Filling the well

Thursday is my favorite day of the week. It's the only day I consciously keep free. Well, sort of. The only things I allow to be scheduled on my Thursdays are things that make me happy. So I'll meet with my best friend, have my critique group over, etc. But mostly, I just hang out. Be lazy. And rejuvenate. Sometimes, I even sleep in.

The worst part of tax season is how "taxing" it is on my "me time." Because I am an introvert, I find the energy of having to deal with so many people and actually be nice to them trying. Not that I'm not a nice person. Well, maybe that's debatable. But to me, giving good customer service that's heartfelt and not being fake about it takes a lot of energy when what I'd rather be doing is sitting somewhere curled up with a good book.

During tax season, I am a ball of stress. I commented to one of my friends yesterday that I cry at every stupid little thing because I can't do anything about the big things. However, it's gotten a lot better now that I recognize the need for "me time" and I work hard to keep it that way. Instead of feeling stressed all the time, I have one day for decompression. Granted, I still have too many things I try to accomplish in that day, but I also make sure I take time out for one selfish "me" thing. Even though I call it selfish, the reality is that it is the time I need to rejuvenate and be a better me so that I can take care of others and do all the other things I need to do.

Last year, I also tried something new. I went on a silent retreat with my church. Wow! I wasn't sure how I'd do going 48 hours without speaking, but it was such a blessing. I went 48 hours without noise and input from all directions. It was just me and God. The one direction that mattered. And, if I'm really honest, the direction I probably ignore the most since it's not always the loudest voice vying for my attention.

If you are exhausted, like I am, and you feel like everything is tugging at you and pulling you in a million directions at once, like I do, then I'd like to suggest taking out your calendar, moving things around, and giving yourself a little space. Take that space and use it to rejuvenate. Do something nice for yourself. Maybe you don't yet have time to really do it right, but do something. Take that time, and while you're resting, invite the Lord to join you, and spend that time hanging out.

And if you're like me, and think you don't have the time to do it, trust me when I say you don't have the time not to do it.