Respite – what is it? It’s a short period of rest or relief from something difficult or unpleasant.
What’s your way to find respite?
In what way do you take a moment to recover after something unpleasant? Here are a few ideas:
- Take a breath. Just breathe deeply, with intention…
- Enjoy a cup of tea. Mint, chamomile, or peach. (Or coffee…)
- Think – reflect – on how very much God loves you…
- Dig in the dirt – pick some flowers…
- Send a note of encouragement to someone…
- Listen to beautiful music or play that music using the talents you’ve been given…
What else can you think of doing for a moment of respite?
Want a copy of the ways to find respite? You can download a free PDF HERE of the list below.
None of us could ever have imagined all that 2020 has held. I must confess that this time has caused me some angst. Not because my immediate life has changed, but rather because all around me is changing. And I’m contemplating the idea that my environment won’t “go back” to what it once was…
This never-again idea of what may become normal first crept into my imagination after visiting a restaurant… the place which was once teeming with energy, this formerly full and bustling space, was now quiet and muted. Only a few people sat at the designated “socially distanced” tables. And I felt so sad. I thought of the restaurant owners – will they ever again have the experience of the hustle necessary for a full restaurant with the underlying hum of humanity? Or is this experience going to remain? And then I thought of the other parts of life which may be impacted…
I needed a rest from my thoughts…
I’m imagining you all have had your own experience dealing with the possibility of a new normal… It may not be very pleasant pondering.
Has it been difficult facing your thoughts of what comes next?
Maybe it’s time for a bit of a respite.
A pause to recover.
And then keep going.
Steady on…, dear friends.
Take a moment and rest from your fears and anxieties. As someone who believes that God is always listening, I tell Him about what’s bothering me. And then I rest.
I wish you all moments of respite – regardless of what 2020 will hold.
My respite activity…
Above is my crafting reflection on the word “respite”; a cup of tea, a little reading, and some playing with paper.
I have been taking a respite while everyone is safe at home. But with things starting to open again and no vaccine- the anxiety comes back – especially with school starting is the fall for the kids. Will it ever be normal? Probably not. It will be that phrase that I am starting to loathe – a new normal. Great post! Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for stopping in, Elisa. Enjoying the quiet moments while we can is so important.
For me, I find calm listening to some nice music, or, if the weather is cooperating, I love sitting on my porch during a rainstorm and listening to the rain falling while smelling the fresh air.
Ah – sitting on the porch and just listening… that’s my joy first thing in the morning! And yes! Music! Thanks for adding to the list, Paul!
Music and writing has always helped me.
Writing! Yes, Brenda – letting our words express our emotions. Creativity and release. Thank you for sharing.
Those are great ideas for creating a moment of respite! And I need to be more on purpose with finding those ways, because sometimes it seems like the unpleasantness is unending.
Thanks for reading, Jeanine. I’m with ya— feeling like the unpleasantness is unending. But we can change our immediate areas of influence for the better – you’re right – we just need to be “more on purpose”! 😉