These were the words of the flight attendant as we all prepared to disembark the plane following an uneventful flight to the coast. I’ve taken a week away to come visit my mother on the north coast of California. And, frankly, I thought it was a horrid choice of words. The last thing in the world I need are more voices urging me to be productive. Now even the fight attendants are telling us to go forth and produce…produce!!
Here are some words I would rather hear from flight attendants, teachers, parents, media outlets, magazines, doctors, and priests:
- “Follow your bliss.”
- “Just relax.”
- “Smell the roses.”
- “Do nothing for the next four hours.”
- “Feel free to simply enjoy yourself.”
- “Go ahead, eat the ice cream.”
- “Put your feet up.”
- “Have a cup of warm milk and a chocolate chip cookie.”
- “You are the BEST.”
- “Have a peaceful, nonproductive week.”
- “I’ll take care of the skunks for you.” (Thanks, Jan!)
Don’t you feel better already? Go ahead. Have some fine, nonproductive time. Don’t know how? Just watch your animal companions…
Yes! We are human BE-INGS…..not human DO-INGS! And thank goodness for that!
My animal companions, especially the cats, show me every single day the art of doing nothing, they are Zen masters. They also show me how to stretch, how to sleep deeply, and how to be really, really cool. They also have a talent for throwing up in my shoes when the feeling strikes, but we won’t go there…….
Susan, enjoy your trip and have any kind of day you like!
Love that list, Susan! Enjoy your week over there.
Louba
Here Here!
Here here again! (fixed my website:)
Well alright then, but I’d say to be a flight attendant today must be a stretch and someone in corporate most likely told them to say that dumb stuff!!! ??? 🙂
When I see people and they say “how are you?” I never say the pat answer “fine”. I say I am happy to see you or look how beautiful this day is and so forth. We just need to shift and use some of the things Susan presented.
Susan, on your flight home give them your list! No doubt at least one of them will get it and go for it! 🙂
Productive?! I guess that is better that the canned response of “have a nice day!”. That one always P—– me off! ha!!!
Hugs all!
D.B. Denise from Northern Michigan
Hi Susan in California. Your photo looks like you are cold and wind blown as you stand above the beautiful coastal waters of the Pacific. How amazing that you are able to fly westward, have a smooth flight, and then hug your mother to you. Can we not, one the other hand, consider that this is all “productive”, realizing how much joy you are bringing to your life and to your mother’s? There is so much to be gained by taking such a trip as yours, rather…productive!! I hope that you find my comments humorous, as intended. Be on your path always!
Amen.
My Mother and I were discussing a similiar topic just the other day. She shared with me something she does to make herself feel better on days when her chronic depression has her in its usual choke hold. She told me she will often purposefully seek a stranger or two and tells them to be sure to have a really FUN day. She said that the brief look of shock, combined with an immediate smile, never failed to cheer her up.
Goodness, a FUN day? Isn’t that illegal in some cities these days?!
Animals are the best teachers when it comes to teaching us how to just be without doing. I agree with Cindy, they’re little Zen masters in fur coats, and cats are especially good at it.
Doing nothing and just being is most definitely a lost art – which is why it’s up to those of us who understand the value of it to remind the rest of the world of it!.
Love your list, Susan – especially the “eat the ice cream” part!
Ah, yes, the ice cream! I’ve been taking my own advice to heart. Each night while I’m in California visiting my mom, we play a game of scrabble, and I have an ice cream sandwich (neopolitan, of course! Gotta love that chocolate…). Last night, I had two. Maybe tonight, I’ll have three…..!
It doesn’t hurt to add a smile too!
I was going into a hospital one day and passed a woman and gave her a smile. She smiled back and said, “Thank you for your smile….I feel better already!”
On the note of spending our time productively; my dear friend Hayden chester Hallett-Treece will be with me in 1 hour to ride the bike trail and nature path. He is an amazing 8 year old who tells me that if”we really wan to have fun we need to rush out onto the nature trail and make the big bird noises and squeal at the Chippies!
Heading out with my little friend now to squeal and squawk at the big birds…wish you were here!!!
Going to let go and roll with the fun!!!!
Hugs,
D.B.
Susan, you are truly living on the edge, eating three ice cream sandwiches. Says me, having just finished a quart of Cherry Garcia…..
Pint! I meant pint! 🙂
Sure, Ingrid. A pint, eh?