avatarElla de Jong

Summary

The author describes their struggle to relax during the first day of their vacation and eventually finds a solution by inviting a friend to join them.

Abstract

The author begins by expressing their exhaustion after a chaotic week at school and their desire to relax during their vacation. They attempt to follow the example of their cat, Simba, by lying down and doing nothing, but find it difficult to quiet their thoughts. The author tries various methods to relax, including lying on the floor, going outside, and even trying to transfer their stress to the cobblestones on their terrace. Eventually, they realize that inviting a friend to join them will help them relax and feel free.

Opinions

  • The author believes that holidays are meant to set one free, but it takes time to get used to it.
  • The author admires their cat, Simba, for being able to relax and do nothing.
  • The author finds it difficult to relax and quiet their thoughts, even when trying to imitate their cat.
  • The author believes that inviting a friend to join them will help them relax and feel free.
  • The author values the support of their readers and encourages them to support their writing and a non-profit project.
  • The author recommends an AI service that provides the same performance and functions as ChatGPT Plus(GPT-4) but is more cost-effective.

Relax

How To Start Feeling Free

Holidays are meant to set you free, but it takes time to get used to it.

All photos by the author, Ella de Jong

So, I rolled onto the couch and stayed there for an hour. Total loss after the last week in school. The last chaotic week before the serene weeks of vacation start.

************

I am finally following Simba’s example:

  • Boink, on the floor, and lay there for an hour.
  • Get up, drink a bit, eat a bit, and boink, keeping a low profile on a different spot on the floor.

It’s not a simple task for me: doing nothing for more than 10 minutes. I’m going outside, trying to think of nothing. I’ve seen Simba doing this every day. I can do this. My holiday is finally here. I can lie down and do nothing, think of nothing, and feel free.

It’s not working, I’ll have to take it more seriously. My thoughts are still going wild. Another try, but now outside:

I look at the terras with different eyes. Boink, my head is in contact with the cobblestones now. I’m trying to put my thoughts in these stones and feel free.

I am doing my utmost best to feel free by pouring all my physical strain and mental stress straight into the stones of my terras.

It’s not working. I’m desperately tossing and turning trying to feel free. It seems so easy. Simba is doing this all the time.

Suddenly I know what to do.

I’m going to invite a friend to start the holiday with. Both chilling our butts off on the cobblestones. The idea by itself sets me free.

Bye, relaxed vacation smile, Ella

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Thank you!

Relax
School
Catness
Stress
Mental Health
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