Originally I was going to write a serious post about how you should plan out your semester before you start, and taking stock of the work you’ll have to do and how you can go about doing it. I got bored just thinking about it, so I’m going to spare you (for this week at least) and have a random conversation with you about daydreams.
My Experience
Most of us will already have some idea of where the title for this post came from, and exactly who to blame, but for everyone else here’s a quick story:
After stretching my spine, spending an hour and a half matching up my corners (shoulders and hips), shifting weight around, and generally forcing my muscles to work I set off home; still no idea what I was going to write about. You know, apart from a vague ‘lets talk about schedules or something…’ and a desire to drag Tai Chi into my post somewhere.
I’d remembered Ralph saying that he was interested in hearing more about it, so I thought it might be worth visiting a bit. For a while, as I wandered home in the dark, I wondered about talking about relaxation; though I’ve done that recently. Tai Chi and schedules just didn’t fit, and as soon as my mind wandered to add in paintballing (courtesy of Sire), followed quickly by ninjas, I gave it up as a lost cause.
Then there was the light bulb. Seriously, I swear; it pinged on above my head and I’m fairly sure it blinded one of the cars on its way past. In dreams you can get away with all sorts of crazy combinations; my Tai Chi practicing, paint covered ninjas would fit right in. Further, it was a lot more interesting and shiny than my other idea… Bear with me though, because I do have a point.
But… aren’t daydreams bad?
If you’re flying an aeroplane on manual, yes. Possibly if you’re firing a gun (wouldn’t know from experience), coding a game (or anything else for that matter), or cooking, yes. On the whole; I’d have to say no.
They are the lifeblood of creativity. Think about it, your mind literally gets to play and draw any associations it deems necessary – no one else ever has to know what you’re thinking, and its fun! I firmly believe that if you don’t take the time to just be silly now and then you’ll dry up like a raison.
Or at least end up incredibly stressed out, on the road to workaholism, and dissatisfied.
Confession
Hi. My name’s Heather and I’m a workaholic.
I have been for a long time, and I feel that it’s impacting on the rest of my life. My boyfriend despairs because I’d rather sit and work/blog/study than play games and relax. Maybe I’m wrong, but I think most of us can relate to this at some point or another in our lives. There’s so much pressure to succeed all the time; perhaps especially for students, but I see it across the board.
I’m not content to stay like this, so now I propose:
A Challenge
Pledge, right now, in the comments to take more time for yourself and the things you find fun. Schedule it into your planner if you have to – but make sure you do it. I will be (or else, apparently =P) come join me?
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I practive both Tai-Chi and meditation on my spare time. It is really good for general health.~”~
That they are Jamie, good to hear
I pledge to take more time for myself and enjoy things I’m passionate about. Spring means fishing season for me, and right now I’m watching my fav. team on t.v. (ok trying to watch it and not daydream about posts and commenting and working) I am looking forward to giving myself permission to take more time for me. I have done better these past couple of weeks. Thanks Heather…wow I can’t believe that that bulb that went off blinded the oncoming traffic…you need to be careful
Lees Shizzle´s last blog ..Bullet Proof Internet Lifestyle What is It? The Bald Face Truth
Good.
Just keep taking time to relax and not think about blog stuff, or work, or whatever’s stressing you out. Started just kicking back and playing properly myself, makes all the difference really.
Also, blinding traffic, what? Confused!
It is bad if youre firing a gun, I’d know from experiance… though the results are usualy lulzworthy! And I’d know the lulz
You would lol.
It’s great that you’ve past the first stage, admitting to your ‘problem’, out in the open like this too, haha. Now all you got to do is find a good balance between work (even if you enjoy it!) and relaxation time, throw some Tai Chi into the mix too! So good luck with that, finding the perfect balance is easier said than done, but it’ll be a worthy challenge.
Thanks Watari
but you know, you need to take time to relax too lol!
Hmm I think I should pledge to take less time for myself. I day dream and play around so much at work, especially the day dreaming part. Sometimes I will get a block of instructions and head out to complete them and the only thing I remember is how ice cream would taste with pancake syrup on it (don’t ask). Great post tho!
Ryan Hanzel´s last blog ..Climbing back on your throne
Hehe, I don’t see much wrong with that approach Ryan. Pancake syrup though? May have to try that sometime…
Thanks for commenting
My friend, if you mention ninjas often enough, you’ll never get rid of me. Thanks for doing what you do. I’ve got Tourette’s Syndrome and literally have little control of my body. Tai chi is one of the few things that helps.
Josh Hanagarne´s last blog ..A Question Of Priorities
Josh! I know you! Well, I read your blog and comment when I can find things to say at least… thanks for stopping by!
Didn’t realise you did Tai Chi as well though; as I mentioned I’m just starting out, but it feels amazing to do.
As for ninjas, I’ll probably end up dragging them in every now and then. They’re awesome. Still like pirates too though..hmm…
I agree with what you’re saying 100% Heather but what do you do if the stuff you love doing is what others deem ‘work’
The stuff I’m playing with GAB is consuming my life right now and I’m having a blast!
That said, it’s important to take time away from it. Last night I went to see Tim Vine with my husband. We laughed and laughed. It was brilliant! There’s too much seriousness in this world
Eleanor Edwards´s last blog ..If you want to take over the world – look to young people.
Weeeeell, my response to that first part is that a lot of what I was doing happened to be stuff I really enjoyed too; but I still got stressed with the constant ‘work’ mentality.
Glad to hear you took a break though! Sounds like an awesome night, and you’re right, there should be more fun, laughter and general silliness.
Thanks for stopping by!
Lovely post Heather.
You can always guarantee my interest when you mention a martial art. Put the word ninja in there and I’m sold!
I’ve started to take more time for myself recently, which isn’t easy with a lovely wife and two kids but it still important.
Thanks
Ben´s last blog ..Be a beginner
Hehe, thanks Ben – thought you might like the ninjas!
But yea, taking more time for yourself is definitely important… since if you’re stressed you can’t really enjoy the time you spend with anyone else as much as you would otherwise. Glad to hear you’ve started working on it though; keep it up
I always try to give myself more fun time, then I come home from work and work some more on personal endeavors. Maybe I’m a workaholic, but most of the work at home revolves around eliminating the day job.
I do need to spend more time making myself happy though, I’m too stressed.
By the way, I want to get into Tai Chi
, I bought a book on it, but got bored of doing it alone.
Randy´s last blog ..What Brought Photography Into Your World
Hey Randy, thanks for stopping by!
You sound like I do when I’m trying to explain why I work so much lol; I’m in college instead of a day job, but I love what I learn so I’ll sit and ‘play’ with it for hours, write blog posts, etc. Does stress me out though if there’s nothing else I do
Tai Chi is amazing, really is – just started myself but I can see why it’d be something you could only really do in a class setting (with practice alone of course
), well worth looking into in my opinion.
You sound like my wife. When I met her in graduate school, she was always in the darkroom. I am not sure how we managed to get together. But I like your riff on creativity. I can visualize that Tai Chi class with paintball guns.
Thanks Ralph – glad you liked the image
I think it’s interesting how so many people seem to almost hide away in work, or get so caught up in it that its all they seem to do… Possibly it’s good to be a little obsessed if it’s something you enjoy but there’s a line there.