U Is for Unexpected Free Time

 

At this point in my life—working full-time and carrying a full load of classes—free time is rare.

Not just rare… minuscule.

Every hour tends to have a purpose. Every day has a plan. There’s always something that needs to be done, or a textbook that must be read, or a paper that needs to be written, or a project that needs to be finished.

So when unexpected free time shows up?

It feels like a gift. It IS a gift.

Today, I had several hours completely to myself. No obligations. No immediate deadlines pressing in. Just… space.

And I didn’t waste it. On top of having a chance to catch my breath, it was a gorgeous day (I'm writing on April 10th).

I got a pedicure.
I went to the mall—an actual store, just wandering a little. I never go to the mall.
I wrote a bunch of blog posts to try to get ahead (future me will be so grateful).
I called my sister in the middle of the day, just because I could.
And I even stopped at the grocery store and bought something fun—a sumo citrus, which felt like a tiny celebration all on its own. (If you've never eaten one, run to the store right now. Seriously. They are "in season" fruit and they are delicious!)

None of it was extravagant (actually the Sumos are kind of extravagant - $).
None of it was life-changing (my feet would beg to differ).

But all of it together? It was life-giving.

There’s something about unexpected free time that feels different from scheduled rest. It’s lighter. Freer. A little bit like found treasure.

It reminds me that even in a full, busy season, there can still be pockets of joy tucked into the margins.

You just have to notice them… and take them when they come. I'm thrilled that I am writing about Unexpected Free Time on a day where I actually experienced free time!

Sometimes, a few unplanned hours can make your whole week better.

If you were given three hours unexpected free time today, what would you do?