It’s been a wicked winter.
Hawk and I have been sick since the beginning of December, and are only just getting better now.
And then last week, Esmé woke up in the middle of the night and vomited on and off until the sun came up.
Then I caught that bug, and so we were both out of commission, although it hit me with less force.
As Esmé and I spent the day curled up on the couch listening to stories, reading, and sipping various hot drinks, it got me to thinking.
I am so thankful for not being busy.
We aren’t busy. Not at all. We can be, if we feel like it. But on our own terms. Like, being super busy working on projects.
But at times like this, when it’s been one virus after another, one snotty nose after another, one hacking, coughing, drippy-eyed child after another, I am so thankful that there isn’t very much to be undone. Because we’re not doing much.
And by doing, I mean classes, playdates, parties, get togethers, homeschool park days, field trips, events in the community.
So by not doing them in the first place, we have less fallout when said things need to be undone, due to illness or exhaustion, for example.
The few things that we do want to DO? We make sure that we don’t mention an event or outing to the kids until we are practically out the door and on our way there. I learned long ago to nip anticipation in the bud for the little things, so that they aren’t confused with being Big Important Things. Even with Esmé’s weekly class at the Lyceum. I don’t tell her that it’s Lyceum day until we are dressed and sitting at the table eating breakfast. If we don’t get that far, we don’t go.
All this to say that our conscious decision to do less, turn inwards, focus on building experience and relationships on a smaller more meaningful scale is definitely a good thing. Especially now, as we all lurch our way back to health.
And in case you need permission, or are worried about missing out … know that it IS okay to do less. It frees up space and time to be more, without the trappings, expense, transportation, cranking organizers/participants, or obligation of the Almighty Organized Thing.
Step away from the calendar, people. Free it up!
