I love your article, and my issue is actually having some gaps and not filling my days with "doing". I've started simplifying my life so I have more space to create and play. I will start noticing when I'm on "automatic" and scrolling on a device when it's not even useful or fun.
Yes, and I am dealing with RA, Hashimoto's, EoE, and Wet Macular Degeneration, with my central vision gone in one eye, and the other receiving injections. I keep breathing and doing all I can to stop the progression and still be able to function. Sleep is my go-to, and a daily afternoon nap of 22 minutes for the last 20+ years helps a lot. I've learned to love my body despite these health issues and find joy in small things. It's challenging, and I still love my life.
Taru, thank you so much for sharing this. That’s a lot to carry—and the way you’re still showing up for yourself, finding joy, and creating space to rest is incredibly inspiring. I love that you’ve had a 22-minute nap routine for 20+ years—what a brilliant way to honor what your body needs.
It’s easy to overlook how powerful those small, consistent habits are, especially when dealing with chronic conditions. You’re doing something really important by noticing the autopilot moments and choosing presence instead. I’m so glad we’re connected here—your story is a beautiful reminder that even with challenges, life can still be full of meaning.
Thank you for highlighting this. It’s when we notice these in between moments can we relish them without guilt and just ‘be’ rather than fill them with ‘doing’ for the sake of filling them with ‘something’
A wonderful reminder! It’s so easy to see our days as one task after another with no attention paid to what happens in the in-between. On the days where my gaps are filled with counterproductive habits I feel scattered by the evening (even if I got everything done that I needed to that day).
I appreciate this excellent advice, and I'm going to work on identifying the gaps and filling them productively. It helps to have some little positive practices that fit neatly in the gaps. For example, I memorize poetry and learn vocabulary. I can easily recite a poem or review vocabulary words while I'm waiting in line or driving. In fact, I've found that rehearsing poetry in my head helps pass the time when I'm swimming.
I love your article, and my issue is actually having some gaps and not filling my days with "doing". I've started simplifying my life so I have more space to create and play. I will start noticing when I'm on "automatic" and scrolling on a device when it's not even useful or fun.
It is very important to have margins in our day. So often we push and push until we collapse at the end of the day.
Yes, and I am dealing with RA, Hashimoto's, EoE, and Wet Macular Degeneration, with my central vision gone in one eye, and the other receiving injections. I keep breathing and doing all I can to stop the progression and still be able to function. Sleep is my go-to, and a daily afternoon nap of 22 minutes for the last 20+ years helps a lot. I've learned to love my body despite these health issues and find joy in small things. It's challenging, and I still love my life.
Thank you for your kind words. It means a lot to me, and helps me persevere.
Taru, thank you so much for sharing this. That’s a lot to carry—and the way you’re still showing up for yourself, finding joy, and creating space to rest is incredibly inspiring. I love that you’ve had a 22-minute nap routine for 20+ years—what a brilliant way to honor what your body needs.
It’s easy to overlook how powerful those small, consistent habits are, especially when dealing with chronic conditions. You’re doing something really important by noticing the autopilot moments and choosing presence instead. I’m so glad we’re connected here—your story is a beautiful reminder that even with challenges, life can still be full of meaning.
Thank you for highlighting this. It’s when we notice these in between moments can we relish them without guilt and just ‘be’ rather than fill them with ‘doing’ for the sake of filling them with ‘something’
Exactly
Fantastic. Habits and gaps. Behavior drift--a fresh new way to consider everything.
A wonderful reminder! It’s so easy to see our days as one task after another with no attention paid to what happens in the in-between. On the days where my gaps are filled with counterproductive habits I feel scattered by the evening (even if I got everything done that I needed to that day).
I completely understand.
I appreciate this excellent advice, and I'm going to work on identifying the gaps and filling them productively. It helps to have some little positive practices that fit neatly in the gaps. For example, I memorize poetry and learn vocabulary. I can easily recite a poem or review vocabulary words while I'm waiting in line or driving. In fact, I've found that rehearsing poetry in my head helps pass the time when I'm swimming.
Thanks amazing!