In the business world, it seems to be more common to get pitying stares if you have the temerity to say that you enjoy doing things other than work. They always ask sadly, “oh don’t you like what you do?" Well, actually yes I do. But sheesh, do we all have to be just ecstatic about working every moment of every single day to the exclusion of all else or be labeled a failure in business?
It seems like the quest for money has eclipsed everything. Shouldn’t there be joy in embarking in hobbies, activities, and interests? I don’t want to have to wait until I retire to enjoy the beautiful area in which I live. If I’m spending all my leisure time worrying that “there might be a very important email" sitting on my computer here in the office, I’m probably not fully enjoying the actual moment I am living. And that’s really kind of pathetic.
As I was pondering these things, I glanced at a news story citing a new study reported in the journal Science that basically concluded the old saw “money doesn’t buy happiness" is true. The study showed that “those with higher incomes tend to be tenser, and spend less time on simple leisurely activities." Apparently, those with high incomes had “more chores and less fun."
I’ve read other similar studies that say obviously being desperately poor is extremely stressful, but once you have reached basic solvency, more money does not equal a happier life. Mostly, it just stresses you out. Realistically, as you look back over the last few months or years, what stands out? Was it the hours of being hunched over your computer answering “very important emails" or was it the vacations you took or the time you spent with your kids, friends, or even your dog? Many people have gotten to the point where they feel like they “can’t" take vacations. That’s just wrong.
It’s sort of egotistical to think that the business world is going to somehow come to a screeching halt if you aren’t answering your email or cell phone every moment of every day. Although as many people know, I do try to be responsive to email, I’m not arrogant enough to think that people are waiting desperately for my pearls of wisdom.
So with that in mind, I’d like to thank all of those folks who asked to be put on the list for our new Vegan Success cookbook. Because of the volume of replies, I didn’t respond to you all individually, but you should know that your emails are all carefully stored in a folder. When the book is available, I will send you a personal email with the special code you can use to order it for the “pre-release" price.
But right now, I need to step away from the computer and go put bird netting over my strawberries. I can tell you that robins sure know how to live in the moment. They have figured out that almost nothing compares to eating an organically grown ripe strawberry warm from the sun. I have to agree 😉