In her work "Slouching Towards Bethlehem," Joan Didion reflects on a time when she felt no remorse for spending her afternoons leisurely. This period in her life was marked by a sense of freedom and the absence of urgency, as she believed she had ample time ahead of her. The quote captures a carefree attitude, suggesting that the pressures of adulthood and responsibilities had not yet encroached upon her daily moments of respite.

Didion's perspective highlights a universal experience of youth, where time seems infinite, allowing for indulgent afternoons filled with exploration or relaxation. As she reminisces, one can sense an underlying nostalgia coupled with the understanding that such leisurely moments can often fade as life's demands increase. This reflection serves as a poignant reminder of the fleeting nature of time and the contrast between youthful abandon and the constraints of maturity.