On...Rest
rest
verb
cease work or movement in order to relax, sleep, or recover strength.
It’s cold and it’s dark. The shortest day of the year is fast approaching and the lack of light is becoming more apparent as we move through December. Everyone seems to have gotten ill or has an aura of run-down-ness and I’m currently writing this from my room, on my bed, sneezing every few minutes.
I am starting to understand the purpose of this season - it literally forces us to slow down. The darkness encourages more sleep. Nights in seem more exciting than nights out. Red wine tastes better. Cups of tea can be enjoyed even more throughout the day. Comfortable and sensible clothing trumps the items that aren’t waterproof or warm enough. Candles light the room in a different way. Food is more satisfying when it’s heartier, heavier and richer.
So as the final days of the year approach, the inevitable reflection of the past twelve months is likely on our minds. There is a weight attached to it. Was the year what I wanted it to be? What were the highlights? What made it difficult? What made me feel good? Are there any regrets? How is the 2018 me different to the 2017 me? Am I a better person for it all?
As each year passes faster than the previous one and the drama production of life provides even greater plot twists, I feel a sense of relief that Christmas and the scheduled days off that come with it (for most of us), are very near.
I’ve managed to mostly avoid Wham, The Pogues and other such songs and still have 99% of my presents left to buy, but despite my general lack of interest in the festivities, I cannot wait to have a break.
I know I need to chill the f*ck out. I know I need it in its truest sense. A mental break. To sleep with no alarm. To watch films and random YouTube without feeling guilty. To be lost in some show on TV and not have to think about making a living or whether my art is good enough or whether I’m good enough. To paint with no goal.
I just want to indulge in a great amount of nothing much.
And for that, I have decided, I welcome the upcoming period of rest.