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Do you know that? You are waiting at a red traffic light and you check your phone without thinking about it to see if some new "important" message came in. Within the last five minutes since you checked at the last traffic light. Today I realized that this has become a real habit for me. After having been to the supermarket I my bag including my mobile phone into the trunk. And than - not only a red traffic light but I also had to wait for the train passing through. And that was strange. Waiting there withough being distracted by my phone. And I had time to ponder.

I can remember the times I didn't own a mobile phone. When there was a red traffic light I just waited. I didn't get nervous or felt I should do something "meaningfull" during that time. Why is it that now I get so nervous? Probably I kind of fell for the "zeitgeist". To always be productive. Not waste a minute. It's the mantra of modern day mobile technology. And sadly it can be seen everywhere - also in everyday life. Not only at work we get the feeling of having to be constantly productive. Also in our free time. And I can even see myself thinking that when playing with my daughter. That I would rather do something "productive" now thatn just playing. I mean - there are lots of things that would love to been done.

But suddenly something struck me. All that is just a thought! Who does define what is "productive" and what is "a waste of time"? Do I really want to follow the rules of those never resting? The ones who say they'll enjoy their life after retirement? And than get a heart attack or something like that just before or shortly after retirment? No! It is JUST A THOUGHT! And I remember the times I didn't have that thought. I was so relaxed and enjoyed staring out the window or sitting on a treee for hours. Being happy! Our bodies are not made to be constantly running and doing. The need some rest. And so does our soul. Honestly - is there something more meaningful than giving my daughter my undivided attention? Playing with her just for the sake of playing? Just living?

My mobile phone is staying in my handbag now when waiting at a traffic light!