TAB: Taking A Break

I’m often told my life is hectic. It is, by design. I don’t do well with being lazy and watching Netflix all day. But now and then, I take it easy and relax.

Me at Orpington Golf Centre in Orpington, Kent, UK

My life is busy by design. Yes you heard that right.

When I used to work at this golf centre, I used to preach for a busy shop rather than an empty shop. Being busy keeps your mind active — something I try to replicate with creativity every day with this blog.

I also appreciate that I’m only young for a certain amount of time. Soon there will be responsibilities that will take up my time. I won’t have the amount of availability to do the things I love.

While I can, I will continue writing everyday. I will work a job while studying and I will enjoy the company of friends and loved ones.

My time is valuable. I know it is. So why would I sit around and do nothing? Seems illogical to me.

Today was a day for a break. I had submitted a difficult assignment on Friday and I have an exam on 1st March. Today I could have off.

My thought process when I allow myself to take breaks is one of recharging batteries and learning something new. Yes, I want to still learn and absorb knowledge because it may be useful and applicable to other aspects of life.

When I do an activity on a break day, I ask myself two questions:

1. Am I going to fully enjoy myself, enough so that I forget academic or work worries?
2. Will I learn something new?

The reason the second question is so important is because I do a lot. But I don’t really take the time to learn new things. I go to university and learn academia but I want some more practical and obscure skills too. The balance of street-smarts and academic brilliance is one I’d like to strike because I know I will never be able to possess fully one side or the other.

Context: It was the first sunny day in London in a long time. Highs of 10 degrees Celsius, clear skies and warm sun. Summer is coming

Alex foaming my car in Sidcup, Kent, UK

This is Alex S. He’s made an appearance on the blog near the start of it all. Nice to have him back.

It’s funny because we both lead hectic lifestyles or rather structured lives, it’s impossible to meet up. But the worst part of it all is that we live a two minute drive apart.

Alex was back from skiing and it was a beautiful day so we decided to catch up in the best way, washing our cars. My car hasn’t been thoroughly cleaned since it was bought about a month ago so it definitely needed it.

Answering the two questions:

1. Yes, Alex is a very close friend. I suppose a turbulent friendship lasting over 11 years but solid now. We talked about work and general other conversation. It’s nice to see someone I’ve known for a very long time once in a while, even if it’s not as often as we’d both like.
2. He cleans his car every Saturday. It’s rather religious. I learned how to wash and clean a car at home. Save £6 and I got a great conversation out of it.

Success.

Next on the agenda, after we said our farewells — I was off to the golf club. I had a competition. My first in a month. It didn’t go well. Rather shambolic and scrappy. Three birdies but didn’t even surface the 30 point barrier.

I played with three gents that I never had met. They were all very accommodating and friendly and I enjoyed the company. My mind was free of worry and stress. I enjoyed the course and the weather.

There’s something quite therapeutic about playing golf. Whatever you might think of the sport given the standard stereotypes, it really does wonders for the mind.

Sunset through the practice hut at Rochester and Cobham Park GC in Cobham, Kent, UK

Question time:

1. I don’t know if I fully enjoyed myself golf-wise. I played poorly but I made my entry fee back with a birdie 2 so I suppose it worked out for the best. Otherwise the company was fantastic, we laughed and joked. That’s what I love about golf clubs. The type of humour is universal.
2. Yes I did. I learned the stories of two out of three of the guys I played with. One a former policeman turned park ranger who loves yoga and one insurance broker loving golf after injuries pushed him away from football. There’s something quite special about learning someone’s story. Like I said yesterday, often we’re too quick to judge on appearance.

Should I take more breaks? Probably.

Should I spend more time with my friends than work all the time? Probably.

Will I regret any of my choices down the line if I stick to my current schedule? Nope.

The thing is, what it really comes down to, is how much you want to beat the rest. In whatever you do. Breaks are good, they’re necessary. But if you’re not on the grind most of the other time, you have to assume someone will overtake you.

I don’t like sitting down and not being busy. Not because I can’t stand my own thoughts (although this is a fear of mine) but because I don’t want to live a life with regrets.

All these opportunities, even breaks, I see as once in a lifetime.

Why waste them?