Rest and Productivity

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Do lazy days make you feel rested or unproductive?

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Productivity:
You again? I thought we agreed you’d keep to Sundays.
I’ve got things to do — lists that don’t tick themselves.

Rest:
I know. You always do.
But your shoulders are up near your ears again,
and that list is starting to look like a barrier,
not a bridge.

Productivity:
Someone has to keep the house running,
the inbox cleared, people trusting.
If I don’t move, nothing happens.

Rest:
True.
But if you don’t pause, nothing grows.
You like walking, don’t you?
That gentle pace where thoughts uncoil?
That’s me at work. Quiet, but effective.

Productivity:
You make it sound noble.
But honestly, when I stop, I feel guilty —
like the world’s moving on without me.

Rest:
The world doesn’t mind if you walk instead of run.
In fact, it prefers it.
People too — they open up when they’re not hurried.
You could try listening instead of leading for a while.

Productivity:
(sighs)
I admit it feels good when the house is tidy
and my head isn’t buzzing.
But if I stay too long with you,
I start to drift.

Rest:
Then drift a little.
You’ll find the current again.
Even rivers need still pools, that’s where the life is.

Productivity:
Maybe.
It’s strange — when I return from a real rest day,
I work better. Sharper. Kinder, even.

Rest:
Exactly. I don’t cancel you out —
I clear the space so you can breathe.

Productivity:
(softly)
Perhaps I’ve misunderstood who leads who.

Rest:
(smiling)
Perhaps you’re most productive
when you let me take the lead.