
Thanks for everything Dorreen! You are more than just a wizard of words …
Mariellen aka BreatheDreamGo
I have, Doreen, indeed found my role in life, which just happens to be my passion. I have found that I can intertwine that role with many of my interests and, indeed, my hobbies.
I've been lucky enough to know that I wanted to be a writer. I wanted to convey my thoughts and perspectives through the written word that would, hopefully, become a muse or inspiration or vehicle of pursuasion to those who would read those words. I have achieved this role and now consider myself a working writer.
I have been able to mingle my craft with a number of my passions. I write professionally for the Saskatchewan Population Health and Evaluation Research Unit (a bi-university research unit that conducts critical population health with a concentration on the social determinants of health) and this satisfies my interests in the social sciences and health related policy.
I have fortunate enough to be able to write about another one of my passions: Knitting. My life, at times, IS all about the yarn. I knit an obsene amount. However, it is not frivilous time spent in vain as I have also published articles on knitting and the odd knitting pattern over the years.
Yes, in answer to your question, I feel I've successfully combined my "role" in life as a writer with my passions and interests. This, indeed, makes me happy and fulfilled and I wouldn't change a moment in either my professional or my personal pusuits.
Knitting keeps me sane and writing helps me spread the joy of a hand craft that has been both productive and entertainment in nature. Knitting has, throughout its history, provided both income and enjoyment to man and woman. I am lucky enough to be able to have the capability to spread the love of the craft through my writing.