The long weekend. Mostly preceded by a mad dash of planning, not to mention packing, these three to four days off are like welcome raindrops on parched land. Every time one is around the corner, the world switches on to ticking off items from the bucket list mode. From vacations, outings, parties et al, a long weekend brings the much needed respite from this over speeding life you and I have gotten accustomed to.
What do I do on a long weekend?
Do I go on a trip to some picturesque locale? Or, do I just party with friends?
Sometimes I do both, while at times, neither of the two at all. Honestly, I have a strange affinity towards spending time at home and that's what I like best.
Right now sitting with my laptop as this page stares back at me I’m at holiday heaven. A few words here and there is all I have managed so far, but it still is strangely satisfying. There is a beautiful symphony playing at the background as I attempt to write. My neighbors too have retired after a night out, but I’m wide awake here. Awake, calm and completely at peace.
A quote, I came across, for you to devour.
“Il bel far niente means 'the beauty of doing nothing'... [it] has always been a cherished Italian ideal. The beauty of doing nothing is the goal of all your work, the final accomplishment for which you are most highly congratulated. The more exquisitely and delightfully you can do nothing, the higher your life's achievement. You don't necessarily need to be rich in order to experience this, either.” ― Elizabeth Gilbert, Eat, Pray, Love
Somehow this hit the right spot in me today. Therefore, tempting as those pictures of a bonfire by the beach look, I’m satisfied being at home on this long weekend. Sometimes it’s best to do nothing at all. Il bel far niente, yes.
Pleasant idleness. I mean, in this crazy life dictated by schedule sometimes not having any plan is the best plan of all. If I need to stick to an itinerary or schedule, there’s no point of a holiday, is there? Well, at least not always. Sometimes, just standing still is the way to be. Peace and quite are right here, within us. It’s not always hidden away in a far off location as you and I have been made to believe ever so often.
But, what was it that I wanted to say exactly?
Frankly, I have digressed and moved around in circles so much that I can hardly remember why I began this post in the first place. I don’t know, maybe I just wanted to say that it’s strangely satisfying to be able to whirl away time, to not jump at every tick of the clock. Maybe that finding yourself and the answers to life’s existential questions isn’t always about going away with a backpack. Sometimes it’s right there in front of you, in your humble abode. More so when you know your life is about to change, and in a big way too.
Sometimes, holding on to the remaining few moments of serenity, familiarity is the best thing to do. So, as this long weekend slips by I’ll probably just be idling away my time. I have always healed best at home. It is where I have always found the strength to overcome life's turmoils; the keys to life's puzzles just by introspecting in my own backyard.
So, though I might not have the epiphany riding a bike in pristine Bali, one while reading a book in my balcony also works. Remember, going away isn't always the answer to life's existential crises, sometimes staying back is.
So, Il bel far niente you all!
Tell me, do you sometimes want to do nothing at all too?
How do you find yourself when stranded at crossroads in life?
***
Linking this to Friday Reflections, co-hosted by Janine Ripper and Mackenzie Glanville
Here are this weeks writing prompts if you would like to join in. Friday 2 October
What makes you feel beautiful?
Reflect upon a quote that has touched you this week, or perhaps one that made you laugh. - I chose this
What is your favourite childhood book?
What is your favourite book as an adult?
Share some advice on blogging.
Explain something you obsess over..
Also, linking to Write Tribe's #WYHO
Prompts: What 3 lessons did you learn from the person you admire very much and if you have incorporated this in your life, share your story with us.
Remember, Elizabeth Gilbert’s bestselling book ‘Eat, Pray, Love’? In case you haven’t read it, it tells the story of a woman who follows her heart to find what gives her happiness. Do you think that you too could leave your present life and go off to follow your heart. If so, where would it take you and what would you be looking for? - I chose this
Do you agree with this quote from Carolyn Wells : “Circumstances alter faces.” ?
Use these 6 words – alas, awake, dreadful, company, typical, lasting – creatively in your post. Underline the 6 words for us to see how you crafted your post.
Here are this weeks writing prompts if you would like to join in. Friday 2 October
What makes you feel beautiful?
Reflect upon a quote that has touched you this week, or perhaps one that made you laugh. - I chose this
What is your favourite childhood book?
What is your favourite book as an adult?
Share some advice on blogging.
Explain something you obsess over..
Also, linking to Write Tribe's #WYHO
Prompts: What 3 lessons did you learn from the person you admire very much and if you have incorporated this in your life, share your story with us.
Remember, Elizabeth Gilbert’s bestselling book ‘Eat, Pray, Love’? In case you haven’t read it, it tells the story of a woman who follows her heart to find what gives her happiness. Do you think that you too could leave your present life and go off to follow your heart. If so, where would it take you and what would you be looking for? - I chose this
Do you agree with this quote from Carolyn Wells : “Circumstances alter faces.” ?
Use these 6 words – alas, awake, dreadful, company, typical, lasting – creatively in your post. Underline the 6 words for us to see how you crafted your post.
