Quiet Time

I learned a long time ago that I need my own personal space, some time to be quiet and enjoy doing my “quiet” the way I choose to, and the ability to disconnect from the world.

A long drive, good book, even time spend ruminating through a blog post. It’s my private time. Quiet.

Last night, after streaming, reading, and readying myself for the ultimate quiet time of sleep, I had some excess energy to burn, so I went out of the hotel and struck off walking, contemplating, and watchful of what was happening around me.

Over there, is that a crouching animal? No. Just a small stump and the filtered parking lot lights make it look like it’s moving. Listen! Hear that sound? Is someone back there? No. Just the evening breeze slamming a gate back and forth. Watch out! Mud oozing from a construction pit…dangerous footing!

Returning to the room around 10:30 pm, after nearly an hour of wandering the hotel parking lot and a few blocks North and South (busy streets, crazy drivers), I realized that quiet time doesn’t mean adrenaline free time!

And that’s my thought. When you choose time to be quiet, do you also choose time to burn up calories and energy? Do you have to have noise to burn? I watch folks jogging with their ears plugged into sound that makes sense for them… I listen as many play senseless sounds over speakers that invade my space and wonder, do they ever simply enjoy the quiet?

I would much rather have solitude! That’s where my subconscious and conscious thinking merge. That’s when the hurdles of life are handled. That’s the time to let my focus sharpen for the challenges of tomorrow.

After we moved to where we now lived, someone called and wanted to meet with me about rumours they had heard. I was frustrated! I had only been feet on the ground for less than 24 hours and already someone had it in for me.

Now. Being who I am, I’m ready to stand up for myself, take charge of the situation and bounce a few personalities around. I’ve always been like this, but I know to get perspective, the best thing to do was seek out quiet space and think it through. So. I struck off for a walk. Late at night. Down an unfinshed road. Where wildlife still lived and roamed!

The adrenalin rushed, sticks and rocks were found for defense, and suddenly my flight or fight genes were daring anyone (or anything) to step out and challenge me!

Needless to say, I went to the meeting and handled the crisis, but not before slinging a challenge and a declaration!

Bottom line? You don’t mess with my quiet! That’s my prep time!