Productivity is overrated. There I’ve said it. At the risk of sounding Un-American, or worse still, like a no good loafer looking for a free lunch, I believe that we in this country value “doing” far more than it deserves. Like Barbara Ehrenreich said about work, “I have nothing against it… I just don’t happen to think it’s an appropriate subject for an “ethic.”
Though I certainly don’t mind doing my share, I must admit to you that I am not an extremely productive person by nature. Not that I don’t applaud people who are; I’m always in awe. How do they manage to get so much done in a day?
Blame my biorhythms, but try as I might I just can’t be a type A bunny – on the go and still going, as American as a BlackBerry pie. I am amazed at the schedule some people keep. I wish I could, but I can’t. Why, even my horoscope told me to take it easy today.
There are others in the world like me, you know, and it’s no surprise that I’ve always been drawn to locations where they’re in the majority. To places with a cultural appreciation for doing nothing, where lollygagging is considered high art. Places where people sit over dinner and nap after lunch, where they stroll the beach, lie in a hammock, chat in cafes. What could be better? I have always suspected I was born in the wrong place.
Yes, born in the wrong place and much too “unproductive” to get into heaven. But if crossing things off a list were to win us points for the afterlife, wouldn’t it be enough just taking care of our personal maintenance requirements? Aren’t the daily demands of our upkeep enough?
For many of us humans in 2009, that list can be quite long. And quite daunting. Besides regular bathing, there’s brushing, cutting, and washing of hair (blow-dry, color and curl optional), dental care, skin care (just the moisturizing alone!), nail care, foot care, back care, eye care, ear care, shaving, plucking and OMG, for some, there’s the make-up too. There’s housekeeping, clothes cleaning and the ever challenging planning, buying, fixing and eating of food, never mind counting calories and carbs. Careful of the trans fats. It’s exhausting. Add to this other vital tasks such as exercise, mind/spirit enhancement and social interaction – and who has time to be more productive than that?
Not convinced? Still won’t give your sluggish self a pass? Then think back to 12th grade English, remembering the old Bard who could always teach a thing or two. Let us not forget that the words Will penned were “To be, or not to be.” “To do” was out of the question.
Sixties Chick 
May 9, 2009 at 3:40 pm |
THANK YOU. You help me self-validate.
Gosh, I miss you! Girl, keep this going!
May 10, 2009 at 11:52 am |
Stated just a like the desires of a kept woman!…bring back the harems I say…let’s give women what they really want!…to do nothing with absolutely no guilt…because they have the safety, security and companionship of a good man…
May 20, 2009 at 1:57 pm |
love it, love it!! Yes of course we are born that way! I have been known to skip many social events because it is too exhausting to get ready for one and look at all the people that had no problem doing it… I also opt to be around people that like me natural, unmade up and napping on a cafe table after eating a plate full of carbs. I find people like that are also ready atleast once a year to spend extra time dressing proper too and attending a social affair. After ten minutes we also end up shoeless, so it ends up all good.
Keep this blog going Mayzee. I for one, need a place to go and identify. LOL..love it!