My Idea of a Perfect Weekend

What is your idea of a perfect weekend? My idea of a perfect weekend includes, of course, all of my favorite things. But it would take too long to write them all down, so I’ll just give you a glimpse of a few.

Weekend Perfection: Writing

Any perfect weekend for me will always include writing. Time where I don’t have to worry about how long it takes me, but can just sit in peace and work on one of my books is something I consider absolute perfection. Right now I’m writing book 3 in my series, The Legends of Zale, and I’ve been working on hearing more from my characters.

Some authors can sit down and words will just flow out. That’s not usually how writing goes for me. It takes time for me to focus, tune things out, and write the story characters are telling me. Writing may be something I love, but that doesn’t mean it always comes easily. There seems to be a misguided belief out there that authors type furiously throughout the day and night, never stopping until the book is complete. While I’m sure there are authors out there who function this way, I haven’t met any and I’m not one of them.

Writing, for me, is both a necessity as well as a discipline. I write because it’s good for me. I need to write. Not writing down the stories that run through my head and sink into my soul is a bad idea. But it takes discipline and determination to make it happen. Even though I thoroughly enjoy the process once I get started, it’s much easier for me to sit on the couch and scroll social media. Sitting down in front of my computer to write brings me joy and life and improves my health. But, just like physical exercise, it also takes practice and consistent discipline.

So, what does my idea of a perfect weekend look like with writing? It looks like practicing that discipline and writing!

Weekend Perfection: Crafting

I originally said that sewing was my idea of a perfect weekend. Which is true. I love sewing. Sewing is a way of life for me. I don’t know where I’d be without it. It relaxes my mind and soothes my soul in ways I can’t explain. The softness and beauty of the fabric, the way things come together, the satisfaction I feel when a project is complete – there really are not enough words to fully describe what I’m trying to say!

But I’ve branched out over the years in my creative crafting ways. Some weekends I sew, others I refinish furniture or do a paint by numbers. My most recent purchase is for junk journaling. There’s a desire deep inside me that longs to create, no matter the medium. Sometimes that means working on a quilt, other times it means cutting up paper and stickers and pasting it all together on a page.

This form of creativity gives life because it simply brings beauty into the world. At least, that’s what it’s meant to do. There’s a practical purpose to making a quilt, but that practical purpose could just as easily be accomplished through an ordinary blanket found at Goodwill. The warmth a quilt brings me at night while I sleep is secondary to the joy and beauty it brings to my bedroom 24/7. Similarly, paint by numbers, refinished furniture, and junk journaling are all done for the sole purpose of adding beauty to my home.

Much like a rainbow in the sky, they don’t have any tangible or practical purpose. But what these forms of art do for the health of my mind, body and soul cannot be measured. This art is priceless. It’s self-expression. I also believe it’s a reflection of the God who created me.

Weekend Perfection: Sleeping

I don’t know how much I need to say about this one! Sleeping is one of my favorite things to do. Especially when said sleep is void of any nightmares or anxious dreams and I don’t wake up with neck or head pain. Sleep to me is a joy and a privilege. I treasure my sleep. I purposely don’t set an alarm clock on the weekends unless it’s a working weekend. Even when there’s a list of things I want to do, I choose to allow my body to wake me up when it sees fit. Usually sometime around 7:30am cause, you know, adulthood changes your idea of “sleeping in”. Nevertheless, I enjoy it.

Sleep and I have a complicated relationship. There are so many things I want to do, and I’m a night owl in some ways. It’s taken me most of my adulthood to learn that sleep is actually productive. It can feel like a waste of time, or like laziness. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve woken up super late in the morning and felt guilty even though I did nothing wrong. Sleep is necessary and productive. When I’m well-rested I’m more likely to accomplish all the things I want to do. Not only am I more likely to accomplish them all, but I’m also more likely to do it all with ease. Less anxiety, more joy, and a clearer mind are all benefits of a good night’s sleep.

I recognize that not everyone has the ability to sleep in. Some reading this might have more demanding day jobs that require them to work weekends. Others might be parents of little children who wake them up throughout the night and early in the morning. Still others might suffer from chronic insomnia or pain. Whoever you are and wherever you find yourself, I hope you’ll fight for your sleep and refuse the narrative that society tells us of how it’s some kind of badge of honor to be tired all the time. I hope you’ll also refuse the urge to compete over who deserves to say they’re tired. You deserve to sleep and rest. You might need to work through a season of sleeplessness or you might need more tools and help to get the sleep you need. If this is you, I hope you’ll try. It’s worth it.