May 2025 – By Beth L. Sinkler, Growth and Strategy Director, Maximus

TURN IT OFF!  Like a leaking faucet my mind is in constant drip motion.  Even in a state of meditation, I shift effortlessly within a micro second from concentrating on my breathing awareness, inhale (1, 2, 3) …. exhale (1, 2, 3) to – “Is my dry cleaning pick up this Wednesday or Thursday?”.  Sounds silly, however, this dripping trend is a constant battle as I seek to establish a happy, solitary, state-of-mind.  That place where I can totally turn off the noise to relax, restore, or reflect.  No, not reflect, that would involve too much thought.  Let’s just concentrate on a true, mindless, unwind setting. 

With focus on my brain waves, I realize my mental thoughts run all over the place.  From the present moment of writing words to paper, I zip to the future to ponder, ‘What is for dinner?’.  As quick as lightning strikes, my thoughts zoom to the past, ‘Why didn’t I speak up during that meeting?’.  I truly believe I have the super powers of ‘Flash’.  The super hero that gains access to the speed force allowing him to think and move at superhuman speeds. 

Just like most superheroes depicted in the comic strips, after saving the world, they are completely exhausted.  Collapsing to the ground, receding back to their cave for rest and restoration in order to save the world yet again, on another day. 

As I seek to find a mental break from my own thoughts.  I call it a moment of ‘joyful loneliness,’ also known as restoration.

First, I understand that I own the process of self-care.  Fact, the pursuit of achievement, will lead to exhaustion and stress.  I know that I will find strength through my restoration. 

Second, I have identified my loneliness space.  For me it is anything with water.  Long showers, soaking in a tub, listening to a babbling stream, viewing a breathtaking waterfall.  Those seconds when I simply emerge in a pool of water.  I experience mental and physical stillness and calm, that kindles my soul feeling peace and pleasure.   

Third, I prioritized my mental free moment.  It is a moment that is all mine, that I will never get back, so I spend it wisely, on nothingness. I don’t find time; I make time for my super power repair.

It won’t be easy.  Nothing worth while is as I embark on this self-empowerment journey.  For all my fellow super sheroes, also known as, overachievers, perfectionist, trailblazers, delegators, valedictorians, and bosses, I encourage you to TURN IT Off!  Be still, be silent.  Let your mind pause.  Be inspired to find your moment of ‘joyful loneliness’.   When found, may it soothe you, heal you, and bring you strength.  After all, the world will need saving on yet another day.