Today I read a little more than 100 pages of poetry. That’s kind of easy to do because many times there’s really only a single sentence on a whole page.
That single sentence, though, can hold the weight of a 500-page book that has sentences filling every space.
Write about me she said- for what’s the use in loving a poet if they don’t make you live forever. -Atticus
That’s good stuff.
I’ve been working pretty hard the last few years: the biology degree, the business start-ups, the books, the websites, the college and university administration and teaching positions.
I am definitely of the mindset that I have to ALWAYS keep moving or nothing will get done. If I’m not working on something I feel terribly guilty. This was especially true when I was working in the Life Insurance start-up. The culture in that company was hustle 25/8 (see what I did there… 25 hours per day and 8 days per week… meaning, work so much it doesn’t even make sense).
This is unhealthy. That statement is so simple and true it kind of made me laugh out loud. Beauty exists so that we can take it in. If I bury myself in daily unending tasks, I’ll miss every sunrise I never experienced.
This wake up and grind culture is making people think they’re pathetic if they’re not up at 4am “building an empire” after they went to sleep at 2am because they were up all night “building an empire.”
I was just having a conversation with a close friend and we were discussing being rich. “I’m really coming to realize that I’m pretty happy just being able to afford coffee.” Maybe I’ve talked myself into being ok with little things, like a cup of coffee, as opposed to having millions in the bank. But I don’t really think that’s the case as I’m quite alright with accruing millions of dollars. I have no problem with that at all. In fact, I invite it into my life with open arms. But I invite a hot cup of coffee into my life every day as well. And there may be nothing I enjoy more than a cup of damn fine coffee.
My point is, I enjoy having days where I’ve drank just the right amount of coffee and I’ve read 100 pages of poetry. I also caught this morning’s sunrise. I also worked on my website and wrote this blog.
There has to be a work-beauty balance in your life. It has to be in all of our lives.
Oh, and you’re working hard enough. You’re probably doing a lot more than you really should be and you do actually deserve a day of nothing. Maybe two.
If you need me, I’ll be reading sappy poetry, sipping on a warm drink and listening to Chillhop in the background.
Much love my friends!
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