Do You Wait for a Hall Pass From the Universe to Rest?

Like many other people across the country last week, my little neck of the woods got pelted with a winter wake up call from Mother Nature. I think our official tally in Tulsa was five inches, which, for more snow-finessed folk, probably seems laughable. The problem with those five inches is that we almost always have a shiny, sparkly layer of ICE underneath our snow.

Thursday’s snowy delivery was no exception.

Since my job allows me to work from home, I’m the go-to designee for staying home with the kids, which means all of my work on a snow day is done sans makeup or nice hair. My glamorous look is usually also accompanied by my most comfortable sweats (which are not fit for public appearances), or pajamas and fuzzy slippers.

Oh, yeah. Forty-six years old and I still dig snow days.

They’re like mini hall passes from the universe. Permission to let go of the usual routine just long enough to feel like you’re getting away with something.

I futzed around Friday morning, glorying in snapping fire in the fireplace and the fact that no one could do a drive-by at my cubicle to unload a new task, reveling in the lack of office chatter.

Then amateur philosopher mode kicked in. I started thinking about what other universe-induced hall passes I tend to enjoy.

Take for instance getting sick. Or, worse, getting injured. Yes, I know they’re not as appealing as when you’re healthy, but nothing says, “Lay in bed and do nothing,” quite like the flu or a strained back. True, those ailments suck. But, for a brief moment in time, no one gives you grief for taking a time out. It’s a hall pass!

Childbirth is another one. I tell any soon-to-be, first-time mamas, “Whatever you do, DO NOT put on street clothes post-coming home from the hospital until you’re ready to resume active duty. The human race will view that as a sign you’re back in the game.”

If you’ve given birth, or live with someone who has, you know I’m right.

The real question here—and the point my inner-philosopher jumped on with heartened zeal:

Why do I need the universe to give me a hall pass?

Why can’t I just take what one of my good friends call, “A mental health day.” I mean, if I proactively plan the time off for just me–giving myself one hundred percent permission to be lazy–I’ll enjoy it more right?

Don’t get me wrong; I’m not saying I never do mental health days. I just seem to not do it often enough. (Hubby has learned he gets BIG brownie points when he helps me remember the need for these types of days and helps me facilitate them more often than I manage on my own.)

What about you? What are your favorite hall passes from the universe? Are you good about scheduling free time for yourself? Or do you rely on circumstance to do it for you?