Is there anybody out there who enjoys and participates in a laid-back lifestyle, at least as much as possible? I'm 48 years old and have never participated in the rat race that most people do. I was recently talking to some guys at work who were looking forward to retiring in a few years, but they were already making plans for the new jobs they would have. One guy said, "I don't think anybody should retire and just sit on the couch." I get that he's being figurative and that nobody is really going to do that. On the other hand, if I retire, I don't want anything that resembles a normal job or any job related stress. That just seems to defeat the idea of retirement.
In my opinion, there is a difference in work and participating in the rat race. My dad recently found some old records of my grandparents from the 50s. Within a few days it listed things like, cut hay, baled hay, set tobacco with a peg, killed 10 chickens and put them up, planted corn,….and it went on. My dad said that people used to really work in the old days, but he didn't recall feeling stressed or like they were always behind. Today, however, we have every modern button known to man, but everyone seems so stressed and busy.
I also thought about my life and kids when I read a recent post here. Again, my kids haven't spent every waking moment with activities. My daughter is certainly in the "in crowd" at school and was a cheerleader, but that was it. We didn't spend every waking moment on weekends traveling to events. My son doesn't do sports, and he likes a relaxed lifestyle. So, I haven't experienced this rat race lifestyle with my kids either.
I guess it depends on what people like. Personally, my most enjoyable thing in life has always been peace and serenity and spending time at home. Some people act as though the busy lifestyle is a must in these modern times, but I still say it's a choice. I've been off work this week, and I've had some chores to do, but it's been relaxed and stress free and on my terms. Sure, there are times when things hit. It seems like there are a lot of reports and items to attend to at work this time of year; however, I am able to focus on that as my "big thing" and get it done. I'm not juggling it along with a million other things.
I'm not a psychologist, but I think this lifestyle was handed down, and I never desired to do differently. My mom was a stay-at home mom, and she wasn't the on-the-go type. We spent most of the time at home, and I would hang out with my cousin roaming the woods, riding bicycles, etc. We lived close to my grandparents and great aunts and uncles, so we had socialization, but not stress.
So, I guess what I'm saying is that I love the stress free, laid-back lifestyle; does anyone else? It appears not.
I believe that the busy lifestyle is a choice, so, why do so many people choose it? Wouldn't their blood pressure be a lot better if they eased up a bit?
In my opinion, there is a difference in work and participating in the rat race. My dad recently found some old records of my grandparents from the 50s. Within a few days it listed things like, cut hay, baled hay, set tobacco with a peg, killed 10 chickens and put them up, planted corn,….and it went on. My dad said that people used to really work in the old days, but he didn't recall feeling stressed or like they were always behind. Today, however, we have every modern button known to man, but everyone seems so stressed and busy.
I also thought about my life and kids when I read a recent post here. Again, my kids haven't spent every waking moment with activities. My daughter is certainly in the "in crowd" at school and was a cheerleader, but that was it. We didn't spend every waking moment on weekends traveling to events. My son doesn't do sports, and he likes a relaxed lifestyle. So, I haven't experienced this rat race lifestyle with my kids either.
I guess it depends on what people like. Personally, my most enjoyable thing in life has always been peace and serenity and spending time at home. Some people act as though the busy lifestyle is a must in these modern times, but I still say it's a choice. I've been off work this week, and I've had some chores to do, but it's been relaxed and stress free and on my terms. Sure, there are times when things hit. It seems like there are a lot of reports and items to attend to at work this time of year; however, I am able to focus on that as my "big thing" and get it done. I'm not juggling it along with a million other things.
I'm not a psychologist, but I think this lifestyle was handed down, and I never desired to do differently. My mom was a stay-at home mom, and she wasn't the on-the-go type. We spent most of the time at home, and I would hang out with my cousin roaming the woods, riding bicycles, etc. We lived close to my grandparents and great aunts and uncles, so we had socialization, but not stress.
So, I guess what I'm saying is that I love the stress free, laid-back lifestyle; does anyone else? It appears not.
I believe that the busy lifestyle is a choice, so, why do so many people choose it? Wouldn't their blood pressure be a lot better if they eased up a bit?
