The art of being busy
I’m so busy. We’re so busy. He’s so busy. Life is busy.
I hear this a lot.
I actually say this a lot.
Every week is busy. I get frustrated when I hear myself say this. I have the same number of hours in a week as you do. The same number of hours in a week that I’ve always had. I’ve just over-committed myself and that’s where the busyness comes into play. Or not play. Sometimes I’m “so busy” that I don’t leave much time to play.
And that’s not a good thing.
When did it become the norm to be so busy?
I saw two girls sitting on a bench on campus a couple of weeks ago. They were just chatting. They looked relaxed and I noticed they didn’t have phones in their hands – they were genuinely engaged in conversation. I don’t remember the last time I randomly sat on a bench – on campus, in the park, downtown. This is disheartening.
I’ve been thinking a lot about being busy lately – obviously. Two weeks ago, we didn’t have anything truly planned. No trips, no real outings that were set in stone. I may have set aside my freelance and blog obligations just so I wasn’t “busy” when we wanted to have fun.
I managed to run 7 miles before taking my son to church. We were able to get frozen yogurt in the afternoon and then attempted to go bowling (turns out, our bowling alley is very “busy” on Sunday afternoons and we were turned away.) We were able to go play pinball for an hour and then tried out a new restaurant for dinner. I had to force myself to go with the flow.
Isn’t it time we slowed down and enjoyed this life? We only get one.
I guess this is my declaration of being less busy. I want to enjoy life and stop using “busy” as an excuse to not see family and friends or enjoy the simple things.
What are you doing to prevent being so busy? When was the last time you chatted with a friend on a park bench?
I am too busy to slow down and enjoy life LOL. I am serious, though – I just don’t have time to do anything with all the stuff that HAS to get done.
My hubby is very busy as he works like crazy to try and support us so I can be home to homeschool our girls. I have been intentionally not doing anything as of late, beyond absolute necessity, as the Bipolar Disorder has been wrecking havoc with my brain.
Being intentional about not doing anything isn’t a bad thing. At least you’re aware of what might be triggering all that is wreaking havoc and doing something (or taking a break!)
Yes! This has been a topic heavy on my heart lately. It is a hard and delicate balance to find! Glad you are finding some success.
I love this!!! I have had to teach myself to go with the flow as well. its definitely worth it š
I tend to fill up my weekends with all kinds of plans. Lately I’ve been trying to keep at least one day open to allow time with my husband and kids. I’m also putting the computer and laptop in another room so that I’m not tempted by them.
Great topic and one that is on my heart and mind. I hate to admit it but it’s totally work to not be busy. I have to remind myself to slow down the pace, take moments and just enjoy them. I’m also working on being selective of plans, doing those I really want vs obligation plans. It makes a difference in my energy and mood š
I’m working on slowing down too! I’ve been making Sundays my lazy day!
I think busy and tired are 2 ways to describe almost every woman. It’s hard but sometimes we need to stay home and rest, even take a nap! lol
It’s like you reached into my brain and pulled all my words out LOL I know that part of my problem is, I’ve accidentally (yes, truly by accident) made myself seem indispensable to others, and people are ALWAYS asking me to do things! At first it seems like fun, but by the end of the week, when MY house is filthy, MY laundry isn’t done, and MY body hasn’t gotten any exercise or healthy food…it’s not much fun anymore. I need to make myself very dispensable. Because anyone can really do what I do. It’s not that I’m the best. I don’t know why people want me to do things. Or why I keep saying YES. LOL
I am so tired of being busy but I feel like until I am successful I will have to be busy. WE do, however, try to go RV’ing and relax. NO computers and just conversation by the fire.
I wish I could say I am not busy, but I am seems it’s never ending. Can’t recall last time I chatted with anyone on a park bench, or even sat on one!
It’s definitely nice to step out of the race and live in the “now.” Usually dinner dates are a good way for us to relax.
I know what you mean, but it’s true too. I am busy and I am pretty efficient. But I take time to connect with friends and family every week.
i have a heard time with this also. It is so hard for me to sit still and enjoy what I have been blessed with.
I try to get together with my friends at least once a month. I think it is important to stay connected in a busy world.
It’s so hard to stop being busy just for the sake of being busy. I always feel like I need to be doing something.
I hate being busy. I love when I don’t have to be anywhere.
I’m pretty sure we are busy for the next month..gone every weekend!
busy is glorified these days. people are working hard to keep up with paying for stuff they don’t need. I have to say I am somewhat guilty. But then again, everything costs a lot more. College tuitions, cars, homes…..they all cost a lot more than back in simpler times….these are things we still need and have to stay busy to be able to afford them. It’s a hamster wheel for sure
I think I am one of the few un-busy people I know. I dont’ stay attached to my phone all day, and am always up for a park bench conversation!
I like the idea of being busy. I get bored otherwise
Although I am very guilty of saying I am busy, my busy-ness also includes me sitting and playing with children without interruption. I am a stay at home mom and sometimes, it’s just me being mom for a little while. But I’m “busy” doing that, instead of many of the other things I could be “busy” doing. But I don’t remember the last time I sat with a friend at a park, because I certainly wouldn’t be able to enjoy a conversation. I have to watch the kids.
I really love staying busy and it really helps you to escape from unwanted worries. I am not busy as of now, but I think I could be very busy in upcoming months as I am waiting for my delivery and I love to being a new mom. Love this share.
YES! I am with you on this one.
I need to be more present and less busy, too. Let’s DO IT.
I’ve always been of the mindset “if I haven’t spent 1 day sitting around doing nothing, I’ve wasted my week”. So I always find time not to be busy!! š
Bobbyanne
xxxx
PromisingBeauty.blogspot
I thought that things would calm down when my son started school, but really it just makes me busier! Of course, I went and had a baby in the middle of the school year, too. Ha! I’m looking forward to summer, and just taking things slowly. Right now errands get put on the backburner so that we can just spend more time together and recharging. I have the urge to call up my best friend and set up a date just to go sit at the park!
I just recently talked with a friend after a busy sched – it was so refreshing!
Yes! I feel like lately my list of things I want to do “when I have time” is just getting bigger and bigger, when really I just want to let it all go and just enjoy life and really be there and be present. I think that is our challenge of our lives today.. we don’t have to work all day to make food, work all day to farm or what not.. but with so much ‘free time’ we have to still learn to let things go and actually live life.
Glad you linked this post up with the Best of the Blogosphere link party!
Since my dad’s death, I have tried to slow down and make time for myself and others. I just recently had a girl’s night out with one of my best friends. It felt good to get away for awhile.