Today I digress from my list of topics on what hinders our search for Eden and indulge in one of my pet peeves. Actually, it’s more than a peeve; it’s yet another example of how our society has become so distant and world-weary.
I wonder why is it seems so impossible for so many health care providers to really “see” me? Why am I just another faceless, nameless entity that makes up their mind-numbing work day? Are they really that overworked and understaffed? I’ve been hearing for decades that their lack of personal connection is due to staff shortages, cutbacks and overwork. That justification just doesn’t cut it for me anymore. I do sympathize with being overworked. It is tiring, frustrating and debilitating. We’ve all felt it and I’m not asking nor expecting every nurse, doctor or therapist, to be sunshine, lollipops and rainbows. But....
Could somebody just LOOK at me once in awhile?? Is it too much to be seen? My God, are you so worn out, so jaded that you can’t be bothered to take at least a temporary interest? Fake it, if you must? I am a fellow voyager, too. You are not the only one who gets tired, frustrated and overworked.
I’m here because I need your help and concern. I’m here because you presented yourself as a health care provider. I’m here because I trust you and respect your expertise. I’ve waited for tests, appointments and examinations because I realize there are countless others like me and there is only one of you. It wasn’t me who bellowed at you three hours ago? I apologise for that person’s boorish and belligerent behaviour but, surely most are like me; waiting respectively.
I don’t have any ingenious ideas how to create a system that doesn’t run you ragged. I’m saddened that there aren’t enough people like you who have the constitution to take care of us whiny, sick & hurting folks. I’m here because you have the skills. I’m sure at one time you probably really cared about all of us or you wouldn’t have chosen this profession. I don’t know what triggered your apathy and lack of consideration? Maybe too many people didn’t “see” you either, but to be fair most of us come to you because we’re a little “under the weather”.
One thing I know for sure; it wasn’t I who bankrupted you emotionally. I didn’t single-handedly create your indifference. But I did turn up hoping you might care enough to really “see” me; not just a condition. Ultimately, I came for your expertise and you did your job; you helped me. I appreciate that and I’m thankful. My question is; would you recognize me if I came back one hour later? Somehow I doubt in your busyness and aloofness you would remember me.
In all fairness I guess I can’t expect you to remember everyone but, next time I come to you, please take one second to really look at me. Just for that moment make me feel like a person not just another condition.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Friday, October 23, 2009
Multi-Taskers - THINGS GET DONE!
Multi-tasking is the "in" thing to do these days. Next to being "busy" there seems no other credible badge to honour the efficient, well-organized and proficient woman. It's a sure sign that you are capable and dependable. People are amazed by you, bosses line you up for promotions and all those slow, plodding fools who get nowhere fast must be terribly jealous. You are a Multi-Tasker and when you're around THINGS GET DONE! And that's about all that happens....
While I was growing up, my mother was the Queen of multi-taskers. My goodness I would leave for school in the morning and she'd already have the laundry started, dishes soaking in the sink, homemade bread rising and all beds stripped. All this before 8:00 AM! Wasn't she just amazing, a super woman?
Except more often than not by the time I arrived home in the later afternoon she would be hyped up and miserable because there were tasks incompleted. Stressed out but, being the good soldier, she'd push through trying to finish everything before she fell into a puddle of exhaustion. Wasn't she a mother to be admired? Emulated? Except, I could forget about trying to talk to her or spend any time together.
Was my mother an exception or just not very good at multi-tasking? I think not. How many times have we had so much on our plate that we feel overwhelmed and miserable? How often do we find ourselves exhausted and there's still 3 things left to do? How many times are we stressed out, impatient with our loved ones and making ourselves crazy trying to be super woman and get everything done?
Why do we overburden ourselves this way? Will the world end tomorrow if we limit our tasks to a reasonable amount to do in one day? Are we any happier, forfilled or satisfied with our life because we multi-tasked ourselves into lunacy? Is our family happier because of our multi-tasking? Are we?
There is no hard evidence that more gets done or we're more efficient when we multi-task. In fact, mistakes and sloppy results are highly likely. In the end you make yourself appear to be a stark-raving lunatic hyped up on too much caffiene and sugar.
