I am sure that it’s not only me who has been taking those mental breaks since it dawned on us that this pandemic would be here in a while. When the 1st lockdown ended here in France in mid-May, I was able to adjust to the new norm – that we’re all going to be working from home longer than we thought. It’s not only me who needs this. We need this. We live different lives, but I’m sure that we go through things, and we need to have that opportunity to pause and re-group ourselves. A new year has arrived, the vaccines have been developed, but I’m still working from home for almost ten months. Not that I’m complaining. I am grateful for the work I have and love, and I was able to find a balance between life at home and at work. 

And that’s where the mental breaks come in. There was so much happening personally and at work in June. It’s my birthday month, but I was sad. And even when I love my job, it was also causing some strain in me. That’s when I decided to take the break during the week of my birthday. It did me some good, even for a short time. I had the time to relax and rest my mind and reset it for the coming weeks. Since then, I decided to take those breaks once a month. Besides, I need to use my holidays, and I have about forty-five more.

Last week, I took my first mental break for the year. But instead of going anywhere, I stayed home. I took off from social media. I went out for a walk, went to the market and bought myself some flowers. I went to one of my favorite cafes and tried their cinnamon rolls. I purchased another history book to read at the English bookstore in the old town. I enjoyed the calls I had with my family. I did anything but work. It was relaxing, and I’m ready for the coming week’s challenges.

Currently

Reading.  Another book about history. Did I tell you that I’m a sucker for history? One of the reasons that it was easy for me to be convinced about moving to Europe was knowing that this continent is rich with history that I have yet to discover. France is steeped in it, so does its surrounding countries.

Writing. None. I’m busy reading.

Listening. The sound of the wind rattling against the window frame. It’s a windy, cold night.

Wishing. For this pandemic to be over, so, I can go home and visit the family in spring or summer. I plan to get vaccinated, when it becomes available for the younger citizens, because I want myself and my family to be safe when I travel home to visit them.

Hoping. For that one wish that I have since two months ago.

Loving. My me time. I baked some chicken and cooked some vegetables as sides. I also made this Scottish shortbread cookies – thick, soft and crumbly. I love it. This week, I hope the sun would be back because I plan to test making that soft cheesy rolls that I miss having at Mary Grace in Manila. I love baking when the sun is out (during winter) because it’s easier to make the bread rise as I put the dough directly into the sunlight near the balcony, hahaha!

Needing. I plan to go back to that book I am reading. It’s relaxing to read on this quiet Sunday night.

The Sunday Currently by Siddathornton.