Creatively Speaking: I’d Rather Be…

It’s funny-not funny that when two rogues attempted to carjack a man named Edward in New Haven on Christmas, he simply told them “I really don’t have time for this.”

Probably not the safest response — he got away unharmed — but Bravo Edward! I mean, how often do we think that ourselves? I really don’t have time…

For this password reset.
For this traffic jam.
For this next world crisis.
For this communication notification.
For this carjacking.

With so many things calling for our attention these days — hopefully not carjackers, of course — we really need to get more clear about what we do and do not have time for, because there are always, always things we’d rather be doing.

(Not to mention the fact that the world is going to hell in a handbasket still and again, and I don’t know about you, but I’d rather go out doing something I enjoy than while I’m upgrading my iPhone for the gazillionth time.)

Remember the bumper sticker I’D RATHER BE FISHING?

What’s your Rather Be?

Hiking in the woods? Baking? The New York Times crossword puzzle? A Netflix binge?

Mine is Reading. I would rather be curled up somewhere with a book and a cat than…almost anything else. Practically speaking, anyhow. (I mean: Paris, right?)

Having kicked the Amazon habit of buy-read-donate-repeat, I am now a frequent visitor to our local (amazing) library. And my Goodreads list is like any stalwart TBR pile: eclectic, hopeful…and infinite!

I am also totally, and thoroughly addicted to List Challenges’ book quizzes. (I know, I’m feeding the A.I. gremlins with more human behavior data…but I can’t help myself.) For example, check out one contributor’s Most Interesting Books or The Greatest Books of All Time, Forever. I am sometimes tempted to read all of their Classic Literature Bucket List, but as a recovering English Major, I am much happier with a come-what-may, weird, and random approach to Reading.

Whatever your Rather Be, it’s important to make time for it. In her article “Why Are Hobbies Important for Stress Relief,” Dr. Elizabeth Scott explains…

“Research found that enjoyable activities performed during leisure time were associated with lower blood pressure, total cortisol, waist circumference, body mass index, and [with] perceptions of better physical function. Such activities were also correlated with higher levels of positive psychosocial states and lower levels of depression and negative effects.”

The article goes on to outline other benefits of doing your favorite things, like taking a break, having a social outlet, enjoying positive pleasures, receiving gratification, and staving off burnout. An added benefit is the chance to experience eustress, or “the healthy kind of stress we all need to remain feeling excited about life.”

And who doesn’t need a little “feeling excited about life” these days? Just ask Edward!

Here’s to safe passage, a pile of good books, and plenty of joie de vivre for the new year!

With Love, Jen

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What I’m Currently Reading

From My Button Box: Collected Essays in a Pandemic Time
by Judith Bruder

Originally recorded as podcasts during the pandemic, From My Button Box: Collected Essays in a Pandemic Time is a collection of thoughts, memories, and musings pulled from 89 years of stories and conversations. As a bonus, each essay is accompanied by a QR code allowing readers to listen to the original podcasts.

From its Introduction, “On St. Patrick’s Day,” which recounts the early days of the COVID shutdown, to the final reflections on “Waiting for the Morning” and finding joy again — the 50 essays in From My Button Box are as colorful and varied as treasures in a button box, reflecting our tumultuous times while looking forward to a brighter future. Judith’s message is intended to reach anyone, of any age, who searches for meaning in our messy, glorious, oh-so human everyday lives.

Listen to “Waiting for the Morning,” then buy your copy of From My Button Box today!