Let Busy Wait
A permission slip for 30 minutes of absolutely nothing
Hey friends!
I’ve got a question for you.
How are things? What are you up to?
How many of you started answering that question in your head with — “Oh my gosh! Things have been so busy!”
Have you ever noticed no one EVER says “Things are just wonderful. I have plenty of time to spend with my family, work is just a breeze, and I’m loving my (enter name of hobby).”
Everyone is just…so busy.
Busy doing what?
Doom scrolling on your phone?
Every Sunday morning I get a screen time notification. I’ve come to hate these stupid notifications. Why, you ask?
Well, it is not rocket science to know that I get smacked with how much time I wasted this week. My usage is usually between 3-4 hours a day. I’m not proud of that number.
It’s like a rock and a hard place. I’ve spent hours doom scrolling which is a complete waste of time. Then, I wonder what made me feel like I had to be doing something. Anything. Instead of just being.
When did the world say we win only if we are busier than our best friend, spouse, business competitor?
I was at the dermatologist office last week for a small procedure. I had to get some numbing cream put on. The tech said it would take 30 minutes to work. Next, she asked, “Do you want your phone while you wait?”
My answer surprised me. “No thanks,” I said. “I’m going to sit back and enjoy the quiet.” I never knew 30 minutes could go by so quickly!
This may sound silly but to me that 30 minutes of nothing was a win. No texts to reply to. No emails to send. No scrolling Instagram.
Just 30 minutes of quiet.
I let my thoughts wander with no real place to go.
I could feel the muscles in my shoulders relax.
I could hear the sound of my own voice.
I hadn’t felt that calm and peaceful in the middle of the day in ages.
It was glorious.
It was right there in the dermatologist’s office that I made a promise to myself. I was giving myself permission to just BE for a bit every day.
What started as a quirk — or even a possible experiment — turned into my favorite part of the day. I’m more relaxed and energized at the same time. My nervous system gets a quick little reset.
So here’s your permission slip for this week: Find your dermatologist’s office. Not literally but figuratively. It can be your car in the driveway before you go inside. The back porch. The bathroom with the door locked. Just 30 minutes of nothing. No phone. No productivity. No proving anything to anyone.
Let busy wait.
You’ve earned the quiet.
xx, Heather
P.S. Next time someone asks how things are, try this: “Things are great. I’ve got 30 minutes of nothing planned and I can’t wait.”