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I used to fear an empty calendar. Any unscheduled time felt like a missed opportunity. Then, I stumbled across this idea from the Chinese philosopher Laozi: "A bowl is most useful when it is empty.”

At first, I didn't get it. Who wants an empty bowl? But after two years of juggling college life, I've come to understand the wisdom in those words. It's all about finding a balance between fullness and emptiness—between a packed schedule and intentional downtime.

An Overflowing Schedule

My college schedule has made me intimately familiar with the concepts of fullness and emptiness. During my sophomore fall semester, I was active in student government, club swimming, and my professional fraternity. Add a social life and good grades, and my calendar was constantly full.

That semester, I strived to keep my schedule packed. Any free evening felt like a defeat; I wanted to make the most of my time. However, this constant stimulation took a toll on my mental health. By prioritizing a full schedule, I neglected the essential downtime I needed for balance.

Rethinking Downtime

When I say "emptiness," I don't mean doomscrolling on my phone. I'm referring to time spent resting, reflecting, meditating, or journaling. Within a schedule, emptiness is unscheduled time for doing whatever you need. Even the most relentless workaholics need this kind of time. Relaxing downtime is essential self-care, something my generation (and I) often neglect.

Embracing Emptiness

I know many people who have said something like, "I am afraid to be alone with my thoughts." And last year, I was too. Solitude can be scary, especially when avoiding processing complex thoughts and issues.

However, over winter break, I started journaling, which helped me process a lot of what I was trying to suppress. Scheduling this downtime and using it intentionally helped me strengthen myself mentally. This allowed me to be more effective during my busy times. Now, I don't fear solitude; I cherish my downtime.

Less is More

Empty time isn't wasted time; it's potential. It's space for self-discovery, recharging, and being truly present. Like an empty bowl stands ready to be filled, open space in your schedule allows flexibility for unexpected opportunities and all of life's surprises.

During your next planning session, take a look at your calendar. Where can you create some emptiness, room to breathe, and time just to exist?

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