πΏ A Leave Without a Reason
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A gentle pause to remember — you belong to yourself, too.
We take leave for many reasons.
To attend a wedding, to stand in a queue at the bank, to visit the doctor, to mourn a loss.
Each day off is usually claimed by someone or something.
Rarely, if ever, do we take a leave... just for ourselves.
No purpose. No errand. No emergency.
Just a slow day, to be.
Have you ever taken such a leave?
A leave where you don’t rush to wake up.
Where the alarm isn’t the master of your morning.
Where the clock doesn't chase you.
Where your presence isn't demanded by anyone or anything.
A leave that lets you exhale.
One where your only plan is to not have one.
π What might such a day look like?
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You rise slowly, stretch a little, maybe return to sleep again.
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You make tea — not the rushed kind — the kind that warms your hands and lingers.
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You read a book that’s been waiting patiently on your shelf.
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You watch a movie that always made you feel something deep.
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You experiment in your kitchen with that one recipe you've bookmarked for months.
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Or maybe... you do nothing. Just sit by the window. Watch the trees. Listen to the rain. Let the birds narrate your morning.
No calls to return.
No messages to answer.
No calendar reminders.
Just you.
Being.
Breathing.
Belonging.
π This is not laziness. This is love.
We’re taught to measure our days by productivity.
But some of the most sacred days are the ones that look like “nothing happened.”
Because on those days — you return to yourself.
A leave without a reason is a soft rebellion.
A whisper to the world that says,
“Today, I choose me.”
πΈ Give yourself permission.
You don’t need a diagnosis, a duty, or a drama to take a day off.
You don’t need to explain.
You don’t need to earn it.
You just need to say:
“Today, I’m taking a leave. Not for anyone. Not for anything. Just to be.”
πΏ Gentle Ritual You Can Try
Your Slow Leave Day Practice
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Start with silence: Lie in bed 5 minutes longer. Let your breath guide you into the day.
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Brew mindfully: Make a cup of herbal tea or warm water with lemon. Drink it with presence.
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Write a note to yourself: “I am not on the clock today. I am not needed. I am enough.”
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Unplug: Keep devices away unless they nourish you.
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Let the day flow: No plans, no pressure. Just small joys and deep breaths.
π Reflection:
“This day belongs to me.
I return to stillness.
I belong to myself.”
✨ Pause. Soften. Stay.
Maybe today isn’t the day. But let this post plant a gentle seed.
One day, take that leave.
Without reason.
Without rush.
And find what waits for you in the quiet —
Perhaps… it’s you.
Let the path unfold,
With love from StillPaath
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I cried reading this. I’ve forgotten what rest feels like. Thank you for this gentle reminder.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Aswathy. Your words truly moved me. We often forget that rest is not a luxury, it's a need. I'm glad this post reminded you of that. Sending warmth and ease your way πΏ
DeleteThis spoke to my soul. I didn’t realize how much I needed permission to just pause without guilt.
ReplyDeleteI'm so touched to hear that, Angelo. We all carry invisible weights of guilt sometimes we just need someone to say, it's okay to pause. Thank you for sharing this moment of clarity π€
DeleteAs a mother, I always feel I need to earn rest. Today, I’m giving myself that freedom.
ReplyDeleteRiya, your comment brought tears. So many mothers feel they must "earn" rest, yet your being deserves rest simply because you are. Wishing you peace and permission, always π«
DeleteI miss my childhood days where I could just sit and look at the sky. This post took me back.
ReplyDeleteAnupriya, I felt that. There’s such deep longing in our memories of freedom and wonder. I hope you find more sky-staring moments in your present too π
DeleteI’ve just texted my manager. I’m taking a leave tomorrow. No reason, just me.
ReplyDeleteWow, Varun that’s powerful. You’ve just given many others the courage to listen to their inner voice. No justification needed. Just you. That’s more than enough π±
DeleteJust brilliant reading itself is bringing awareness. Waiting for more
ReplyDeleteThank you πΏ
DeleteSometimes, just reading gently is the beginning of returning.
More whispers are on the way.
With love,
Still Paath π€