I’ve been thinking a lot about time lately.
More specifically, I’ve been thinking about what I would do if someone handed me three completely unhurried days.
Not three vacation days.
Not three days packed with sightseeing or a long list of things to accomplish.
Just…three days with room to breathe.
At first, I thought I should have a more exciting answer.
Maybe I’d finally plan that trip.
Or tackle a project that’s been sitting on my list.
Instead, I kept coming back to some remarkably ordinary things.
I’d probably begin each morning with a book and a cup of coffee.
I’d take a long walk through the neighborhood with nowhere particular to be. I’d listen to the birds, stop to admire the flowers, and almost certainly say hello to a dog…and, if we’re being honest, the person holding the leash too.
I’d spend a little time writing. Or knitting. Or needlepointing. Maybe all three.
I’d enjoy a leisurely lunch, make a cup of tea in the afternoon, and if the day happened to end with a glass of champagne, well…Tuesday has always seemed like a perfectly acceptable day to celebrate being alive.
As I thought about it a little longer, something surprised me.
Almost everything on my list already exists in my life.
The birds are there.
The books are waiting.
The walking shoes are by the door.
Let’s be honest…more than one tote bag full of knitting is patiently waiting for me.
The flowers are blooming whether I stop to admire them or not.
It made me wonder if the question was never really about having three unhurried days.
Maybe it was about remembering what helps us feel most like ourselves.
I’m still thinking about that.
I know there will always be responsibilities, calendars, and things that need our attention. I’m certainly not suggesting we pretend otherwise.
But perhaps every now and then we can borrow a little bit from those imaginary three days.
Maybe we linger over one more chapter.
Take the longer walk.
Notice the breeze.
Call a friend.
Sit outside for a few extra minutes.
Or simply look up long enough to watch the evening sky change colors.
I’m wondering…
If someone handed you three completely unhurried days, what would quietly find its way back into your life?
