No worries day
Yesterday, I decided to take a day off from worry. It wasn't easy, because these days, worry wants its workers on the job 24-7. Unlike other employers, it's hiring, bringing new folks into the fold even as the worry load increases for the veterans.
Parents are among worry's best workers. Even in good times, they obsess over what might seem small (Does Amy have clean, matching socks for tomorrow?). And now, the big: Should I hold off on sending in the summer camp check since there's a chance I might be laid off next week?
Even if you have little reason to worry -- you're careful with money, your job seems relatively safe -- it seems you will because of the worry that swirls around you. I can't help it, anyway.
Plus, I knew I needed a "no worries" day when I began to reminisce fondly about having...pneumonia. There was a sweet spot there, when I knew I was recovering but was still under doctor's orders to do absolutely nothing, not even household chores. I stayed on the couch for days as I built up my breathing capacity, reading good books and watching Ina Garten on the Food Network.
Good times.
Thing is, I hadn't had a day off since then quite like that....
that hadn't been filled with household chores, caring for kids, and/or work done away from work. And the pneumonia happened two years ago.
So, yesterday. I took a day off from work, because even though I like my work, like many a workplace it's filled with worry. (It's our job, after all, to pay attention to and discuss the news.) I also took a day off from Twitter, and mostly from Facebook.
The day got off to a less than auspicious beginning, so I decided my worry-free time would have to start after I'd gotten the kids to school. (Their listening ears weren't working very well.)
I read (one of my old friend Laura Lippman's recent novels). Worked out. Tried to stimulate the local economy with a banh mi sandwich from Saigon Remembered.
I didn't completely escape worry/sadness/stress. I couldn't, for example, turn away from the horrific story of Andrew Griffin. Got a call from work around noon from someone who didn't get the memo (you know who you are, Midnight Sun Sam).
But in general, it was a fantastic day that left me feeling rejuvenated even today, and thankful for all the friends and coworkers I have.
Take that, worry.
What would your no-worries day be like?
Baltimoresun.com's 
Comments
Worry-free hint: in my desk, I have a pair, each, of blue, brown and black socks. They were given to me by a co-worker who couldn't function when I wore mis-matched socks to work.
No, really. I couldn't make this up.
Two rules for stress management:
A. Don't sweat the small stuff.
B. It's all small stuff.
(Is Laura Lippman really Sun commenter-extrordinaire Laura Lee? I read that on another blog.)
Posted by: Bucky | February 26, 2009 2:27 PM
Bucky, that was me guessing. Was I right???
Guys, I don't believe they're the same person. Sorry to disappoint.
Posted by: Dahlink | February 26, 2009 5:40 PM
Bucky and Dahlink- I just want to confirm what Kate has indicated: I am not Laura Lippman. I am not fit to shine Laura Lippman's ruby slippers.
Sorry I didn't nip this in the bud when it first came up. See, this is how rumors start. Annotations go missing. Attributions falsified. Reputations are sullied. Next thing you know you're into something... actionable.
Posted by: Laura Lee | February 26, 2009 7:32 PM
I'm not disappointed, Kate or Laura Lee. I can't speak for Dahlink.
My description of LL stands.
Posted by: Bucky | February 26, 2009 8:50 PM
Well, Laura Lee, I venture to say that if you chose to write for a bigger audience, you could give the other Laura a run for the money! I say that with the greatest respect for both of you. But don't give up commenting!
Posted by: Dahlink | February 27, 2009 4:56 PM