Marking Time Apart

Lately, every Friday morning, I start my day the same way. Before I do anything else, I settle in to watch the newest episode of The Great British Baking Show, with a cup of coffee and a baked treat I’ve saved just for this. Today it was a warm apple doughnut with pumpkin ice cream. It makes Fridays feel different.

There’s something helpful about marking time apart and creating a moment that stands outside the usual routine. Whether it’s a favorite show, a weekly walk, or an hour for a hobby, these moments remind us that not everything has to be about productivity. They can simply be about enjoyment.

Today, I invite you to mark some time apart with a small ritual that lets you breathe a little more deeply, something that makes a moment feel different and outside of that race for productivity.

For me, it’s coffee, a treat, and The Great British Baking Show. It’s pastry week!

— Renee Roederer