In adolescence many of us had the experience of falling under the sway of a great book or writer.
We became entranced by the novel ideas in the book, and because we were so open to influence, these early encounters with exciting ideas sank deeply into our minds and became part of our own thought processes, affecting us decades after we absorbed them.
Such influences enriched our mental landscape, and in fact our intelligence depends on the ability to absorb the lessons and ideas of those who are older and wiser.
Just as the body tightens with age, however, so does the mind.
And just as our sense of weakness and vulnerability motivated the desire to learn, so does our creeping sense of superiority slowly close us off to new ideas and influences.
Some may advocate that we all become more skeptical in the modern world, but in fact a far greater danger comes from the increasing closing of the mind that burdens us as individuals as we get older, and seems to be burdening our culture in general.

Referenced by H2230633

We usually take time out only when we really need to switch off, and when this happens we are often overtired, sick, and in need of recuperation.

Me time is complicated by negative associations with escapism, guilt, and regret as well as overwhelm, stress, and fatigue.

All these negative connotations mean we tend to steer clear of it.

Well, I am about to change your perception of the importance of me time, to persuade you that you should view it as vital for your health and wellbeing.

Take this as permission to set aside some time for yourself!

Our need for time in which to do what we choose is increasingly urgent in an overconnected, overwhelmed, and overstimulated world.

referenced by H2220920