One goofy sailor, an annoying skipper, and a few characters go for a three-hour tour on a ship called the S.S. Minnow. That three-hour tour lasted three seasons.
Why in the world would a show like Gilligan’s Island stay on the air for more than three shows? Let’s face it, Gilligan was annoying, the Skipper was a little nauseating, and Ginger was more like a hooker than a movie star.
The scripts were awful, and I’ve never seen so many amazing things made from bamboo and coconuts. Yet I watched every single episode. Granted, I was eight years-old, but there was something appealing about that show.
After this week, I think I’ve figure it out. I moved my office this week, which resulted in three days of physical labor and very little intentional thought. My brain took a three-day tour, and found itself on a quiet island with a single focus.
I stopped thinking about my next presentation or meeting. I stopped worrying about what people think of my work. Most importantly, I had very little emotional conflict, minus the Comcast man.
Like Gilligan, I had one goal – he wanted to get off the island, and I wanted to get my office moved. I didn’t make coconut phones, but I did pack boxes and hang pictures. I might not have been on a tropical island, but I spent time in the sun as I transferred boxes from my car to the great indoors.
I wasn’t surrounded by palm trees but I did spend time in the garden section of Lowes surrounded by greenery as I looked for indoor plants.
My computer and phones were disconnected, and my brain went on a three-day tour. I threw out old files, which provided a clean work slate. I sold unnecessary furniture which unburdened my soul. I made money on Craig’s List, which paid for a daily Arbys lunch. The result is the mental equivalent of a physical spa retreat. My brain is rested and refreshed.
I strongly recommend it. Find your mental tropical island and hop on the S.S. Mental Minnow. Even if it’s only for 24 hours, disconnect from everything requiring mental energy and go lift some boxes.
You’ll return to work a better person.