Letter to Myself

Written By: Andrea Woolman

Grade: Level 6

Class: Liberal Arts Level 6

Issue: Set to Appear in the October Issue of the Newsletter

This month, in the SRS level 6 class, the students have written a letter to their lazier selves with reference to and in the spirit of Hesiod’s “Works and Days”. Below is one of the letters written by a student.

My Dear Self,

It has recently come to my attention that you have a rather bad habit of putting off tasks you dislike.  This habit is one that most people acquire, but it is still, nonetheless, undesirable. You would be much better off without it.  For instance, would it not be better if you went to bed on time instead of procrastinating? That is not quite what one would consider “being productive.”  And would not your time be better used folding the laundry correctly, instead of rushing through the work as quickly as possible? It is time that you change your attitude about work, and I have several suggestions for you.

Work is a vital part of life.  It is in practically everything thing we do and, without work, one would never accomplish anything.  However, play and amusement are almost, if not just as important as work. Work without play is like a meal without dessert.  Without the dessert, the meal would be lacking and unfinished. Without the meal, the dessert would feel undeserved and inadequate.  To fully enjoy both, one must have both the meal and the dessert. It is the same with work and play. Work without play is unending drudgery.  Play without work is unearned pleasure.  Therefore, “everything you do is best done in season.”(Hesiod 45) Keep in mind that there is a time to play and a time to work.

Completely necessary tasks is important, but completing those tasks to the best of one’s ability is crucial.  Work half done or poorly done is simply not done. Laundry should be folded neatly and tidily. It can be done quickly, but only if the quality of the end result is not sacrificed in any way.  Time is not of the essence. You should make sure the work is done efficiently, but, more importantly, it should be done correctly! Remember that “doing things right is the best thing in the world, just like doing ‘em wrong is the absolute worst.” (Hesiod 38)

You have fallen into a bad pattern, but have courage.  Bad patterns are simply that: patterns. They can be fixed and modified by hard work and dedication.  Remember that “there’s a season for everything”(Hesiod 43) and you will do just fine. Good luck!

Your friend,

Andrea