Dear Reader Column 05-16-06

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Dear Reader,

I'm feeling lazy lately. I do what I have to do, but I don't want to go the extra mile. I think about things I'd like to do. I can picture myself doing them. I'm smiling, it looks like I'm having a good time--all the outward cues are there.

But I don't actually get going on many of those extra things. For some reason, thinking about them is enough for me right now. I'm disappointed with myself. I feel like I'm backing off of life a bit--it's so unlike me. It's a new experience and it makes me uncomfortable because I don't know how to act--what to feel.

How do I give myself permission to do less? Should I give myself permission to do less?--that's the real concern.

I enjoy a lot of freedom in my life--I've worked hard to set it up that way. Hmm, worked hard--this working hard, it's paid off. Sounds like a good thing.

My work always has a deadline, but it's up to me when I want to actually put forth the effort. As long as it's finished on time, I can work at 3 a.m. or 3 p.m. No one knows the difference and no one cares.

Disciplining myself as an adult has never been a problem for me until recently. Somehow, someone put a healthy dose of guilt in my emotional makeup and it's done its job all these years. Maybe it's worn out? Or weather permitting, just getting a bit unruly?

"Work hard, work hard Suzanne." You're a good girl if you work hard.

So I've always worked hard--perhaps too hard sometimes. But life is balancing experiences and working hard doesn't exempt me from any of them. Could that be the thing I need to pay attention to now?

Maybe I've put in my working hard--working-real-hard-years--and now it's time for more balance: success, failure, joy and sadness, helping a friend through a crisis and every now and then baking an apple pie.

Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.

Suzanne Beecher
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http://www.DearReader.com

CONGRATULATIONS to the winners of last week's give away of The Bachelor Preferred Pastry by Shirley Jump: Elea Wade-Craig, Karen Ristau, Michele Mallicote, Debbie O'Brien, Dot Lechmanick, Mary Widmayer, Karen Grau, Heidi Endicott, Jenny Lott, Shelia Coxe, Diana Abshire, Laura Wellwood, Nancy S. Berggren, Mitch Tillison, Gayle Funt, Hope Schultz, Sue Sheehan, Melissa Devereux, Nancy Kluisza, Maureen Emmons, Susan Poulter, Pamme Boutselis, Jackie Wisherd, Terri Berman and Deb Rhodes.

CONGRATULATIONS also go to Rima Forrest. She is the winner of From the Power of an Actor by Ivan Chubbuck.

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Comments

[Pauline Lockwood]

Dear Suzanne,
Regarding your comments today (5/16/06) I have found that this is a phenomenon that hits in the mid to late 50s. The early part of the 50s is very productive and all go, but suddenly one slows down, still productive but nothing seems quite as urgent or important any more. I am now nearly 72 and nothing is very urgent! I am enjoying doing nothing much and not feeling guilty. I love to read, do all sorts of puzzles, and eat lunch out with my husband. I exercise which keeps me going and my mind fresh.
Love the book club. Keep going!

Sincerely, Pauline

[maryanne]

I really enjoy reading your column and reading the books.The only thing is I get involved in them and then when its done,I need to know what happens next,but;I can't buy every book,ya know.Thank You for your column,I do enjoy it.I have even sent it to people I know,and they love it too.