What if you didn't fill the silence? Or the time you have before the next thing on your agenda?
A couple of weeks ago, I left my mother's house, tooted the horn and waved goodbye, and almost immediately turned up the radio.
My usual choice is a local public radio station. I like knowing what's happening in the world or learning something new. But that day's topic didn't really interest me, so I started contemplating putting on a language-learning program instead.
After all, I didn't want to waste time on the two hour drive...
Even though I've spent the last few years intentionally embracing a slower way of living, I still have this deeply ingrained tendency to make use of every available minute.
Fortunately this time, I did something different.
I turned off the radio and decided to spend the next ten minutes in silence.
Ten minutes became twenty.
And somewhere along the way, I realized how incredibly calming it felt.
So I left the radio off for the entire drive home.
My mind began to settle. I had space to think about my priorities. To consider whether the way I was spending my time actually aligned with what matters most to me.
It felt nice to simply let thoughts wander a little rather than constantly directing them toward something useful.
By the time I arrived home, I felt peaceful, rejuvenated and ready to quietly, purposefully take on the rest of my day.
And it made me realize how often I still revert to little habits that subtly steal my peace.
- Turning on the radio the moment I get into the car.
- Keeping the fan to circulate the air, even when it feels perfectly comfortable.
- Feeling the temptation to multitask while I eat, even though I know I'll enjoy my meal so much more if I don't.
Years ago, I used to get annoyed when my ex-husband would get up in the morning and immediately turn on the television—even when he had no intention of watching it.
Yet I'm realizing that we all have our versions of this.
Little ways we've learned to fill the empty spaces.
We don't necessarily choose to do this. We simply do.
- We reach for the phone.
- We turn on the television.
- We start a podcast.
- We check something.
- We listen to something.
- We fill the silence.
- We fill the time.
We rarely stop to ask ourselves:
Do I actually want this right now?
Sometimes I will, and that's okay. But sometimes quiet pauses can be so incredibly wonderful.
I think awareness is the first step in finding these moments of peace that hide in busy days.
So perhaps this week, notice the little spaces you automatically fill.
And what happens if you don't immediately fill them?
You might be delighted in what you receive...
A little more room to think.
A little more room to breathe.
And perhaps, a little more room to simply be.
Today’s reminder: I don't have to fill every moment. Some moments are delightful when left empty.
And if you know someone who is always trying to make the most of every minute, perhaps send this their way. We might all need a gentle reminder that not every minute needs to be “used.” ❤️
Have a lovely week, Julie
There is value in doing nothing, and I give myself permission to receive it.
What We Loved This Week
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