Nadine J Walters – My Life

Today’s question for myself: What did you do yesterday?

My answer: Nothing.
Wrong answer!

I never left the house yesterday, but once I started thinking about it—I actually did quite a lot.

Sometimes I fall into the trap of believing that unless you do something spectacular or noteworthy, it doesn’t count. But that’s just not true. Even if my day had consisted only of reading novels, watching Netflix, or lounging by the pool, I still would have done something. I would have been thinking about the novel’s storyline, deciding on snacks and then fixing them, making my bed, brushing my teeth, getting dressed, and setting up my headquarters for the so-called “nothing” I planned to do.

In reality, yesterday was full. I moved through my usual rhythm: coffee, reading, a walk, shower, writing, meditation, a workout. Then I painted. I listened to my art course content, completed the assignment, and watched two artist interviews—taking notes along the way. I did laundry, prepped dinner, went for another walk, made and ate dinner, caught the news, and sipped a glass of wine while sketching faces for my art blog. I’m sure I did more in between, but those details have already floated away.

My point is: even though I didn’t go on an adventure, leave the house, or socialize, I was still busy living.

There’s nothing wrong with doing “nothing”—nothing Instagrammable, nothing flashy. Doing nothing can be as slow or as full as you make it. It can be relaxing or energizing, boring or inspiring. Truth is, “doing nothing” is a myth. We’re always doing something.

I’m learning to embrace both: doing something and doing nothing—and finding joy in each.