I am good at many things. Resting is not one of them so I was surprised recently when I awoke from a four-hour nap. It was not just a nap, but a sound sleep. Not only had I slept away the afternoon, but I had missed some exciting NCAA Basketball!

My work schedule dictates that I take some time in the afternoon for a brief rest. I am a very early riser. I prefer to go to work in my studio at 4:00 am. That seems to be my most creative time. Starting early also ensures that I actually get to my studio!

This is not a bad thing. I accomplish a lot and my life is more satisfying because I ensure that I am making my creative work a priority in my life. However, there is a need for balance. I have worked particularly hard in the last six months and I recognize that I have neglected rest. I need to find a balance in my activity/rest cycle.

I am curious about the messages I carry around about work and rest. I know that I hold a core values about the importance of work, that rest occurs when the work is done and that being lazy is not a good thing. I also know that the work is never done at least not for people like me who excel at working.

Years ago I would become angry with Gary when he insisted on resting when we were preparing for company. He would stretch out on the couch while I was chasing the dust bunnies that were frolicking underneath. At that point I didn’t understand that it didn’t matter if the house was perfect and that our friends wouldn’t be inspecting my house. Nor did I understand that it was more important to be reserve sufficient energy for the actual entertaining. Of course, that was in the days when I thought I could do everything.

My friend Debbie Tyson recently bought a lakefront cottage in the hopes of ensuring some quiet and restful time with her family. Debbie grew up going to her parents’ cottage where she enjoyed long lazy summer days. I did not have a cottage experience as a child. I confess I see the possibility of much more work when I hear cottage!

I guess I don’t really know how to rest. I know how to work and I find great pleasure in my work. I think I approach all activities with my strong work ethic in hand. However, something significant is missing in my life.

Gary and I have worked (get it?) at building some relaxation into our lives. We enjoy reading together, going for walks and playing cards. We like to go for drives just like our parents did when we were kids. We love spending time with our friends and family. Yet we lack the ability to spontaneously organize a picnic because it is a beautiful day. Nor would we opt to go to London because there was an unbelievable seat sale. And I probably wouldn’t recognize that I am tired and need to take a day off.

I think I need to give myself permission to rest. I suspect I will need to build it into my schedule because that is how I will ensure it occurs. Rather than berating myself for being the work horse I am, I will need to use my skills to build in the much needed rest. I don’t expect that I will suddenly become a sloth, but I would like to allow myself a somewhat easier pace. Who knows, I may soon be calling you to go on that spontaneous picnic. The question is will you be prepared to drop everything and come along?

© C O P Y R I G H T   2 0 0 9.  Mary Sullivan Holdgrafer ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.