Escapes are necessary, and they really shouldn’t be judged

Everybody needs some time to escape and unwind. Even crazy productivity boy, Me.

Once again I’m struggling with the concept of balance. There are so many deadlines, so many books, so many things that I ought to do around the house, for SET, for friends, with my writing… It’s hard not to feel guilty when I watch them pile up.

But escaping from what must take place and putting off responsibilities is necessary for sanity. I need to get out of the house right now, for instance, and I need to do something that’ll be totally void of work or serious thought. That’s not like me…

Growing up I remember when my dad would come home fairly late, turn on the TV, and nibble at snacks. He called this his time to unwind. I never looked particularly fondly on his mode of escape, but I don’t know what the right alternative is.

Do we live in a world where there’s a hierarchy and an intellectualism even to the ways we like to escape? A world where we’re not only judged by what we do but by what we do when we’re not doing? I think I place values on modes of escape when I shouldn’t. Books seem to be the most valuable pursuit, but not trashy novels or most bestsellers. Most TV is not okay, but occasionally some series will be intellectual enough. DVDs are kosher, particularly if they’re acclaimed or artsy. I could even play the same game with vacationing… but hey, I’ll be the first to admit this system is not only arbitrary but rude.

I think I might enjoy myself a little more if I not only adjusted the system but indulged in a few of the things I consider to be less meaningful. Maybe then my escape would actually be more of an escape. Oh well, I’m going to get out of here…