Doing the least in Musings

The single best thing for my mental health lately has been to do nothing. Yes. You read that right. Every day I have been taking breaks throughout the day where I do absolutely nothing. At first it was hard. I’m so used to feeling like I “should” be doing something at every second that doing nothing made me feel guilty. But the more I do it the easier it is and the better I feel.

Of course if the girls are awake I still talk to them but if they need me to get them something I tell them it can wait til I’m done taking my break. I really want them to see me taking time for myself that doesn’t look like me being on my phone.

My favorite way to do “nothing” is to sip whatever beverage I have and look outside either from a window or to actually sit on my porch. And just let my mind be free. I always hated meditation because I felt like I was doing it wrong. But this is sort of a form of meditation without the pressure to do it “right” by thinking of nothing.

Weirdly enough I have been getting more or at least the same amount done in the day. I don’t feel the constant need to check my phone while I’m working because my brain isn’t looking for a break anymore. And it has really helped me slow down in other aspects as well. I let the girls take their time doing things. I actually look at them and talk to them more without being distracted by things.

Everyone should do it.

Other things
—I’ve recently gotten back in to fashion. In particular I’ve gotten back into thrifting. I used to do it a lot in my early 20s. I find it so fun to take inspiration for fashion trends and then replicate it with pieces from the thrift store. Nathan watched the girls Saturday morning and I went for 3 hours, spent $65 and got: 4 pairs of jeans (2 of them are retail $120+ jeans), 8 tops, one dress (made of silk and cashmere—what!?), a denim vest, a bag, and 2 belts. I love thrifting. :)
—There’s a kitty that’s been coming around for a few weeks. She’s so sweet and actually really good with the girls. I asked around and even posted on Facebook because I thought she might be someone’s house cat but no one claimed her. She has tried following me inside a few times but she’s scared of River. I asked the local shelter what I should do and they said as long as she’s healthy and doesn’t seem in distress to let her keep living her life the way she seems to know it. So I’ve been feeding her and letting her hang out in the garage while it storms. The girls are so attached I know they’ll be heartbroken if she stops showing up one day.
—We only have a couple more weeks of school! I always have mixed feelings about school break. It’s nice to be lazy but it also means both girls being home all day. We have a very busy June (vacation, cousins wedding that I’m in, Bible school that I’m working, our wedding anniversary) and then not much plans after that.
—Alex is still not potty trained. She has done it a couple times then completely lost interest. I’m ready to be done with diapers. But they are comforting to her I think.