There’s something to be said for the cultural shift that’s taking place. People are starting, or trying, to prioritize rest, reflection, and relaxation more than work, toiling, and burning themselves out. But that preoccupation to be busy and stay busy so as not to feel or appear lazy is a quality a lot of people, especially women, a working through — just ask Gwyneth Paltrow. The Goop founder opened up about embracing a life that includes more daydreaming and less hustle, and her words really resonate.
“We as women are so programmed to be busy,” the Shakespeare in Love Oscar-winner told Bustle in a recent profile. “It’s like a badge of honor, and we’ve all bought this thing from the patriarchy hook, line, and sinker that we have to be busy and overperforming.” At this point in her life, Paltrow is over the desire to meet other’s perceived expectations.
Gwyneth Paltrow’s daughter, Apple, is not quite interested in working with her mom just yet. https://t.co/uEFhEOmTKD
— SheKnows (@SheKnows) October 18, 2023
“I’d like to move into the next phase more from a place of discovery and gentleness,” she told the outlet. “To let life unfold, as opposed to ‘I’m not doing enough.’ Because now, if I fully take a weekend off, sometimes I’ll start to feel anxious, like, ‘Oh, my God, what should I be doing?’ Even when I’m trying to relax, I’ll think, ‘OK, I’ll sit down with a great novel!’ And it’s like, Jesus, can you not just sit down and daydream?”
Paltrow’s observation seriously speaks to this universal anxiety so many women share — that we always have to be busy, or appear occupied, to seem like we’re leading a fulfilled life. But what about rest? Sometimes, simply just being can be just as productive and fulfilling as the labor we do and provide each and every day. It’s a lesson we’re still learning, and one we’re glad Paltrow is using her platform to echo. Now, if you’ll excuse us, we have some daydreaming to do.
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