top of page
  • Writer's picturegalpod

Doing Nothing is Hard Work

Read this on galpod.com.

A person sitting on a bench looking out onto the beach with a bridge in the background
Photo by Sid Leigh on Unsplash

My knee has been acting up lately. It forced me to rest, to not do stuff all the time. Sure, I read and listen to podcasts, but, at growing intervals, I also have to just be. It had brought up, again, the usual tension between taking care of myself and being productive. I tend to feel useless if I’m not doing anything. It’s one of the gifts my grandmother gave me but also, let’s be honest, a result of living in a capitalist society.


I feel like every time I stop it’s with the sole purpose of resting so I can be more productive when I get back. I know it sounds privileged, and it is: there are people out there who can’t afford to do nothing, not to mention people whose lives are in danger. But I do think that the mentality of productivity takes over our lives. We tie our worth to our productivity. Sure, I can put all kinds of slants on it. I can even have self-care items on my to-do list. And still, what I’m essentially doing is relentlessly grading myself against how much I got done today.


So, I’m trying to take it easy. I’m also rather itching to write, and that’s something I can definitely do with my feet up, as I am right now, so it’s a great excuse to be shut up in my lovely office all day and write.

 

Hey there! Thanks for reading :) I would love to hear your thoughts about this. Just leave a comment below, click on the chat icon in the bottom right corner, or reply to the email.

36 views1 comment

Subscribe to Narrative Notes

In my newsletter, Narrative Notes, I share updates on my latest works, including upcoming book releases and progress on ongoing projects. You'll also get the inside scoop on my writing process, including story notes and characters' backstories, as well as exclusive stories that you won’t be able to get anywhere else.

bottom of page