Temporarily Closed for Spiritual Maintenance.

Doesn’t that sound like a fabulous idea?!

I was getting (mentally) prepared to post about the word THERAPEUTIC for the letter “T” in my series Life: From A to Z, and I started feeling tired. My mind was exhausted of any thoughts about the alphabet, and I was compelled to work on the featured image instead—with no agenda or plan about how it might fit into my t-word.

“I need a time out,” I thought to myself.

And that’s when it hit me. “T” is for Time Out.

According to the Cambridge Dictionary, the adjective therapeutic means “causing someone to feel happier and more relaxed or to be more healthy,” and “having a healing effect; tending to make a person healthier.” So, when you think about it, time outs are very therapeutic! Taking time away from my thoughts about what to write about helped me focus on this beautiful peony instead. My mind got the rest that it needed… and I feel rejuvenated.

And my post just kind of came together on it’s own, without much effort. I probably shouldn’t even say that though, as my spontaneity may be apparent—or maybe not. Perhaps it’s best to leave the readers guessing?

Anyway, I love the idea of a time out. I find it really hard to let my mind rest. Ideas come to my mind, checklists run through my head, and thoughts about what my (grown) kids are up to, or whether I’m doing things right or doing things wrong sometimes overtake me. When you think about it, blogging can also cause stress and overthinking, especially when you strive to get things right. And then you might find yourself fighting against that old “p” word again, perfection.

Sometimes I wonder… is blogging really worth all the worry? But, taking a time out is usually all that is needed and I come back feeling fresh. So… yes, I’d say that time outs aren’t just therapeutic or helpful, they are essential.

“There is virtue in work and there is virtue in rest. Use both and overlook neither.”

Alan Cohen

About the Image

I’ve been wanting to share another peony image but I wasn’t in the mood for pink tonight. I think it may have lost some of it’s contrast and luster in the black and white conversion, but it is oh so appropriate for a time out; not too loud or vibrant… but beautiful and unassuming. That’s how I see it anyway. I had it in mind to zoom in and crop out the clock. And then I thought, “oh wait, how perfect is that?!” A peek-a-boo signal that it’s time to take a time out.

That’s about all for now. Thank you for reading or stopping by!

—Janet