Summary

The author reflects on the importance of taking a break and being present in the moment, as realized during a solitary week of relaxation and self-care.

Abstract

The article discusses the author's experience with a rare opportunity to be alone and do nothing during the week between Christmas and New Year's Eve. While initially planning to be productive, the author instead chose to give herself a break, engaging in simple pleasures such as cooking, cleaning, walking in nature, and even binge-watching TV shows, an activity usually avoided. This time of solitude and presence brought fulfillment and a realization of the value of occasional idleness and mindfulness. The author encourages readers to incorporate such breaks into their lives, emphasizing the benefits of being present and enjoying the moment, especially when the body and mind signal the need for rest.

Opinions

The author believes in the importance of perspective and focus for the new year, typically achieved through journaling and goal setting.
Despite having time off from work, the author chose not to engage in planned writing activities, opting instead for a break from productivity.
The author usually avoids binge-watching due to the commitment it requires but found enjoyment in it during this solitary period.
There is an expressed fear of becoming consumed by watching TV series for extended periods, yet the author felt good after doing so during the holiday week.
The author values a clean environment and finds peace in spending time in nature, particularly at the seaside park where they live.
The article suggests that being present in the moment and giving oneself a break is beneficial for the soul and should be continued as a habit in the new year.
Initially feeling guilty for perceived unproductiveness, the author came to appreciate the solitude and presence, suggesting a shift in perspective on what constitutes a valuable use of time.

Start Doing This One Thing From New Year

It’s small, but it means a lot to your soul.

We all have goals for the new year, we write in our journal every year, understanding what the next year holds for us.

I know it is right, as it gives us perspective to focus on the right thing that we are looking for.

This past week from Christmas Eve to New Year’s Eve (which is tonight at a place where I live) — I was alone at home after a long time. My husband has to go somewhere urgently.

This week was off for me for work too.

But I made plans about writing. I told myself since I was off from work, I would do this and that, but then I didn’t do anything.

For the first time in my life, I did nothing.

Otherwise, I always wanted to do something.

Either I’d start cleaning the house, or do something related to home, but this time I just did the basics that had to be done.

I gave myself a break.

I made good food.
I kept the area clean and tidy as I like a clean environment.
I went for a walk
Spent time in nature, gazed at sunset/sunrise, felt the cold wind in my soul, and listened to the birds’ voices and the sounds of waves.
Did binge-watching.

This time I did nothing but I enjoyed the present.

I love spending time in nature and going for a walk near the seaside park where I live. It gives me peace.

I never do binge-watching alone, but this time I did.

The idea of binge-watching scares me because then I’m in a continuous loop to complete that series.

I always prefer to watch movies alone than series.

Because watching a series means you have that in mind depending on how many seasons and episodes. I will give 30–40 hours to this web series.

I always watch series at night with my husband, and we even take weeks to complete that, but I never binge-watch alone.

I don’t know why, but spending hours and hours on TV at a time scares me.

But this time, I did watch for hours and hours during my holiday week, and I felt good. I enjoyed every bit of it and was present in the moment.

But I am fulfilled now. I don’t want to continue binge-watching, but I enjoyed it.

In this past week, I haven’t done anything productive related to work, but I just gave myself that break from doing nothing and being present in the moment.

So, I want you to give yourself a break whenever it’s necessary for your body, and you will understand when you need that break.

I felt sorry at first for wasting the whole week like that, but then I realized I was present in the moment and was enjoying every bit of solitude with myself.

So, I want you to continue this habit this coming year.

Give yourself a break when necessary
Start being present in the moment and enjoy every bit of it.

I saw this beautiful quote on Instagram, and it said:

Image from jordanklancaster Instagram account

Happy New Year to you and your family!

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