Barbara J. Hamby

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Let Me Think

In this fast-paced society, it seems as if we must be zapped now and then by a virus or an injury, so that we may have time to think.

As a writer, I sometimes feel guilty just sitting and thinking, unless I’m thinking about what I’m going to write next.

I remember a boss I had years ago at Boeing in Seattle, who instructed the men in his department to leave me alone when I was thinking. I wrote most of his letters. His dictation often consisted of a sentence such as, “Tell him to go to Hell--nicely.” Good training for a writer.

One of the many things I appreciate about retirement is that I can take some time to think occasionally, whether or not it makes me feel guilty. I am sad when I think about working people who have so little time for quiet reflection.

When I was able to use public transportation during my working years, I had some time to think, if I could stay awake. Driving in commuter traffic behooves one to think about what the nearby drivers are going to do next, rather than wool gathering.

There has been some talk recently about providing nap breaks in the workplace. How about a think break?