It has become quite normal today for many individuals to abuse alcohol because it’s such a quick and easy way to escape.
However, some people abuse alcohol and/or drugs for a different reason. It can provide them with a guilt-free way to escape their perceived responsibilities and obligations. Being high or intoxicated is a perfect excuse to do nothing for someone who is lazy—it’s a guilt-free way to take a timeout from worrying about what others think about them.
On the other hand there are people who must always be doing something. They just can’t do nothing even when they have nothing to do. For them, their to-do list is a trap and being drunk or high is the only way they can comfortably justify taking a break.
For both the lazy person and the busy person, being drunk or high gives them a pass from what others might think of them.
After all, others can’t expect too much from them when they’re drunk, can they? No need to worry that they should be cleaning the house or washing the car when they’re high on drugs. No need to worry about what others might be thinking at all—not when they’re drunk or high. And it’s easy to justify. Everyone they know gets drunk or a little high every once in a while.
People who value themselves don’t hurt themselves with destructive escape mechanisms and don’t have to make excuses for doing nothing. People who value themselves give themselves permission to relax and do nothing at all. And they give themselves permission to participate in fun, playful, even frivolous activities. One of my clients, George, says, “When you have nothing to do, take the time to do nothing.”
I want to hear from you. How good are you at taking time to do nothing? Learn more about how to give yourself permission to relax and do nothing at all by getting your own personal copy of Good With Me at your favorite bookstore
