Why is it that we long for time to relax but when we are forced to by a doctor, we hate it?  I had a medical procedure yesterday and was told to rest for a few days but now I’m going a bit stir crazy.  Luckily the kids are cooperating (for the most part) so I’ve been tied to the sofa.  I took breaks to give them very basic meals but that was the extent of my activity.  Now I’m staring at the laptop expecting things to show up on Facebook or the news that will amuse me.  Sadly it’s not happening.

I think about all the times when I’m running around, exhausted, hoping for a chance to lie down or just chill.  What happened to that desire?  Is it that we always crave what we don’t have at the time?  Right now I just keep thinking of all the things I need to go out and do or the unfinished laundry, etc.  It just doesn’t make sense.  Are we humans just built to be dissatisfied?  Or is it that we want free will to do what we want when we want?  I suppose doctor’s orders of rest don’t fit in with free will even if it is in your best interest.

Maybe this is all compounded by the fact that we live in a time of over-stimulation.  We are used to being amused or occupied at all times.  However this still doesn’t explain why I can’t just pick up a book or watch TV and be happy.  After all I enjoy doing that to relax after a busy day.  Maybe I feel a need to earn relaxation with a busy, productive day.  I guess being sick or fragile don’t seem like they satisfy that requirement.  Maybe we humans aren’t so chronically dissatisfied but instead are just wired to be productive.  I like this explanation better!  Now….what to do with the next couple of boring days……