Just Sit

Daily writing prompt

How do you unwind after a demanding day?

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Last night after one of my late classes, I sat in my car in the parking lot and just stared. The students were all gone and a few cars were there – maybe the security and custodial staff for the college. It was almost 9PM and I needed to sit for a minute. Am I the only one who does that? It is very calming in the silence of my car to unwind and do nothing.

I do the same at home quite often. I pull in the driveway or in my garage and I just sit. Sometimes I do nothing – I ’empty’ my mind and just breathe. These moments are precious to me. I try not to take my daily ‘stuff’ in the space called my home. We all know when we step into our home, especially as women, there are things awaiting us. Whether it is dishes in the sink, homework to check, a spouse who needs us, laundry awaits, and the list goes on. Let’s not mention the emails and missed calls to catch up on.

Maybe like me, you’ve discovered that you have only ‘this amount’ of mental and emotional space. To avoid an implosion, I find it helpful to check myself daily. I make space in my heart and mind when I sit in my car in silence- just to unwind. Many times after my moment of silence, I breathe a word of prayer. I ask for wisdom, strength and guidance to deal with the challenges I may be facing at the moment. Very often I breathe a word of gratitude and thanksgiving. I find this to be another great way to unwind and release unhealthy stress. Try it- there’s a certain kind of beauty in silence!

“My soul, wait in silence for God alone, For my hope is from Him.” [Psalm 62:5]