Who decided that turning yourself into a productivity machine is the only way to prove you're worth your salt, if anything at all? I've always been an enthusiastic supporter of time gloriously squandered. It's not about being just idle. It's about making time to sit and soak up the quiet moments that are as nourishing as they are unproductive.
A few years ago, I decided to consciously savor moments of being fully present, sidestepping the shadows of health concerns and the haze of life's uncertainties. This decision wasn't about turning away from reality—but just allowing myself the space to indulge in those splendid stretches of nothing at all.
Sipping coffee at a window and watching the world go by, meandering through streets without a destination, or enjoying meandering conversations that have no end are the luxuries of the truly enlightened.
And don't forget reading for pleasure—true pleasure, not the kind of reading where you wolf down self-help books that promise a brand-new you by next month. No, I am referring to the sort of reading where you're in no rush to finish. What might seem or even feel like wasting time is investing time wisely working on expanding your emotional and intellectual horizons?
And comfort, what about that? It's a stylish revolt against the nonstop busyness fetish surrounding me. I love getting comfortable in my own space, wearing clothes that feel like a second skin, and sinking into my pillow sac, which knows my contours better than I do—a haven to breathe easily and let curiosity and creativity flourish, all without the tyranny of a clock.
This is my reminder to stroll instead of sprint, to listen rather than dominate the conversation, to observe instead of just see, and to be comfortable and secure in the simple act of being.
And to all you diligent souls also teetering on the brink of burnout—my kindred spirits—I issue a gentle provocation: let's make sure we also enjoy moments of guilty indulgence or, if we so choose, moments of nothing at all.
Embrace the raw, real, beautifully messy aspects of human connection. Forget the flawless snapshots and unchecked boxes that dominate our feeds and thoughts.
Here's to living with intention, not merely existing—savoring one leisurely, joy-filled, gloriously 'lazy' moment after another. Remember that our true legacy will be the moments of joy and serenity we grant ourselves.