Joy of Leisure Time

Dearest,

How are you in this moment? How is your posture? Posture isn't something I've very good at, so every time it comes to mind I find myself placing those shoulders back, sitting or standing a little taller and wondering if I'll ever not have to!

I'm writing outside on a Thursday afternoon, protected by our orange umbrella from a sweltering sun. The air is alive with the buzzing of bees and I suspect there is a fresh brood of chicks nesting in the plum trees from the constant chirps. It's exactly what I needed.

The last few weeks I've been so tired and I couldn't figure out why. I was staying hydrated, nourishing my body, moving my body and getting good sleep. I've been so tired that even family members were noticing. I then read an article by Jo Cribb about leisure time and it got me thinking.

The article was based on a time survey in Australia which showed that woman had significantly less leisure time than men. After reading I paused to think, when was the last time I did something that I really loved. Those activities that top you up and energise you.

I'm blessed to have a job I love. But I'm realistic that it has aspects I probably wouldn't do if financial wealth didn't come into play. I love cooking but I think there is a difference between scraping together dinner after a hectic day with whatever you have, to creating dishes that not only fill your belly, but also fill your soul. I adore nature, yet some morning walks, whiles always good for me, still lack something due to feeling like its a have to do rather than a want to do.

Leisure time is never about doing something you "should".

When was the last time you spent doing something that energised you? Filled your cup and that you did because it's what you wanted? I hope this week you can. Think of it like a fuel top up for the car - you'll got a lot further, and be able to take whatever wonderful diversions come your way, if you do.

Take care Dearest - of yourself, of others, of your thoughts, of your actions and of our beautiful world.

You are worthy - always

Ngā manaakitanga xx

PS - since writing on Thursday, I've also realised that all the "symptoms" of not enough leisure time are also identical to those caused through the joy that is perimenopause. That and sleep has also gone to the shite. So maybe life is never just one thing - leisure time or more hormones #probablyboth #youdoyou #WeGotThis