I am not normally a routined sort of person, I grew up with a lot of routine and structure and well, busyness. I’m quite sure I packed 40 years into my first decade, which perhaps explains my level of exhaustion. As an adult I try never to schedule my weekends, I was the same when I fostered the children, our Mon-Fri was busy enough, our weekends should simply allow us to follow our feelings and needs. However, as of late there is one little routine I’ve sort of fallen into, a routine which is about rhythm, rest and rejuvenation.
Each Sunday afternoon at 3pm I take a nap. Usually by this point I’ve been to Church, swam, finished some work, done the laundry and cooked lunch and dinner for Mon-Wed. At 3pm I am not normally itchy and I begin to feel my body get heavy, my back feel a twinge and my eyes need to shut. I usually forget all about having a nap until those well-known signs begin to show around 2:50; when I realize what awaits I practically become giddy. Slowly I fill the hot water bottle, get a favourite blanket, put Writers & Company on the radio and sink into my bed. Usually within a few minutes of hearing the dulcet tones and relaxing theme music and I’m on my merry way to the land of slumber. It is the only time in the week that sleeping isn’t difficult and while the nap doesn’t last long (30 to 40 minutes or so), it is a cherished part of my day and week.
There are many things I could be doing instead, in fact I usually wake up to dishes needing to be washed and several to do’s which need to be completed before Monday morn. But more than I have a need to clean or tackle my list, my body needs this little reprieve. And I for one am happy to obey.
So on this Thankful Tuesday I’m thankful for my treasured Sunday nap. I’m thankful I’ve learned the art of seeking balance by not over scheduling myself. And I’m thankful for small joys always there, you just have to open your eyes and see them.
Happy Tuesday to you all! What are you thankful for today?
I’m thankful for all the wonderful times I had with my gran who died two years ago today. I spent many hours talking with her over a cup of tea and sometimes just sitting watching tv. She was a large part of my life and I really miss her not being here. I concieved my son after 7 months of trying about the time of her funeral. I am sure she gave him to me as a gift. I thank her for that always x
That’s ever so special!
I love that pic. Your posts always sound so peaceful, I want to feel like that.
This week I’m thankful for my bike, my job and a good book I’m reading!
I too loooooove that photo!!!!
I’m thankful for an awesome night out with friends this weekend & my favourite hot chocolate to warm me up!
This morning I’m thankful that I was able to workout without leaving the comfort of my home! Thankful for the friends I have. Thankful for the gentle nudge from a friend to get back to my workouts. Thankful for the two new friends in my life. Thankful for the new chiropractor who is helping my neck heal. Thankful that I have a job that I love.
That’s a good description — that feeling “giddy” before your afternoon nap. I feel that way, too, and I love my naps. They go back to when my kids were teenagers and I would worry when they were out at night. During the day, I wasn’t as anxious, and those Saturday afternoon naps were blissful.
Good for you, FT! Naps are awesome.
Today I am thankfull for a car standing beside my house so I am able to go where I want and more important: when I want.
I’m a big fan of the restorative powers of a nap; and try to have at least one a week. There are always other things to be done, but listening to your body and giving it the rest it needs is always a good choice!
I’m a great believer in the benefits of a quick nap. Just 10 minutes will do the trick. I have one most afternoons when I get home from work. I usually have the company of a beautiful cat on my lap. My cat is black and white as well, but she has long hair.
What a lovely post FT. I too always admire the peace you strive for and live. I’d love to read more about how you got to this point! I’m thankful this week for your blog which encourages me, a fabulous sweater I’m slowly knitting and a nice visit to a tea room with friends this coming weekend!
Thanks for sharing your wonderful joys!
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