Peace and quiet – moment number 2
- Take note when your thoughts blossom!
This morning I realised it was almost the end of our long weekend and I’d only managed to get one officially quiet moment to myself. Then I remembered that yesterday I’d been forced to take time out when I missed a train on my way (rushing) home from a meeting with my best friend.
As I scrabbled in my purse for enough change to buy a newspaper I remember thinking what an idiot I was for not carrying a notebook with me like I used to. There was a time when it was habitual to take pen and paper everywhere with me, just in case. I’ve even turned up to balls with my notebook and spent long, scrutinised evenings making notes to help my creative endeavours.
I also wished I’d brought a novel or one of the other books I’m reading at the moment but of course, I was unprepared for my hour’s wait in the train station cafe.
Due to my own disorganisation I was forced to sit and read the paper instead. It felt like I was wasting my quiet time but actually it has taught me a valuable lesson. Or at least, it has reminded me of something I used to know before I got inundated with ‘busy-time’.
Always have a back up plan! Even when you’re not expecting a quiet moment, be ready for one. Carry a book (if your handbag or briefcase allows). Even more importantly, carry a notebook and a pen, unless you have a very lightweight laptop or ipad that’s a viable alternative.
Whilst it’s true that you can’t spend all of your quiet time reading or writing (because you’ll need some of it for thinking) you’ll probably want the option to scribble down your ideas. Or lose yourself in a book you don’t normally get time for.
Not that there’s anything wrong with reading a newspaper either, I’m just annoyed I didn’t have enough change left to get the one I wanted!
Will I get another quiet moment today? It seems unlikely as the other half is fixed in front of the TV and the flatmate is being noisy in the kitchen. But at least I have my laptop and a good novel with me this time!
Read about my quest for peace and quiet here!
