The Weekend Perspective

For a long time, I thought it was a sin to look forward to the weekend. I know many of you may screw your face up at that comment and not connect. But I do believe that I am not alone and there may be others out there that can relate. I have always been told that if you love what you do, and you are prepared to do anything and everything to commit to your purpose, then, looking forward to a day off seems unheard of. E.g. ‘Find a job you love and you will never have to work a day in your life’ … #untrue

I remember the week I found myself looking forward to a weekend, it was a couple of years ago. It caught me by surprise. The inner dialogue was horrible, ‘You can’t think like that, are you crazy? You fool, how dare you? Why are you so lazy? You couldn’t possibly be seriously, you want a day off?’ It certainly wasn’t a productive conversation.

It took me a few weeks to accept. To accept that, I, Bel, was looking forward to a weekend, a couple of days of downtime and time to switch off. Not because I had booked a holiday but just because. I felt terrible. In all three of my careers I have felt an incredibly strong societal pull to believe that, looking forward to time away from your profession was a weakness and it was shameful to admit it. Don’t get me wrong my work week is one that is incredibly full and an absolute privilege to live, I am prepared to do what it takes and I often find an extra 10% to give each week. But, at least one day a week, I enjoy a day exploring and adventuring, it refills my cup and allows me to make memories I will cherish forever.

You may agree, you may not. I have certainly seen an increase in people appreciating that downtime is important but I think there is a healthy balance to unlock. Work hard, play hard kind of deal.

So, whether it’s Uni, schoolwork, a profession or a passion that you feel guilty walking away from, I am here to say I think it is ok! In fact, I am going to encourage it!

This is what a weekend puts into perspective for me:

1. It is not what we have in our lives but WHO that truly matters

Spending uninterrupted time with the people you love, make you smile, allow you to feel full, content and in comfort is something else. There is no denying this time is so good for the soul. Downtime is well spent when it is invested in those we want by our side in 50 years to come. Phone down, conversation flowing, imagination rising, in the moment and present with your friends and fam. Like me, these people may even include those you work with.

2. Time away is where creativity is born

There is a lot to say for moments of solitude and space. Ever noticed your best ideas come to you in the shower or driving your car alone? Well that’s when mine hit me. Clutter free moments of the mind occur when we are switched off and relaxed. Your body and your brain deserve this time to run wild, don’t ignore it allow it!

3. Adventure makes the heart sing

A working week doesn’t give too much time for play. Usually there is grocery shopping to do, study, family dinners, exercise and an odd Netflix binge. So where does that leave time for exploring, adventuring and feeling free? The weekend. I absolutely LOVE the feeling adventure. It provides a sense of wonder, fresh air, a smile, connection and sooo much more! As if you wouldn’t want that in your life!

So, here’s to time off! Cheers the freakin’ weekend, guilt free.

with LOVE from Bel x