No matter how much we consume, we never get closer to happiness; we only speed up the treadmill.
James A. Robert
Very wise words regarding consumerism and materialism. I started thinking about other kinds of treadmills though. Sometimes days (like the one I wrote about yesterday) are a treadmill. I am constantly in motion. I am zigging and zagging and doing stuff. Some days the treadmill feels like it is moving really fast.
I have found that the way to get closer to happiness is not to speed the treadmill up. (That only gets me closer to exhaustion.) I get closer to happiness when I step off the treadmill occasionally. I leave my housework behind and take a restorative walk with my nearest and dearest friends in my hilly neighborhood. I go to book club and talk about books and life with women who matter to me. I grab my children (even the big one) and give them long hugs. I talk to them about real things. I go on a date with Adam.
It's all about balance. The errands need to be run, the children need to be chauffeured, the dishes washed, the socks folded. But when I remember to take care of souls too (mine included), I can take intense sessions on the treadmill from time to time.
And be none worse for the wear.
1 comment:
Very well said.
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