The Clam Roll Incentive

There was a time when the thought of relaxation was merely a tease; I have learned to relax, to kick back, and let the stresses, pressures, and hassles of living slip away.  The result is I am happy, and alive.  This did have its price, but it was well worth it.

Wells Beach, Maine

Recently, I took a ride up north alone, Mary was working, and I had a few days off.  What better way to relax than to drive to Maine, and paint a couple of rooms?  That wasn't said with a hint of sarcasm; I am serious.

Painting is task that takes some concentration, but does not overwhelm the synapses.  It gives an immediate sense of accomplishment, and once a rhythm is found, the brain can daydream, plan, and imagine all sorts of things while the hands go about rolling on the color.

Painting by ones self is the best way.  Two people painting in the same space is not a good thing, especially if they are family.  For the full positive effect, both color wise, and mentally,  one must go solo.  Raised voices, thrown paint brushes, and your face being included in the first coat of paint is something to avoid.

I finished the loft the first day, and prepped the second bedroom.  The next day I put on two coats of Sherwin-Williams "Carefree" blue, put the room back together, and declared the project complete.

I had listened to the TV, and radio.  I had planned, imagined, and daydreamed myself silly, and the paint blotches on my face, hands, and t-shirt confirmed it.  More importantly, I had finished a whole day early.

Woohoo!

It is a great feeling when the task at hand is done, and done early, but now comes the reward, and in this case the reward was a clam role.

A clam role on the harbor followed by a walk through the surf at low tide does more to calm the senses than any dose of Ativan.

One secret to getting things done, and shedding the load from your shoulders,  is to reward yourself for a job done, and done well.  If no one else is going to reward you, then it is up to you to take charge.  It's a great incentive for the next project, or task.

For me, a clam roll was the perfect incentive.  Later, that evening, I drove to the Scoop Deck off Route 1, and indulged in a scoop of Moose Tracks in a home made waffle cone.

Painting requires great, and sometimes, multiple rewards.

Confront a task with your reward in mind, and it won't be so hard to take on. Once the chore is finished, relax.  You're done.

When you begin to take on life's chores with a little more anticipation of reward, instead of dread of the task, things will actually begin to fall off your list.

Once that happens, Grasshopper, you will find true accomplishment, and relaxation.