I recently read this post by Ed over at his blog. First, it got me wondering if I'd told people - "Just you wait until... " in terms of babies. Hmmm... Ed, I think I might have said/written something along those lines, and if I did, I apologize.
I'm not one of those people sitting by, eating popcorn in wait for new parents to have issues, or to go through what we went through; however, I realize I've a tendency to blurt out my thoughts. I think it's just become a habit for me to say things like that, as there have been some people I know who've jumped into parenthood without a clue as to what to expect. In my own mind, I think I wanted to prepare them - life inevitably changes after baby. But then, in recent events, I suppose that's a judgement on my part.
What really strikes me about his post, and Ed in general, is the way he approaches life. He has FUN. In his words:
When faced with any responsibility we tend to see "fun" in those things that match our routines and see "work" in those things that do not. And, thus, there are those who suffer through and those who celebrate the very same things. Which is just a long-winded way of saying: it's all about attitude! After doing something I enjoy, I feel refreshed. After doing something that I just couldn't make myself enjoy, I feel exhausted, as if I have been swimming against a rip tide. So, I've found I get more done by doing things I enjoy.
I've learned to find stimulation in several otherwise mundane tasks. Far from being simple for it, I've found it takes a great deal of imagination, creativity, and energy. I've also found that thinking this way has made me often scratch my head when people warn me of the trials of most things in life.
So, please, let me adjust the Nike slogan of "Just Do It" and replace it with "Just Enjoy It".
Well written Ed (although, if you ever do get around to updating your post, let me know and I'll fix it here).
Perhaps I'll come up with a few other ponderings on this at another time. But right now, I just want to savor the words.
2 comments:
PG,
That was a very complimentary post. Thank you so much. Life *is* about having FUN. There is a Japanese concept -- I need to brush up on this I forget too much -- about the act of getting lost in a task in more important than the task itself. Which, I suppose, is why flower arranging and bonsai trees and tea ceremonies are so popular:
To explore every nuance of something so otherwise mundane is the same struggle for perfection as any other endeavor.
Learning that it is the process and not the result that brings us learning is a lesson all too easy to forget.
Thank you again.
-Ed
Ed,
You always have gotten me to think about things.
There's a line from a lifetime movie I like, where a woman who enjoys life, tells another woman who's clearly not enjoying her life, "You forgot to have fun along the way." (These ladies were probably in there late 40's, early 50's.)
That's me at this point. I'm realizing that I can get caught up in so many little details, or worries, that I forget the joy or having fun, because I'm more concerned with... well, whatever it is I've gotten caught up in.
And, I've only in the last few years grasped the concept that it's the journey, not the end that matters. Sometimes, I still find myself wanting to charge through and get it over with.
I'm not fond of this aspect in myself, but, I am aware of it. I also know I can have a zen experience while cleaning and folding laundry. Being outside with Pook at the playground, is fun if I focus on her, as opposed to worrying about other stuff. I'm getting better at this!
As for fun? Well... it's a work in progress. And... I'm doing my best to enjoy the journey, and not have expectations about where I end up. :)
I'm also working on releasing those expectations of what fun is "supposed to be". And, I must admit, it makes for a fun journey; especially with an attitude that reflects it.
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