White Space

Have you ever thought how important nothing is? For example, the white space we use to separate words, paragraphs, and images on a page is simply the absence of text or pictures. It is nothing. Yet when the white space is missing, so is the organization of thought. We don't know where to stop and catch a breath. Or to stop and think about what we just read or saw. White space actually draws our attention to the text or images on the page. Though the text or images may have importance, without a break for our minds to stop and consider them, they are just characters. Isn't that what's happened to the text you are reading now? This seemingly endless string of black characters on a white background?


Now stop. breathe. think.

Here is the space to do it.


Ahhhh... That's better...


Similarly, we need the equivalent of white space in our living surroundings and the demands on our time. After the rush of the holidays - time spent with loved ones, hustle and bustle of preparations, excitement of annual traditions - it's time to just be.

Yesterday, I threw away the remaining Christmas cookies.

Today, I took the ornaments off the tree and put away the decorations.

We took the leaf out of the dining table.

Without all the trimmings, the house looks sparse. Yet pleasing.

It's our white space, giving us time simply to live our normal lives. The stores may have filled the spaces vacated by Hanukkah menorahs and Christmas trees with Valentine's cards, but I haven't.

I like Christmas, New Year's, the long break from routine. They're happy times, allowing us to bake yummy treats, spend extra time with loved ones, dress up our home and our bodies for special events. The end-of-year holidays are like a giant exclamation point in the story of our year.

But after that exclamation point, I appreciate the space that comes after. Maybe even a line break or two.

Because I also like the vacated spaces in our home and in my schedule. I'm ready for the steady predictability of our lives. I'm not ready for the next holiday.

Yes, I'm happy in this space.