When I was getting ready to graduate from college in 1957, I was fed up and ready to drop from exhaustion, but still my mind kept telling me, “Hurry, hurry, hurry.” I felt I had to do something, go on to the next step, whatever it was — career, graduate school, as long as it was important. This is an American disease.
~ Florence King
Be sure not to miss Florence King‘s entire letter at Brainpickings here: Finding Yourself
Photography: Thank you Carol @ Radiating Blossom
Yes…
Some things don’t change (from 1957 to today). Although I would agree, the pace has further accelerated (by multiples)
True. No time to stop and smell the roses…..except some might argue that there were other reasons for being exhausted from the four years of college. And it wasn’t the work load.
Yes…
I don’t think it’s an American disease, it’s universal, sadly.
I’m afraid you are right Michael. Warp speed is global.
it is a fever. have to stop it from going to the heart.
Yes, fever. + Addiction.
Yes sadly I did this for too many years now not so much lol glad I was cured 🙂
Lucky you!
🙂
Agree and wow, so so true.
It is…
Absolutely!
Yes…
I like the image in your post, and the post itself is brief but thought provoking. I would respectfully disagree that it is an “american” disease. Firstly just how global is your experience? Mine certainly is not global even though I have done some travel but I would not say it is global enough to make such a statement. Secondly, I believe it was in the 90’s that Americans were talking about copying the Japanese work ethic both for quality and quantity, while the Japanese were coping with suicide to young people from too much work pressure and wanting to be like the Americans.
I do recall though the days of university where if I watched tv or relaxed I felt uneasy, bordering on guilty because I knew I had lots and lots to do. Maybe that is your point.
Hi Dave. My experience is largely in my own head. 🙂 I agree with your all of your points.
I thought about this post for a long time yesterday. I have an elderly neighbor, a lovely lady who recently lost her son. Most of the time, I see her in the hallway as I’m rushing off somewhere, thoughts of “I don’t have time to chat” in my head. I feel guilty when I think like that; when I do take the time to visit with her, she gets so much pleasure and I do, too.
Carolann, your comment captures similar experiences for me. I’ve been considering the “awareness” of this as step 1 in the 10 step plan for recovery. Thanks for sharing.
Yes David it is. I have spent 21 years traveling globally. I can say that in the work place around the world, it is generally “what’s next”! I truly believe we all need to learn how to smell the roses. This is a individual effort. Some people regardless of where they live are better at this than others. However, it is important and will help bring true meaning to one’s daily life.
Nicely stated Bill. I agree. Especially on “this is an individual effort.” Thanks for sharing.
I don’t think it’s just and American disease – it’s disease of the entire world! I just tell it to shut up sometimes, stop stressing me! 😐
And that strategy works? 🙂
On Fri, Aug 1, 2014 at 1:15 PM, Live & Learn wrote:
>