fbpx
[additional-authors]
October 23, 2015

Auntie has a confession to make—when she is hit with insomnia, or writer’s block, or is in the throes of a day of playing a high-stakes game of procrastination—she will drag out the vacuum and go to work. There are alternatives to this vacuuming compulsion—if Auntie is surrounded by sweetly slumbering souls, she might quietly dust—or if she’s really feeling energetic—the floors might be mopped.

On some very basic level, doing something physical—be it heading to the gym, going out for a walk, reorganizing your spice rack or ties, seems to calm, and yes, propel and prompt the creative process. Naturally, to assist with these moments in life, Auntie has a hint for you:

   Delegate all menial tasks—except for the ones that help you meditate or solve the world’s problems. Auntie is particularly fond of (occasionally) scrubbing a sink, ironing a few pillowcases, and vacuuming up the previous night’s confetti. Do not make a habit of this, or you may find yourself using these tasks to procrastinate away your day/week/life.

Now please don’t start requesting a house cleaning quote or vacuuming visit from Auntie. Her rates are way out of your budget (trust me on this one). The obvious recommendation here is that taking action, accomplishing some small, simple task feels good—and perhaps that by completing a so-called menial job, you might awaken your muse by conquering the burden of overthinking and under sleeping. Auntie is now going to take a nap—all this cleaning is exhausting.

More from Auntie Jodi's Helpful Hints on Amazon and at www.auntiejodi.com 

Did you enjoy this article?
You'll love our roundtable.

Editor's Picks

Latest Articles

I’m So (Sorta) Sorry

The classic case of a “nonapology” apology is when the allegedly contrite offender says something to the effect of “I’m so sorry that you’re upset.” Note that the speaker doesn’t actually acknowledge doing anything wrong.

Off the Hook

Without noticing it, my body has gone from a shiny new Audi to a dented rent-a-wreck. I went from “Let me get it” to “Just give me two minutes to catch my breath.”

AIPAC’s New Challenge

AIPAC’s leaders face fundamental strategic questions unlike those they have confronted in the modern era.… Their ability to adapt to these new circumstances will define not only their future, but that of the U.S.-Israel relationship in this uncertain era.

“Genocidaire: A Twilight Zone Episode”

Once an accusation this explosive becomes accepted as fact, it changes the moral status of the accused. Israelis become genocidaires. Zionists become supporters of genocide. Jews who support Israel become apologists for genocide.

The Dark Side of DEI

It’s racist to hand someone a job based on skin color alone. They will be doomed to fail because representing one’s identity is not the same thing as mastering a profession.

More news and opinions than at a Shabbat dinner, right in your inbox.