I spend a lot of time, energy and verbosity (is that really a word?) blathering on and on about creativity and productivity, usually placing them in a context that might suggest that the two are mutually exclusive. As a matter of fact, I don't believe that this is the case at all. (And if this is the only situation wherein I have mislead anyone, I will consider myself extremely fortunate. I try to stay well aware of my own human frailties, and a self-image of inflated importance and over-estimated brilliance is certainly among them.) When I set out on this mission (i.e., this weblog), endeavoring to enlighten the masses, I established a certain theme: to create a monologue regarding the effective use of creative and productive techniques in order to make one's way in the "new economy". An implied second theme has since manifested itself: productive and creative use of what might be normally considered secondary talents and interests.
What I am struggling to get around to is this idea: Creativity is productive, and productivity is creative. (insert thoughtful pause here while the masses ponder the notion) Actually, it ain't exactly advanced rocket engineering, once you think about it. The two are, in reality, sort of conjoined- I can't create something without being productive, and the act of producing generally generally results in the creation of..... well, whatever it is that I have produced.
When I began posting to this blog, about nine months ago, paying work was non-existent (for me as well as for lots of others), and writing about the situation seemed better than not doing so. Besides, I enjoy doing it. These days I find myself less concerned about where the mortgage payment is coming from; less absorbed in self-pity; and more thankful for what I have, rather than bitter over what I lack. Paying contract work has materialized and continues to do so. And while I have come to believe that creativity and productivity usually prove handy when it comes to paying for the groceries, they serve as well to satisfy another need. I do believe that the human animal possesses a compulsion to create and to be productive.
I have a couple of cats (I like dogs, too, just can't live with 'em, for various reasons). I am continually asking them if they've got a job yet. This is purely a rhetorical question- I know the answer. Their sole purpose in life (other than occasionally pestering me for attention, which I usually dispense without qualm) seems to be to lounge around, preferably in a sunny spot- one where I am wanting or needing to sit. This occupies around ninety-eight per cent of their time. The rest is spent either consuming food, which I generously provide, or disposing of it, either in their litter box, or regurgitated at random in places where I walk, sit, or put my feet. Now I cherish my nap time, and sometimes I envy their sloth, but as much as I love 'em, I know well that, were I of a feline species, and possessed of the ability to remember what it was like being human, I'd miss the opportunity to write, design, garden, cook, create music, and generally celebrate life. Maybe not. I guess it would depend on who my human was.
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