Life’s Too Short. Stop Being Busy.
Busyness implies running around and leading a hectic life where we’re constantly exhausted from all the things that we don’t really want to be doing (because if we wanted to do them, we wouldn’t be “busy,” we’d be “great!”).
I started thinking about this earlier in the week after a conversation with my dad about a really hilly bike ride he had been on the night before. He told me about how the group of bikers stopped at the top of one of the hills. They were standing there for a couple of minutes. Suddenly one of the men collapsed. He had a heart attack, and he didn’t make it.
Later that day, after talking with my dad, I caught myself frantically thinking about all the things I “had to do,” and it struck me that my epic to-do list makes me lose perspective of how precious life is, and how it’s not in my control. If we do only get this one life, I want it to be great, not busy.
So for one, I’m going to stop saying “I’m busy.” Words are powerful. Whatever we say after “I am” creates, so I’m not going to use the b word, which only seems to create stress, irritability, and exhaustion.
I’m also going to start considering what’s essential in my life, and what I can let go of.
And one more thing. All this is ultimately in the name of appreciating life, and there is always time for that. I invite you to start this with me right now. Appreciate something in this very moment.
Let’s see how all that makes us feel.