WHAT IS CREATIVE LOAFING?

Or, if you have to ask...you probably aren't doing it!

By Theolonius McTavish, a committed creative catnapper, a irreverent icon of idling, and a very smooth schmoozer, (especially with a margarita in one hand, my bronze body in a deck-chair, and my toes in the water)


I stumbled across an on-line article today on "workaholism", (as I was merrily making my way toward the kitchen in my trapdoor pj's at 11:00 am, just in the nick of time for my fourth cup of caffeine).

While "workaholism" has been described as "the addiction that society applauds", engaging in any form of loitering, lollygagging, or leisure is generally frowned upon by pundits, professionals and politicians.

Nearly 237,000 web pages are devoted to the ravages of "workaholism", while it's solution, "creative loafing" (with almost 1,370,000 internet web pages devoted to the topic), is rarely mentioned as an effective remedy by accredited heath care professionals, spiritual counsellors, or educators.

And, while some who suffer from "the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune" that often accompany their need to serve others or to do more than is humanly possible to receive their 'brownie points', others enrol in 12-step recovery programs to rid them of their evil ways. On the other hand, "creative loafers" have learned to accept life just the way it is and to enjoy it to the fullest.

Creative loafing implies a willingness to let go of all the "shoulds" in one's life, toss the "to do" list in the nearest refuse receptacle, and to focus on "being" as opposed to "doing".

Creative loafing means being comfortable with yourself and with life itself...without the need to justify anything or to change anyone). It means not being afraid to experience the rich tapestry of one's inner as well as outer landscape.

There is definitely something to be said for "going with the flow". Just as the nursery rhyme suggests perhaps one might forget about "waiting for Godot" and simply "row row row your boat, gently down the stream, merrily merrily merrily merrily, because "life" truly "is but a dream."

So, quit complaining about how hard it is to paddle upstream, or even why you're up a creek without a paddle in the first place! "Wake up and smell the roses", listen to the birds chirping, and then when the stars come out at night, use them to guide you to your true passion or purpose in life.

First, if you're having a hard time figuring out what to do, why not ask your favorite figure in history, a cartoon character, or perhaps a matinee idol, "how would you tackle this situation"? If that doesn't work -- write your predicament down on a piece of paper, roll it up and tie a bow around it, and drop it in a "pitty pot". Now you can do some "dilemma dumpster diving" or maybe trade your problem for someone else's!

Second, climb into your own skin for a change, and listen to your "inner imp" who's eager to come out and play. (This little leprechaun really couldn't give a hoot about what the neighbors will think, or for that matter what your boss and/or colleagues at work might say or do)!

And last of all, smile and let your hair down. Why not cherish your own light, gifts and talents and become the hero of your very own story! When you do that, you'll recognize the light, gifts, and talents of others and be willing to share them along life's highways and byways...because that's what "creative loafing" is all about.