Normally, I would not put much credence in a label that had been created by some random personality pundit. But perhaps I need to rethink my position.
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| Bunny!* |
Permit me to clarify.
I get the New York Times newsletter every day. On the weekends, they take a break from the psychotic mayhem in our nation's capital to focus on more personal topics. Today, the writer referenced an article by Emily Laber-Warren, who has conveniently divided our society into two groups and labeled them "monochronic" and "polychronic."
This is where the eyerolling would typically begin, but today I put on my magnanimous hat and decided to bully through the piece.
Those who are piss-poor at multi-tasking have earned the label of "monochronic." They (aka "me") prioritize obligations over relationships. In other words, "I'm working on this piece for work, and if you interrupt me, I'm going to botch it up." My deep-seated modus operandi is that I need to get my work done first, then I can carpe diem. I can't enjoy myself unless all the chores are done.
In my defense, and with Mr. Ginley's prodding, I've been working to change this. While I still put tasks first, I take breaks during the day to listen to birdsong, admire the random bloom of wildflowers in my backyard (trying not to think about neglected yard work), and sip my coffee mindfully instead of gulping it down out of habit. The trick is to walk away from work for a few minutes and take notice of the big, wide world out there without thinking about work AT ALL.
Polychronic folks give priority to relationships and experiences that don't coincide with schedules. These people are good at multitasking and shifting things to accommodate others. While Mr. Ginley is very focused when he's working on something, he's also able to postpone chores in favor of pop-up outings. So when I come down from my office and suggest a walk to the library or lunch in the park, he's unlikely to say, "I can't, I have laundry to do."
Not that it's an excuse for my being monochronic (well, okay, it is), but I believe my tendency to single-minded pursuits was ingrained in my childhood. My Mom was of the stay-at-home variety in my tender years, and she did not deviate from her schedule. There was a day for laundry, one for ironing, two for cleaning (with each day having specific tasks), one for grocery shopping, etc. Dinner was on the table the same time daily.
Although his mother was the same way, Mr. did not come away with the same work ethic. Sure, when he was working in an office, he was there on time and worked like the dickens. But at home, if it came down to a choice between chores and fun stuff, there's no question which would win most of the time.
This was beautifully illustrated early in our relationship, shortly after he moved to Virginia to be with me.
I vividly recall how I put on old clothes and gathered a mop, bucket, and other cleaning supplies one Saturday morning.
"What are you doing?" Mr. inquired.
"Cleaning the apartment," I replied, stating the obvious.
"Like hell you are. We're going to catch the Metro and do something fun."
And thus it was that housecleaning was effectively put on mute unless it was too hot/wet/snowy to leave the apartment or we were having someone over.
If and when I'm able to retire, perhaps my priorities will shift, and I'll be more flexible. In the meantime, I'll work on carving out time here and there to enjoy my days and not just slogging through them.
Oh look, there's a bunny in my yard! Gotta go!
*My photo didn't come out this nice, so I leaned on Wikipedia. Attribution: Dori at English Wikipedia, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
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