Dancing when there is work to be done?
I have been thinking deeply on my role in the world. I believe passionately in many causes. I try to be an active participant in society by voting, writing to my legislators, volunteering, buying local, handmade or fair-trade items and creating community.
I also believe that I am doing my share to be of service to the world community due to the measures I take to reduce the impact my family has on this planet. I hope that by sharing these attempts with those who are interested in growing along this path, I am making myself useful as well. I consider myself an activist. So I was a bit taken aback when it was brought to my attention that some people feel I am shirking my civic duty by devoting my time to home and family. In a passive aggressive manner, the charge was leveled at me that I engage in frivolous pursuits, such as dancing and socializing, when there is serious work to be done. I suppose I am guilty of this but I will not apologize. All human beings deserve joy in their lives. It is what makes the hard work worthwhile.
Furthermore, I am a mother. I have children to nurture, a home to care for, a garden to tend and a husband who is often gone for weeks (sometimes months) at a time. My current responsibility is to raise children who grow to be peaceful, mindful world citizens. This is the time for me to set an example for them to follow into adulthood. Would I be doing this if I weren’t embracing life and doing things I enjoy? I don’t think so.
I am savoring this wonderful chapter in my life. I also know I will have many years when my children are older for other pursuits. I am learning so much during my time as a mother that I will be of greater service at that time. The best part is that I will be able to devote myself freely, devoid of the guilt I would have if I hadn’t lived all these years in a manner that was authentic to my beliefs.
May 1st, 2009 at 11:38 am
What’s wrong with dancing and socializing? I personally think that we NEED to take time out for ourselves to do something we love or we are of no use to anyone else.
If you have a pail of water and keep dishing it out to everyone but never put any back in, soon your pail will be dry and you will have nothing left- not for yourself or anyone else.
Enjoy your life, stay true to your beliefs.
May 1st, 2009 at 1:23 pm
I agree with you 100%…enjoy it, it goes SO FAST. I blinked, and mine turned 17 and 18 in a flash.
May 6th, 2009 at 9:36 pm
Shirking your civic duty? Sounds terribly judgmental. Stand your ground and live by your priorities and choices. (Can I add “make new friends” to your to do list?