The Third Step to Becoming German: Forget Convenience

Little things like having to pack my own grocery bags, lack of AC, and heavy use of stairs have led me to wonder why Europeans in general don't seem to invest much in convenience. They mostly opt for walking or riding a bike in the city. The grocery stores are microscopic and you have to, as previously stated, pack your own bags even if you are towing along four children. Our most recent apartment was up seven flights of stairs. Of course, all of these things could be a result of lack of space in the city, old buildings, etc. In fact, that is probably exactly what it is. I have noticed, however, that these things have somehow managed to contribute to a greater quality of life. Wouldn't it make more sense though that having an easier life would make for a happier one? Wouldn't it make sense that getting everything done in the most time-efficient way possible would allow for time spent doing more recreational things? My theory is that we spend so much time focusing on being efficient, on getting things done, that before we know it the sun has set and it's time for bed. We live for the weekends in our society, but is that really how we are meant to live? I don't believe so. The Europeans know how to take time to do everything. It may not be the most convenient or the most efficient, but I think it must be more rewarding. For example, meals here are a long, drawn out affair. This has been difficult for me to adjust to. Who has time for three hour meals, really? I am learning to just stop worrying and go with it. I have believed for a long time that convenience and striving for convenience, for time effficiency, sucks the life out of us. During the school year, I have so much to do I absolutely must pack in as much as I can into as little time as I can. I don't have time for multiple trips from my car, so I take everything at once. I don't have time to ride my bike to the grocery store, so I drive the 1.5 miles instead. I think when I get back, I would like to try to adopt the European way of taking time for things, however difficult that may be in our society of getting ahead. Afterall, isn't more important that we invest in people and a fulfilling life than temporary success? That is one reason why I am so excited about music therapy. Sessions aren't about packing as much  as you can into the session. You have a plan and if you can stick with it, great. If not, also great. The only thing that matters is what reaches the client and what helps them towards success. This is something I believe is worth investing my time in. Maybe it's not such a bad thing to forget convenience.