Much like Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, or Maimonides’ hierarchy of charitable giving, I find there is a hierarchy of activities I do in my time off. I had the opportunity to engage in many of them during my week at home:
- The guilt-laden. You don’t enjoy doing these tasks, but you have been putting it off for so long (possibly years), and you just want to get them done. Cue polishing silver candlesticks, which have been tarnishing on your side table for years.
- The regret-avoiding. We went to a museum exhibit 2 days before it closed. As it turned out, it wasn’t nearly as interesting as I had hoped. But, since I had been looking at the flyer for several months, I didn’t want to let the exhibit close without going. In the end, the most pleasure I got was in avoiding the regret of missing it.
- Hitting the goal. When you really, really, want to get to the goal, but don’t enjoy the process. Like running (sometimes) or clearing out the shredding bin.
- Avoiding the tough project, only to find out it was easy-peasy. Disposing responsibly of my electronics cords. So easy, I love you Staples.
- Enjoying your chores. Gardening in the sun and fresh air. Awesome.
- Just having fun. Sitting on the porch enjoying the fresh air and rustle of the trees and bushes. With books in your lap to read if you get bored. Or visiting your best friend and shooting the breeze on her porch?
I’m very glad to have gotten some of those chores done from groups 1-4. My home is a more pleasant place to stay now that I’ve done them.
But I’d like to spend more time doing activities from groups 5 and 6. They definitely make me feel better and bring joy to my life.