Even if you are one of those super-women ( which I believe is a facade ) who manages to get a zillion things done in a day and remain sane; I doubt you enjoyed one single thing you did. Multi-tasking at it's best is only goal orientated. THINGS GET DONE!
What about taking the time to really enjoy every task we do? How about being mindful and fully present? Even the most mundane jobs can be pleasurable if we slow down. Everything doesn't need to be done at warp speed nor all in one day. Some of the most contented, happy people I've ever known don't rush, don't take on too much and find joy in the doing not just the outcome.
I know what it feels like to multi-task. I've experienced the stress of being rushed, exhausted and overwhelmed. I also, have experienced the elation when THINGS GET DONE. But I wonder how many things I've missed?
The half-hearted conversations with my little girls, blowing off coffee time with friends or seeing the evening shadows and light dancing in my back yard as I finished washing dishes. How many interesting and amusing people have I overlooked or worse, not noticing the sadness of rejection in a loved one's face? Multi-tasking is highly over-rated and if you have fallen prey to this idea of success; I'd rethink your priorities. Trust me; it'll wait, whatever it is and you'll be all the happier for being "one of those people" who back-burner things.
While I was growing up, my mother was the Queen of multi-taskers. My goodness I would leave for school in the morning and she'd already have the laundry started, dishes soaking in the sink, homemade bread rising and all beds stripped. All this before 8:00 AM! Wasn't she just amazing, a super woman?
Except more often than not by the time I arrived home in the later afternoon she would be hyped up and miserable because there were tasks incompleted. Stressed out but, being the good soldier, she'd push through trying to finish everything before she fell into a puddle of exhaustion. Wasn't she a mother to be admired? Emulated? Except, I could forget about trying to talk to her or spend any time together.
Was my mother an exception or just not very good at multi-tasking? I think not. How many times have we had so much on our plate that we feel overwhelmed and miserable? How often do we find ourselves exhausted and there's still 3 things left to do? How many times are we stressed out, impatient with our loved ones and making ourselves crazy trying to be super woman and get everything done?
Why do we overburden ourselves this way? Will the world end tomorrow if we limit our tasks to a reasonable amount to do in one day? Are we any happier, forfilled or satisfied with our life because we multi-tasked ourselves into lunacy? Is our family happier because of our multi-tasking? Are we?
There is no hard evidence that more gets done or we're more efficient when we multi-task. In fact, mistakes and sloppy results are highly likely. In the end you make yourself appear to be a stark-raving lunatic hyped up on too much caffiene and sugar.
Even if you are one of those super-women ( which I believe is a facade ) who manages to get a zillion things done in a day and remain sane; I doubt you enjoyed one single thing you did. Multi-tasking at it's best is only goal orientated. THINGS GET DONE!
What about taking the time to really enjoy every task we do? How about being mindful and fully present? Even the most mundane jobs can be pleasurable if we slow down. Everything doesn't need to be done at warp speed nor all in one day. Some of the most contented, happy people I've ever known don't rush, don't take on too much and find joy in the doing not just the outcome.
I know what it feels like to multi-task. I've experienced the stress of being rushed, exhausted and overwhelmed. I also, have experienced the elation when THINGS GET DONE. But I wonder how many things I've missed?
The half-hearted conversations with my little girls, blowing off coffee time with friends or seeing the evening shadows and light dancing in my back yard as I finished washing dishes. How many interesting and amusing people have I overlooked or worse, not noticing the sadness of rejection in a loved one's face? Multi-tasking is highly over-rated and if you have fallen prey to this idea of success; I'd rethink your priorities. Trust me; it'll wait, whatever it is and you'll be all the happier for being "one of those people" who back-burner things.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Hot in Pursuit
Given we all want to be happy I've been pondering why we seem to find it so difficult to achieve. After much marinating of thought I've come up with a list of possible reasons that I want to explore and hopefully get input from any reader who stumbles onto this blog. So,with the following in mind I intend to go in hot pursuit of some of the roadblocks to happiness.
