Labor Day might be a holiday for a few, but chances are millions are taking it literally. It’s a Ferris Bueller sponsored, all-money making mindset, and as Color Curve super-contributor Tylise Campbell explains #nodaysoff could equal #nodaysleft. Hit the links for her debut column….
As a product of the 80’s I can recall there being many predictions as to how futuristic life would be in the 21st Century. If my memory serves me correctly, there should be more jet powered cars, remote controlled pets and floating houses filling the streets. The truth is, not much has changed. Politics and Government Policy’s are still drenched in debate and disagreement. Teens across the globe still feel their parents just don’t understand and people all over the world still do the moonwalk. So as you can see, some things will forever remain. But like a dollar at Penny Happy Hour, change is inevitable; and though not as drastic as floating houses and remote controlled dogs, the 21st Century has experienced quite a shift in normality. Most evident for me at least, is how busy we as a society have become.
There was a point when sitting down and spending quality time with your family and friends was a priority. Now it seems as if sharing the day’s events with loved ones has become a lost art. Nowadays most of us stay connected to the souls that surround us by text message or BBM or Facebook or Twitter, well you get the picture. As if we are too busy to actually speak to someone. When did life become so hectic? It’s bad enough that we are too busy for others, but it’s just plain sad that we have become too busy for ourselves. Suddenly our long relaxing bubble baths have turned into quick showers and our lunch breaks at work have been filled with more work. Even after a day full of moving and shaking, there’s more that needs to be done. So you move. Something needs to be worked on. So you work on it because obviously, it can’t wait. Whatever “it” is. Before you know it, what should be at least 6 hours of sleep has turned into a quick cat nap between purposeful pauses of your favorite DVR’d reality television show.
Typing has even taken a back seat to our need to be on the move. Simple terms such as, “Too Much Information” are abbreviated to the letters, TMI. Is it really that difficult and time consuming to spell out our own words? Even something as important to convey as I Love You, has been reduced to three measly letters, ILY. And we go through all of this time crunching and word scrunching because we are too busy to spell, too busy to sleep and just plain too busy to stop.
There are deadlines to be met, goals to be set and not enough time to complete them all. Not to mention adding in time for sleep. The whole “grinding” movement has evolved into a new and improved monster of its own. Those on Twitter know it as the #NoDaysOff movement. The pound sign followed by the term, “No Days Off”, is a tagline that’s added to status updates to indicate that no days will be taken off until “it” is complete. Having dreams and goals in life is very important and essential to your success and happiness as a resident on this lovely planet. But jeopardizing your health to reach these goals is not. Sleep may seem like more of a chore than a necessity, but it’s still very much so a requirement. The affects of sleep deprivation can be as minuet as irritability and memory-loss or as serious as depression and heart disease. Thankfully prevention simply consists of getting enough rest and taking a few breaks here and there.
It is understood that there will be moments that require constant movement and even a few sleepless nights in life, that’s a given. Just keep in mind, taking a break and sleeping through the night does not mean you’re lazy or slacking at the task at hand. Taking a break to rest simply means you’re human. Success requires drive, determination and having a #NoDaysOff attitude wouldn’t hurt, but only in moderation. After all, what’s success if you’re not here to enjoy it right?
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A resident of Minneapolis, MN, Tylise Campbell, along with being an outstanding writer and poet, is the also founder of Next Up Publishing; under which her novels, Sweeter The Juice and more recently, The Breaks were published. Determined to raise the standard for all things creative, Tylise has set her sights on being an influential renaissance writer and literary leader. Standing on the notion that many forms of self-expression can be taught, but the passion one has for their craft is divinely delivered; Tylise Campbell’s work proves to be truly powered by passion.
Buy Tylise Campbell’s outstanding work:
Sweeter the Juice
Tylise Campbell successfully published her first piece of literature in 2005, titled Sweeter The Juice.
A story of four friends, two couples and a whole lotta juice. Andrea and Raheem are High School sweethearts that decide to try to find love and happiness outside of their relationship. On their journey they find that what looks good, isn’t always good for them. After heartbreak and self-discovery, they struggle to find their way back to the love they once ran from.
El and Mia are young, married and successful business owners of Juicy Magazine. These two look as though they have it all, but looks can be deceiving. After nearly five years of marriage, their individual differences become more and more apparent. The battle of their inner demons brings out a side of them no one is prepared for.
The Breaks
The climb up any ladder of success can be a tough and treacherous journey, but add three friends who work and play together into the mix and that journey turns into a trip full of twists, turns and unexpected outcomes. Working behind the scenes in the music industry, Damon, Kenya and Tariq gain more than just success and notoriety, they also gain envy, deceit and betrayal amongst each other. The Breaks of the music industry take their toll on their relationships and friendships, concluding that this game isn’t for everyone. The effect that The Breaks have on these friends is shocking and will keep you guessing right up until the end.
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I agree that the FB,Twitter, texting,computers, have taken the front seat to communication and being with family. I am one to watch my favorite sitcom on the couch then snooze through it. Haaha!!! That is hilarious at least I am not alone here.
Sometimes I wish we could go back in time before the computer age. Boy were people more alert and genuine then. Great topic.