I just came across a John Lennon phrase “Time you enjoy wasting, is not wasted.” A couple of days ago I was listening to a friend who was lamenting how people at a meeting were wasting time and how she had no patience for that kind of waste. The words from John Lennon seem to provide an explanation for how subjective one’s perspective really is–at that meeting where my friend found she was wasting precious time, other people were probably enjoying the time wasted immensely.

Sometimes those of us who are task oriented become so focussed on the task at hand that we don’t appreciate that our world is made richer by those people around us who are more oriented towards community and fellowship than task. Mercifully, the world is a wonderful place and there is room for both types of people: those who are task oriented will get things done, and those who are seeking connection, will also get things done, albeit at a slower pace. There is no doubt in my mind that at the end of my days I will not be looking back to ask how many tasks I have accomplished–did it really matter that a 1000 envelopes were addressed and sealed in a hour? Or will I long for the joy of the people who came together to give of their time, even if they seemed to be wasting mine?
So next time you think someone is wasting your time, think how much the other person may be enjoying herself! What would it take to see it from her point of view?

Life is Amazing! Live Well.
Anna Grassini