1. Multi-tasking
2. Comparing and competing
3. Worldly success
4. Busy, busy, busy
5. Impossible standards
6. Our inner child
7. Trendy self-help gurus
8. Turn down the volume
9. To do lists
10.We're just a number
These are only some of the possible reasons we fail to be happy for more than five minutes, but it's enough to get me started....Do you really want me to get started?? I double dog dare you! Ta Ta
1. Multi-tasking
2. Comparing and competing
3. Worldly success
4. Busy, busy, busy
5. Impossible standards
6. Our inner child
7. Trendy self-help gurus
8. Turn down the volume
9. To do lists
10.We're just a number
These are only some of the possible reasons we fail to be happy for more than five minutes, but it's enough to get me started....Do you really want me to get started?? I double dog dare you! Ta Ta
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Finding Eden...
What is the theme of my blog? What do I mean by "In Search of Eden"?
It is my belief that while we're striving to attain success by this world's standard we're really searching for Eden. Eden represents the quintessential life even if you really don't believe it existed. Who wouldn't want what Eden offered?
First and foremost all our needs would be provided by a loving and generous father. He'd supply everything we need to live safe, fulfilling and satisfying lives.
The climate would be the perfect temperature so we wouldn't need clothes and therefore wouldn't need to worry about making a fashion statement. We could eat everything (except for one thing) and it would not only be good for our health, but appealing to our eye and taste buds. We wouldn't worry about trans fats, high cholesterol or any other health issues as we'd have perfect health.
We'd live with a perfectly compatible companion so there'd be no stupid quarrels, misunderstandings or jealousies. If we were a woman; childbirth would be painless and child-rearing would be delightful with our wonderful husband and wise father assisting us.
If we were a man we'd have a the fulfilling job of taking care of a beautiful garden and all it possessed. Money, status, climbing the corporate ladder would be irrelevant. Our time could be spent enjoying our family, home, friendships and work. There'd be no need to stress out by competing, comparing or striving. We'd be happy. And....
Isn't that what we're all really looking for? To be happy and fulfilled? We search for it by striving to have the best job, nicest home, biggest car, most well -behaved children, loving spouse, biggest bank account, most prestigious job, etc. etc. We have missed the mark.
We search and only find temporary happiness but, what we really need is Eden and not just the Eden of perfect climate control and ample supplies. We need the Eden of the Spirit where true and lasting happiness begins. That's the Eden I'm searching for.... That's the Eden I've missed by searching in all the wrong places. So, now in my life, on this journey I've decided to try something new and different. I'm going to try a new path. So therein lies the theme of my blog; finding a way to find Eden.
It is my belief that while we're striving to attain success by this world's standard we're really searching for Eden. Eden represents the quintessential life even if you really don't believe it existed. Who wouldn't want what Eden offered?
First and foremost all our needs would be provided by a loving and generous father. He'd supply everything we need to live safe, fulfilling and satisfying lives.
The climate would be the perfect temperature so we wouldn't need clothes and therefore wouldn't need to worry about making a fashion statement. We could eat everything (except for one thing) and it would not only be good for our health, but appealing to our eye and taste buds. We wouldn't worry about trans fats, high cholesterol or any other health issues as we'd have perfect health.
We'd live with a perfectly compatible companion so there'd be no stupid quarrels, misunderstandings or jealousies. If we were a woman; childbirth would be painless and child-rearing would be delightful with our wonderful husband and wise father assisting us.
If we were a man we'd have a the fulfilling job of taking care of a beautiful garden and all it possessed. Money, status, climbing the corporate ladder would be irrelevant. Our time could be spent enjoying our family, home, friendships and work. There'd be no need to stress out by competing, comparing or striving. We'd be happy. And....
Isn't that what we're all really looking for? To be happy and fulfilled? We search for it by striving to have the best job, nicest home, biggest car, most well -behaved children, loving spouse, biggest bank account, most prestigious job, etc. etc. We have missed the mark.
We search and only find temporary happiness but, what we really need is Eden and not just the Eden of perfect climate control and ample supplies. We need the Eden of the Spirit where true and lasting happiness begins. That's the Eden I'm searching for.... That's the Eden I've missed by searching in all the wrong places. So, now in my life, on this journey I've decided to try something new and different. I'm going to try a new path. So therein lies the theme of my blog; finding a way to find Eden.
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