I read an article in the July/August issue of Monitor on Psychology. It's about Christopher Peterson's and Martin Seligman's identification of six character strengths and virtues. I quote as follows

"The six virtues and their component character strengths:
*Wisdom and Knowledge—creativity, curiosity, open-mindedness, love of learning and perspective.
*Courage—Bravery, persistence, integrity and vitality.
*Humanity—Love, kindness and social intelligence.
*Justice—Citizenship, fairness and leadership.
*Temperance—Forgiveness, humility, prudence and self-regulation.
*Transcendence—Appreciation of beauty and excellence, gratitude, hope, humor and spirituality."

The article (by Karen Kirsting) suggests psychologists have recognized a need to go beyond treating symptoms of depression, toward embrace of those attributes associated with well-being. (With depression, I would suspect vitality, hope and humor are the most difficult to dredge up.)

I can't argue with the validity of any of these virtues, but I must say I was struck by the absence of one attribute that is core to the American psyche: Productivity.

So. One can be virtuous without being productive? Quite the zen notion. Unamerican food for thought, and especially for the majority of us who punish ourselves for never accomplishing enough. Grounds for focus on some of these other virtues.

Or—do you think Peterson and Seligman just somehow missed that one? Assumed everyone would assume productivity as a necessary component to virtue and to mental health.

I have not been productive in terms of making money. I have loved my children, fixed nourishing food, been kind to my husband, cleaned bathrooms. I have fed and given rides to the neighbor kids, cared for the ill and written the isolated, fed injured animals. I have been gentle to those who hurt. I have walked and walked and walked. I have sat and stared out the window at how the breeze lifts the leaves, at how different birds touch down upon the earth differently. Some have hinted to me that I am a failure, or not as productive as my gifts, talents and education would warrant. That hurts. It confuses me. So I'm not rich. I'm not published. I don't work 40 hours a week in a challenging stressful job, with 7 hours a week of travel there and back, then come home and squeeze in something to eat, a hug for the kid, and laundry. I go slow and pay attention. Does that take something away from my critics' lives? Does that take something away from me?

Maybe it does because I can make myself crazy over this. Am I being brave, doing what I know is right? Or am I lazy and lacking courage? I do have regrets about what I have missed in the office: the human exchange, the regular paycheck, the health insurance. But this choice has produced its treasures as well. I go slow and pay attention.

My paycheck arrives less regularly, but is quite satisfying, the currency not monetary but spiritual.

But let's be straight, Sister. That time is coming to a close. Kids flying off one by one. I'm looking for a job. Right?