Taking Some Quiet Time

I've been doing this thing lately, taking an hour in the afternoon as my "quiet time." When I was a kid, my mom would enforce quiet time after our morning swim and dive practice at the pool and after we ate lunch in the summer. Although we disliked the concept, we looked forward to it during practice each day. In the afternoon's white heat, our blinds closed we didn’t have to nap, but we could read. As long as we were quiet. 

 

Now that I'm a mom, I'm pretty certain my mom started this quiet time for her peace of mind, but over time, it instilled this love for peace and quiet in the afternoon.

 

Cut to 2024, after breast cancer and a full hysterectomy, I’ve realized I need some down time in my day. I may lay down on my bed and sleep. I slept for an hour and a half the other day. Some days I may lay down and stare out the window. I love gazing at and daydreaming under the gorgeous cypress tree located in my neighbor's yard next door.

I notice that when I take this time I’m in a much better mood when I’m making dinner in the evening. I’m more refreshed. I have energy to do a few chores before bed.

 

What would you do with some quiet time each day?