What are your Stilts?

Today, I was talking to someone who has only recently begun reading my blog.  Well, "recently" compared to how long I have been writing it, anyway.  I mentioned my "King's Stilts" blog and, of course, she had not seen it.  So, I went searching through the archives, thinking the time to republish it might be at hand.  Well, apparently, while I have republished it on "Echoes of Snippets," I don't believe I have ever posted it here.  And because it was written more than eight years ago, when my blogging was sporadic and my blog was hosted on a lesser site, it makes sense to reprise it in the current Snippets and Wisps venue. 

And so, without further ado, and only slight revisions, I give you ...

What Are Your Stilts?


The late, great Theodore Geisel (nom de plume: Dr. Seuss) wrote many excellent stories. This is not news. Many of them are allegorical, or at the very least, metaphorical. One of his lesser-known books serves as an example of how I like to run my work life, as well as my leisure life. That book is The King's Stilts. 

In this book, the King (Betram) had a great work ethic. He got up early, started working, and "When he worked, he worked very, very hard." And he worked very, very hard, all day, every day -- until quitting time. 

At quitting time, he stopped working, and he played. And "When he played, he played very, very hard." And what did he play with? The King's Stilts, of course. 

I think I need to build a motivational speech out of the many lessons this book can teach. In our culture, there seems to be an unwritten rule that, to be truly successful, you must devote yourself to your job and forsake fun -- or even outside responsibilities. 

I think that some people can be that single-minded. But most of us need balance. And part of that balance is finding our "stilts" and playing with them regularly.  By the way, I do not think the choice of "stilts" as the King's leisure obsession was arbitrary or serendipitous.  Seuss was too much of a genius for that.  No, stilts are perfect for this story precisely because Bertram excelled at Balance.

Like any good story, The King's Stilts has conflict. It centers around what happens when the King is convinced to give up his stilts. I will not spoil it for those who have not read the story, but believe me, a King without his Stilts is not as good at his job. 

I have several diversions, each of which provides me with something I need to be well-rounded and productive. I have games, like Magic: the Gathering, which challenges my mind. I have Dungeons and Dragons, which allows me to be creative and lets me have some time with my sons and daughters.  I have running, which helps keep me fit, and gives me a reason to be outdoors. I have my DVD habit, which allows me to escape into someone else's imagination, while sharing time and experience with my family. There are more, but the point is the same -- each of the activities refreshes me and builds me up, and that allows me to return to my job and work very, very hard. 

What about you?  What are your "stilts?"  Do you view them as guilty pleasures?  Or are they an acknowledged, welcomed part of your life? 

In my view, they are blessings. Count them. Appreciate them. Enjoy them. 

And when you enjoy them, enjoy them Very, very hard.

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Originally published under the title "The King's Stilts" on September 8, 2004.