Rosalea Hostetler
There was not a defining moment in my life as to when I ceased to become a workaholic as I learned very early in life from my Mennonite parents to work hard but not to be consumed. It didn’t matter if the wheat was ripe and ready to harvest, we always took Sunday off to attend church, visit family and friends, enjoy a bountiful meal and relax.
I was also influenced by what I learned in our one-room country school surrounded by lush wheat fields. I learned in school not to be a chronic workaholic as we always took time for recess! It was my favorite time of day as we played games, often embellishing traditional games. It taught creative thinking, taking time for fun and learning to socialize with every age group. Even the teacher participated in our games which delighted us.
Sometimes our 18-year-old teacher (yes, I know that as my brother courted her and my parents were dismayed!) took us on hikes up the road ½ a mile to an old cemetery, also surrounded by wheat fields. We’d pick wild flowers, watch birds and rabbits and listen to other sounds of nature that she would explain to us. Several times in the cold weather we built a storm shelter out of tumbleweeds and when the kids crawled inside, the body heat made it so cozy and warm while the wind raged outside. Of course, those recesses lasted longer than “the rule” but that was also a lesson to learn—it’s okay to take time for beauty, do creative things and to enjoy life even when there is still work to do.
In the 80s I went through a frantic “make money or else” stage, even joining the corporate world in Kansas City, but that got old and I didn’t enjoy the people that mode attracted, so I reverted to my original habits. I threw out the TV, started taking time again to visit with people, to read in bed as long as I wanted and sit outside in the early hours to listen to the world wake up. I quit wasting my time on impeccable cleaning. Because I was self-employed, I took time for an occasional leisurely drive, visit with the school kids walking home from classes or to check on homebound neighbors.
Today I automatically write-off as “losers” anyone I meet who is a frantic workaholic, who is “wired” and can’t sit still for a moment to complete a conversation because they are so importantly busy. I cannot think of one workaholic I have ever truly enjoyed.
Since attending church and playing during school recesses were regular occurrences in my youth, I learned to be focused and systematic in work and play and that of course, has helped me to pace myself and to be far more creative and productive than being the workaholic who never takes time out to enjoy life. Many people ask me where I get my “high energy.” Now you know the secret! The lessons of my rural upbringing have served me well.
Rosalea Hostetler
The Balmer Fund/Prairie Connection
“Preserving the history, art & culture of the prairies for future generations”
Harper, Kansas
iread@prairieconnect.com
www.prairieconnect.com