Reader,
"We often think that our affairs, great or small, must be tended continuously and in detail, or our world will disintegrate, and we will lose our places in the universe. That is not true, or if it is true, then our situations were so temporary that they would have collapsed anyway. Once a year or so I give myself a day away."—Maya Angelou.
At the beginning of the month, I did something I’ve never done before: I took a solo trip with the intention of having no agenda, and a firm boundary with myself (one that I almost broke haha) to make no plans to meet up with friends, and no intention of doing anything except simply being. It sounds so simple, right? But let me tell you, stepping away from the constant "doing" was incredibly difficult.
I wanted to share the above quote from Maya Angelou's Wouldn't Take Nothing For My Journey Now that resonated deeply with me during this experience, and in fact, was the catalyst for trip.
We’ve been conditioned to believe that our presence is indispensable, that without us, everything will fall apart. But why do we think it’s supposed to be easy to step away when everything around us suggests the opposite?
When I got home, ten days later, I found that not only was everything as I had left it, but the world had continued to function just fine without me. There was no disaster, no crisis. The earth kept spinning, and life moved on.
That trip, though, wasn’t without its challenges. It cost me more than I’d anticipated—emotionally, physically, and even financially. But the clarity I gained was worth every penny, every tear, every moment of discomfort. The knowledge that I can pause, stop, and step away, and that nothing will break in my absence, has given me the courage to do it more often.
Stepping away, especially when we’re so used to being in the thick of it, is hard. It’s almost counterintuitive to let go and trust that things will be okay. But this trip taught me that not only can I afford to step away, but sometimes, I absolutely must.
In most of my offerings, we explore the transformative 'Day Away Challenge.' I’m always inspired by how clients creatively adapt this time away to fit their unique lives. It’s common to hear, 'But I can’t because…,' yet we consistently find ways to navigate those obstacles. Together, we always find a path to the other side.
I hope this inspires you to take that much-needed break, even if it feels impossible. Trust me, the world will keep turning, and you might just find the space to breathe a little easier.
Reflective Question: In what small but consistent ways can you step away from doing, and lean into being?
Chelene
