There is something about a sloth that I find charming. Perhaps it is the cuteness of their face; perhaps it is the slow, never hurrying pace they manifest. I don’t really know what a spirit-animal is, though I think the term means that you feel a particular connection to a particular animal because they offer you insights into your inner self and offer you some guidance on how you want to live your life.
The truth is, sloth is not exactly a positive term. In fact, sloth is often considered one of the seven deadly sins. The word "sloth" is a translation of the Latin term acedia and means "without care". This definition of sloth does not fit me at all; I have a very high capacity to care, to worry. My family would say that I am a world-class worrier. Yet, I still feel a connection to the sloth.
Spiritually, acedia or sloth referred to religious people who became indifferent to their responsibilities to God or others. Sloth can mean being lazy, idle, indolent or melancholy. Acedia can mean to cease motion and to become indifferent to work, to be filled with self-pity and self-centeredness. None of these are very admirable or desirable traits.
I think I love the sloth because I have lived so much of my life as a busy bee. My calendar never felt right if it didn’t look like every box was filled from top to bottom. I am enjoying a slower pace to my days now that I am retired. I don’t feel crushed by responsibilities and when I do, I tend to look for ways to unload a few of those responsibilities. I once needed a three-ring binder to hold all my lengthy to-do lists. Even though I am still a champion of lists, I like the words of wisdom once shared with me that you should never have a to-do list longer than what would fit on a post-it note. My goal each day is to accomplish three things. Three. Not thirty-three, not three hundred and three, just three. If I can get three things done then my little sloth spirit-animal whispers in my ear, “Jeanne, you are amazing!!”
But when it comes to posting on this blog I have been less than amazing. I admit it. You may have been wondering if I had been kidnapped by Musk or Bezos and whisked off on an expedition into space; but no, the truth is, I have just been lazy about blogging. I astonish myself sometimes that even at my age of seven decades plus, I am still learning about how my brain and body work in this world. My most recent revelation has been that I really need structure and a schedule. This is not the first time I have had this revelation, but it seems like I need this revelation to kick me in the pants on a regular basis.
I do great if I have a plan. For example, I know that we wash our towels on Tuesdays and Saturdays and because we have a schedule, the towels always get washed, dried, folded and put away those days. If my rule of thumb was just to wash the towels when I noticed they needed washing, well….we would often have a lot of very dirty towels. But with a schedule, things get done at our house. It also helps to have a husband with a strong Type-A personality who loves schedules and specific tasks—and also doesn’t mind doing laundry.
I need structure, a schedule, a plan.
I have had no real plan about when I would write and publish my blog so, as you know, it happens, but it does not necessarily happen with any regularity. I have decided I want to improve on this, if for no other reason than I have a lot of things I enjoy writing about and sharing. I also know that many of you enjoy when a new blog post pops up in your inbox.
My inner sloth and I have been in conversation and decided that we are going to commit to posting once a week. My blog post will appear in your inbox on either Saturday or Sunday each weekend. Even a sloth has goals.
Sloths move at a slow and steady pace. That feels very right to me in these retirement years. And the other reason I love the sloth? They always seem to have a smile on their face. A smile for everyone who takes the time to notice.
Thanks for taking the time to read my blog. I welcome your comments. I love it when you share my blog with someone you think might enjoy it. I wonder if you have a spirit-animal?
And remember…
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"...you should never have a to-do list longer than what would fit on a post-it note." ❤
I do enjoy and learn from your reflections, Jeanne. I, too, like sloths. They have such sweet faces and seem content with just ambling along in life.
Spirit animal for me? I am not sure. My first thought is a cat (no surprise), but I would have to think about it.
And right now the dog is pacing the floor wondering when I will be getting off the couch to take her on her walk.
I hope you continue to enjoy your retirement at whatever pace ensues. Blessings.
Love your way with words. Your ode to the sloth was well worth the wait.