Ever feel stressed when there is much to accomplish but not enough time? Some people’s “busy-ness” is self-imposed. They don’t know how to say “No” when someone asks them a favor. That is a skill set that must be learned and quickly. Feeling guilty or selfish when turning down a request is unnecessary. If you truly cannot fit anything else on your plate, then bow out gracefully! Being honest about your schedule may offend but nothing permanent. You, on the other hand, would clearly suffer by over extending; something that not only will effect you but also the loved ones in your immediate circle.
This is not what I am referring to when I say “The gift of being busy”. I retired almost four years ago after working for 40+ years. Sure, I was busy when I was working, but not my kind of busy – someone else’s busy.
Since retirement, my time is my own. It is the best! The busy life that is mine is self-created and very satisfying. I am much busier now than when I was working! (I’m sure you have heard that before but it’s true!) This is the time for all the things you wanted to do but couldn’t because most of your time belonged to someone else. Or – perhaps, as in my case, you didn’t discover all the wonderful things you enjoy doing until after retirement! Who knew I would write and publish two books in under two years? That I would write a blog once a week, publish a short story, do book talks and signings? And then there are the five times per week that I go to the barn to ride, groom or otherwise take care of my horse. I also assist my husband by making sales calls five days per week. Then I need to fit in going to the gym, hairdresser, chiropractor and occasional doctor. Whew!
And so it goes. Isn’t it wonderful? Being busy doing things you love is a gift. It beats doing nothing or not being able to do what you love six ways to Sunday. (Where did that expression come from?)
When I am busy I feel connected to life. I’m a participant, not an onlooker. I’m in the arena where stuff is happening, not cheering on someone else who is in there. Outside the arena, cheering me on are my relatives and friends who have passed. And among them of course is my muse, Sadie. (Story for another day.)
What if not being busy is your thing? What if you spent years being busy and now you just want solitude and time to chill? You’ve earned it, right? Yes, you have! Again I say, doing what you love is the blessing I speak of, no matter what that looks or feels like. For me, it is filling my days with horses and writing and marketing. I do however, allow myself time to do nothing, every day. That is critical to my sanity. Balance is vital to a healthy life.
I am blessed to have my busy life. I wouldn’t change a thing. How about you?
p.s. There will probably not be a blog next week as I will be visiting, holding and fussing over my three week old grandson who lives in Oregon. Ahhh babies! :))