One of the ways I practice self-care is regular float therapy appointments—90 minutes effortlessly floating in a dark and silent tank filled with 1000+ pounds of Epsom salt—it’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but I come away from my floats with relaxed muscles and a quieted mind. Before my most recent float I noticed an illustrated book on the table in the waiting area called The Gift of Nothing by Patrick McDonnell. It is about Mooch (the cat) who desperately wants to get his friend Earl (the dog) a gift for the holidays. Mooch notices Earl already has everything he needs and asks himself, “What do you give a guy who has everything?” Mooch comes up with the perfect gift: nothing!

 

It was a cute book that only took a couple of minutes to read, but it has had me thinking about nothing all week—and how nothing can be a gift.

 

As we anticipate a new year, it’s easy to feel the pressure to set grand resolutions, start fresh, and make huge changes to our lives. But what if, instead of diving into a list of “new year, new me” goals, we embrace something a little different in 2025? What might it look like to give ourselves the gift of nothing? This doesn’t have to be about doing less or being inactive. It’s about creating space—space for stillness, reflection, mindfulness, and maybe even silence. It’s about slowing down enough to be in the present moment without the constant push to achieve or prove ourselves.

 

Here are some ways I’ve been considering giving myself the gift of nothing in 2025—or at least a little more mindfulness—maybe some of these will resonate with you or spark your own ideas:

 

1. Taking a Technology Break
   Unplugging from my phone, computer, and TV for set periods of time. It may be as little as 30 minutes or as long as a weekend—time to allow my mind to decompress and my eyes to rest.

 

2. Walking Without Purpose
   Taking walks with no particular destination in mind. Walking slowly, noticing how my body feels with each step, and how the air feels on my skin. Paying attention to the sights and sounds around me—the rustling of leaves or the distant chatter of birds. Not rushing to be anywhere, but simply walking to feel my body move.

 

3. Cooking or Eating Without Distractions
   Cooking a meal without multitasking—not checking emails, scrolling through social media, or listening to podcasts while I’m making dinner. Focusing solely on the food in front of me: the colors, textures, smells, and the process of preparing it. When I’m eating, savoring each bite. Enjoying the flavors and the sensations of eating, without rushing or distractions. Noticing how it feels to be able to nourish myself.

 

4. Doing Nothing for 5 Minutes
   Setting a timer for five minutes and doing absolutely nothing. Not checking my phone or scrolling through emails (there seems to be a pattern here!). Not making plans. Just sitting quietly, breathing, and being with (or without) my thoughts. Creating space for clarity, creativity, and sense of relaxation.

 

5. Pausing Before Responding
   When someone speaks to me, instead of immediately responding, taking a short pause. Giving myself a moment to truly hear what they’re saying, and to reflect before offering an answer. This mindful pause can help improve communication, reduce the likeliness that I say “yes” to something I actually want to say “no” to (leading to feelings of resentment), and deepen my connection with others.

 

6. Create a “Nothing” Zone

Designating a spot—maybe a cozy chair, a corner of the couch, or my car—as my “nothingness” zone. Spending a few minutes there daily, where I’m not checking email, planning errands, or doing chores. Just being. (And giving myself permission that yes, it’s okay if I end up zoning out for a while—sometimes that’s exactly what I need!)

 

At the end of The Gift of Nothing, Mooch discovers that the gift of nothing isn’t really nothing at all—it’s the gift of time, connection, and presence. While this makes for a nice children’s story, it may not feel practical in the adult world of deadlines, responsibilities, and to-do lists. The idea of doing nothing might sound counterintuitive, even indulgent, a luxury afforded to people who already have it all together. But what if doing nothing could actually be one of the most productive things we can do?

 

The good news is we don’t need hours of free time to benefit from nothingness. We don’t have to be on vacation to find stillness. We can do nothing right in the middle of our busy days. Small moments—whether it’s a few minutes of deep breathing, a mindful walk, a silent car ride, or savoring a meal—can reset our nervous systems and have a big impact on our mood, communication, and ability to be present with ourselves and for those we love.

 

If you would like to explore ways you might be able to give yourself the gift of nothing—experiencing more peace and steadiness as a partner, friend, parent, employee, caregiver, or leader, please reach out for a free consult call to see if we may be a good fit to work together: https://schedulewithlmc.as.me/BrittRiddle. I would love to help you explore ways to manage stress and anxiety, reduce burnout, and clarify your boundaries!

 

Originally from Louisville, Britt moved back to pursue a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary. Prior to becoming a therapist, Britt received a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree and Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) degree and served as a minister in congregations in Virginia and Kentucky. In her free time, she can be found doing all the introvert things: writing, creating, reading, and practicing meditation and yoga.