Doing nothing is actually part of the plan

“Some days ain’t meant to be worked nor planned. Some days I need to take the wheel, and for that, I need you silent and still.” –Spirit

That quote is included in Women Who Ain’t Afraid to highlight the need to relax, release, and revitalize. While I totally get and honor days of needing to do nothing, a longer need to do so can be nerve wrecking. I was just in this space in early November.

What doing nothing looked like for me…

When I say I was doing nothing, I mean I don’t feel like I’m actively doing anything to make money. I’m not advertising any promotions or pushing book sales. I’m straight chilling–as if the bills are on pause. My days consist of reading, napping, exercising (sometimes), brunching, deleting old emails, organizing my closet, etc. It feels good. Damn good. If I can release the fear that I might be doing a little too much chilling, then I’d probably enjoy it more.

Here’s where perspective is important…

Although the nagging thoughts were there, I consciously dismissed them. I took on the attitude of my kids. Although they may ask what’s for dinner, they don’t worry about whether or not they’ll eat. I told CJ what it would take to have a birthday party at the expensive ass trampoline park, and he trusted that as long as he did his part, I would make it happen. They don’t worry; they trust. I shared this with a friend recently:

I call it floating since it reminds me of surrendering to the ocean. You have goals, but the next step isn’t clear. And instead of forcing it, you’re just flowing in that unknowing. Although I was tempted to do stuff (put out promotions and whatnot), it didn’t feel organic. So I continued laying back. Reading and paying attention to my patterns and organizing my digital and physical stuff. Then one morning, I floated right back to the shore and walked off. All of it is part of purpose, especially in our line of work–spiritual work. I don’t hustle. I give authentically and I attract, allowing my feelings to lead the way. And right now, my feelings demand chill.

[tweetthis]I don’t hustle. I give authentically and I attract, allowing my feelings to lead the way.[/tweetthis]

But what if…

That’s a valid ass question. It’s fear, but fear is a natural reaction. It’s designed to protect us, but what we do with it, is on us. Again, trust is everything. You gotta have that fierce kind of faith. We often associate faith with religion, but that ain’t so. Tweaking MLK’s quote a bit here, faith is going forward even though you can’t see whole staircase. I didn’t know what would become of my two weeks of my chilling, but I had faith that whatever happened would be for my good.

This go round, it equaled an email from a woman I had a consultation with over two years ago who was now ready to work with me. It also equaled a friend forwarding me the contact information for someone interested in my services. And having the focus and energy to knock out two books before the month ended. #FaithOnFleek

But what if…I ended up losing my business? With no doubt, I’d hurt behind that. However, I’d do what I need to do to get back on feet. That means different things for different people, including going back to work for a while or moving back in with a parent. It’s knowing that either way, you’ll be okay. Even if I can’t trust life, I can trust myself. And that perspective is what allows me to honor the fact that doing nothing is actually part of the plan.

Time Out to Tune In supports writers in their time of doing nothing. Our kind of writing is a mental, physical, and spiritual process, so tips on writing more clearly and creatively mean nothing without the techniques to live and think just as vibrantly. This book has both. Download your free copy now.