A Chic Paris Lockdown – Day 11 – Rest & Recharge

  April 30, 2020

Fiona Ferris calls Day 11 “Honour Your Feminine Heart” in her book, 30 More Chic Days. In this chapter, Fiona writes about the need to take a break from our daily to-do list and do an activity that feeds our souls. Or to be more accurate, schedule a little time as part of our to-do list to do something purely for joy.

It seems as if modern life adores busy, busy, busy. I sometimes wonder within my own, American culture if the cult of “busy” and “over-scheduled” is considered to be a mark of pride. If you ask someone how are they doing, the answer is usually “Things are so hectic right now!” The conversation is about stress and the general attitude is breathless and hurrying. I often walk away feeling a bit stressed and breathless myself just by association.

Several years ago, I decided to go against the flow and answer, “Things are calm and wonderful, thank you for asking.”  I wanted to go through my day feeling collected and engaged with life – not rushing at top speed from one event to the next. Not only did I change the way I spoke about my day, I changed my to-do list so that on most days there was a time set aside for something that filled me with happiness and energy rather than just draining it.

Fiona’s Day 11 reminded me of how important and delightful it is to take some time for our own recharging activity. I am dedicating a portion of this afternoon to a lovely reading period. (I already have the book pulled up on my Kindle – a Louis L’Amour Western. I use to love reading his books when I was younger!) In just a few minutes, I will sit down with a cup of tea and hang out with an “old friend.”  I hope you have a wonderful, refreshing portion of today, too!