Finding Calm in Paris
Beating busyness
In a world that often glorifies busyness above all else (apparently, we've been complaining about the busyness trap since at least 2011), it's easy to overlook the importance of rest. But how do you rest? Do you make time for it? Do you carve it out as intentionally as you do your work?
Last week in Paris, my husband and I visited Simone de Beauvoir's resting place in Montparnasse Cemetery, where other great thinkers like Jean-Paul Sartre and Samuel Beckett also lie. As we stood there, I was reminded of one of my favourite quotes from de Beauvoir:
"What an odd thing a diary is: the things you omit are more important than those you put in."
This made me reflect on how often we omit rest from our lives, focusing instead on what we accomplish (so busy). Yet, when we choose not to fill every moment with tasks, we find space for reflection, creativity, and renewal.
Our trip to Paris was initially packed with plans: a hurried 36-hour itinerary centred around watching the Olympic track and field events and finding time for a crêpe or two1. But when we arrived, we were surprised to see the city unexpectedly quiet—delightfully, peacefully empty, making it the most serene global event I've ever experienced.
This calmness, so different from the anticipated hustle and bustle, gave us the gift of unplanned rest and exploration.
Standing by de Beauvoir's grave in that tranquil setting, it struck me how valuable it is to sometimes step away from a jam-packed schedule. The city's unexpected calm allowed us to pause, to reflect, and to truly relax — something that wasn't part of our original plan but became the highlight of our trip.
Making time for rest isn't just about avoiding burnout—it's about creating a sustainable rhythm in our lives where rest is valued as much as productivity. After all, what we choose to leave out can sometimes speak louder than what we choose to include.
So, here’s a little reminder: Make time for rest. Don’t just wait for it to happen. Your future self will thank you.
Recommended reading: Rest Is Resistance: Free yourself from grind culture and reclaim your life.
On the topic of Paris, have you read Glynnis MacNichol’s latest book?