Category: Points to ponder

The luxury of laziness.

Most of us avoid laziness. We shun and condemn it, believing only the unmotivated participate in such an act. Not the achievers. Not the go-getters and those who want to succeed.

That couldn’t be further from the truth.

Yes, there are some who make laziness a way of life. They harbor no desire to work, to get ahead or marvel in the self-satisfaction of accomplishment.

But for the others, slowing down is a must and serves as a means to recharging our batteries. It can result in a more clear mind, increased focus and greater productivity. It can be the much needed rest we need when we start feeling irritable, overwhelmed and dissatisfied.

Time is precious and we often feel obligated to fill every minute with activity, from work responsibilities to house cleaning and chores.

Yet sometimes, we need to perfect the art of doing nothing, to immerse ourselves in the simplicity and joy of quiet and calm. No commitments, no plans and no pressure.

So when you find yourself stretched beyond your limits, and your mind and body silently scream for a break, don’t push that feeling aside, but rather set aside some time to relax – and luxuriate in laziness.

Peace of mind.

As we get older, it can often feel like we’re always tired. It’s actually more than tired. It’s exhausted. Deeply fatigued, like we don’t have the energy to take the next step, never mind get through the day.

We eat better and exercise. We get more rest. We can’t figure out why our blood work comes back fine because surely, something must be wrong. Maybe a vitamin deficiency or low iron. An infection. Something we can fix. But not the case. Nothing is wrong.

Yet if we get wiser, we look beyond better nutrition and working out. We look beyond simplifying our schedule and getting more rest. We look at our mental and emotional health. Our thoughts, feelings and beliefs. Our relationships – with ourselves and others. Our overall approach to life and what’s important to us, or what’s no longer bringing value to our interior world.

Continue reading “Peace of mind.”

When to say when.

Each of us handle hardships and loss in our own unique way. That way is an amalgam of our values, beliefs, personality traits, past experiences, fears, wants and needs.

Some people run away, looking for any means to escape their confusion and upset, pain and suffering.  Denial or feigned indifference leads them to suppress their emotions, their smile exaggerated and their laughter loud. Their positive spirit leans toward the extreme, as if there is nothing wrong at all. This can be temporary or permanent, a life filled with escapes used as coping mechanisms to quell emotions.  They may live large, overcompensate and avoid any opportunity to be alone with their feelings for the fear this would debilitate them. Continue reading “When to say when.”

Greetings and Salutations.

More and more I notice the lack of social skills, manners and common courtesy toward others. It seems to be evident everywhere I turn – from running errands and day to day activities to work meetings and emails.

I received an email today – not work related – that didn’t have as much as a hello. It jumped right into what could have been interpreted as a plethora of criticism and judgment based on assumptions.  My guess was the person skimmed the message and replied without actually reading, digesting then responding. It was quite obvious. She was talking with herself, aloud, via email. Continue reading “Greetings and Salutations.”

Why do we do that?

Have you ever stopped and wondered why we do the things we do?  Have you taken the time to observe life from the sidelines, taking in the behavior of a person or a crowd, and contemplated why they do the things they do?

As a self-proclaimed social scientist, I love to watch, listen and learn. There is nothing that fascinates me more than the complexities of human behavior and social interaction.

Trust me, the word ‘bored’ will never pass your lips if you enjoy spending random moments of time observing others.

Sitting in an airport. Waiting at the pharmacy. Stuck in traffic. Running errands.

The world offers an endless pool of activity, if we sit up and pay attention. Continue reading “Why do we do that?”

40 Days and 40 Nights.

Spirituality is very important to me.

I’m not easy to identify, one others would definitely evaluate, question then still wonder – who is she? What religion does she subscribe to?

An eclectic mix of all may answer your question – a baptized Catholic who practices a bit of Buddhism, participates in the Hava Nagila, believes in Confucian principles as a recipe for living and analyzes the Bible, born again  every day.

Yet no matter what I think or feel, I could never find a valid reason (or desire) to formally lose my religion – who is singing R.E.M.  right now, my 80s pals?

I’ve experienced other religions and attended their services which taught me that there is value in all of them.

Continue reading “40 Days and 40 Nights.”

Paying for the sins of Putin.

I’m working on a project that our team was translating to Russian. I’m in a healthcare related industry, but prohibited from sharing details.

In brief, we will not translate a promotional video that educates consumers on a potential treatment option. We have the English speaking version, our native language, but Russian translation was halted – though we will translate to other languages.

I can’t help but feel conflicted.

Continue reading “Paying for the sins of Putin.”

Where are our priorities?

As I woke to greet another day, my foggy mind reflected immediately upon how fortunate we are.

No bombs. No gun shots. No buildings burning to the ground. No immediate fear for our lives, wondering where we will go or most importantly – will we live to have another moment.

Continue reading “Where are our priorities?”

Put the ‘live’ in the moment.

Are you the type of person who engages with those around you – or simply goes through the motions of life, shielding yourself from any potential interaction each day?

Would you recognize the coffee kid who serves you in the morning at your drive-thru of choice?  Would you acknowledge the waitress from your favorite haunt if passing by her on the street?  How about your friendly Lowe’s clerk from Aisle 16, the one who shares a friendly smile as you pretend to be reading a label until he walks on by?  Continue reading “Put the ‘live’ in the moment.”