Hey everyone! Mary and Marlo here, bringing you the highlights from our latest episode of The Absurdists. We had such a great time diving into some of the everyday absurdities we all face—hyperconnectivity, the pursuit of happiness, and, of course, the myth of multitasking. If you missed the episode, here’s a little taste of what we discussed.
Hyperconnectivity: The Double-Edged Sword
Mary: Let’s start with how connected we all are these days. It’s pretty amazing that Marlo can be in Mandan, North Dakota, and I’m over in Las Vegas, Nevada, and we can still have these real-time conversations. It’s like magic! But then, there’s this funny thing—despite being so “connected,” people still feel isolated.
Marlo: Exactly! We talked about how people even pay to go on these retreats where they can unplug and disconnect. Meanwhile, all you really need to do is just turn your phone off for free! But who are we kidding? That’s easier said than done.
Mary: Oh, totally. The irony of it all is absurd. We’re so attached to our devices that we forget we have the power to disconnect whenever we want. But somehow, we’re always drawn back in. It’s like a digital tether!
Chasing Happiness: The Absurdity of the Pursuit
Marlo: Speaking of irony, we couldn’t help but talk about the pursuit of happiness. Society puts so much pressure on us to chase happiness like it’s some kind of prize to be won. But the harder you chase it, the more elusive it becomes.
Mary: Exactly! Happiness isn’t a finish line you cross; it’s something you create every day. And let’s be honest, sometimes it’s the small things that bring us joy—like sitting on the couch with your dog or watching a sunset. For me, happiness comes in many forms, and it changes day by day.
Marlo: Same here. I find happiness in my love for gadgets and meeting new people. But I’ve realized that if you stress yourself out trying to “achieve” happiness, it’s counterproductive. The absurdity of chasing happiness often leads to anything but!
The Multitasking Myth: Less is More
Mary: Now, let’s talk about multitasking. For years, I thought I was a pro at it—after all, as a project manager, it’s kind of my job to juggle multiple things at once. But over time, I learned that multitasking is the enemy of efficiency.
Marlo: I can relate to that. I used to pride myself on being able to handle a million things at once, but now I see that it actually makes me less productive. It’s like spinning plates—you think you’re keeping everything going, but eventually, they all come crashing down.
Mary: Exactly! We agreed that there’s real satisfaction in completing a task from start to finish. But when you’re constantly multitasking, nothing ever feels done, and that’s a huge stressor. It’s absurd that we glorify something that drains us so much.
Finding Simplicity in a Complicated World
Marlo: One of our biggest takeaways from this episode was how important it is to set boundaries and goals in order to simplify life. Whether it’s about using technology wisely, balancing personal obligations, or focusing on work, simplicity can be a game-changer.
Mary: Definitely. Simplicity doesn’t mean stripping away everything—it just means knowing when to stop and prioritize. We both realized that in our pursuit of simplicity, we sometimes end up adding more to our plates (apps, gadgets, you name it) when the answer might just be doing less.
Marlo: Yep, simplicity is the key to avoiding the absurdity of over-complication. And embracing that mindset makes life a little lighter.
Wrapping it All Up
Mary: We hope our chat about these absurdities brings a little light and humor to your day. Life is full of quirks, but if we can laugh about them, it makes the journey a lot more enjoyable.
Marlo: Absolutely. Thanks for reading, and don’t forget to check out the latest episode of The Absurdists. We’re here to remind you that life doesn’t always have to make sense—and that’s okay!...