Coffee Talk ~ Being "Busy"
Lots of people enjoy staying busy.
That much is true in the U.S. But especially in New York. At times, it feels like some people do it for the sole sake of saying "Guys, I'm sooo busy!!!!" to their friends, into their phone, walking down the street.
Other people book their schedules to the brim as a drug, of sorts. Activities, jobs, commitments, classes, tasks, social engagements. I have had friends tell me that brings their whole day down if one hour has passed, and they have not accomplished anything. They schedule every minute of their time in excruciating detail on their iPhone calendars, and wonder why they're having nervous breakdowns.
My theory is that a lot of them are running from something inside themselves. Make no mistake, we all have wounds. And for humans, a really popular thing to do when confronted with that fact, or some truth about ourselves that we don't like, is to deny. Run. Numb. Stomp it out before it reaches your heart, and you actually feel something.
I was one of those people once. I'd cram my schedule full of "important things", push myself to the point of exhaustion, and berate myself when I didn't do good enough. I would then go out at night and drink, party with my friends. Wake up hungover, and go to work. Repeat, repeat, repeat. I was trying to block out a lot of things I'd sooner forget.
I was in some intensive therapy program or another, when I finally broke. All my defense mechanisms were melting away from me, and it was then that learned the art of being still within yourself. This art... it's not so popular in our culture. But still. I reveled in spending an entire day writing in my journal. Discovering myself, and finding out that- surprise! I was not as bad as I thought.
But of course, this isn't the way of the world, and I've been struggling with this concept since I found out about it. Because we live in a world that worships at the altar of "busy." And cultivating a peaceful, mindful life can feel downright impossible in that circumstance.
My intention in writing this was supposed to be about why I haven't made any posts this week. I have been "busy," folks. There was a time that I used to write posts two weeks in advance. There was a time when I had some breathing room. And now, I don't have much to say about anything at all. This makes me sad. I miss this blog. I miss sharing. And I miss socializing with the wonderful people that come here to visit (you!)
But such is life. I do at least think there will be some gaps next week when I'll be able to take some pictures, write some posts, and feel inspired again.
Also, a treat for you- The Totally Awesome Blog Hop will make its grand re-emergence this tomorrow! By the time you read this, I'll be on the road, escaping to a cabin in the woods for Memorial Day (with no Internet access.) But I am your faithful host, so I will be here with you in spirit.
Have a lovely holiday, everyone. And remember to relax. Be still within yourself :)
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Have a wonderful and restful cabin retreat!
ReplyDeleteIt's disturbing indeed how "busy" is the new norm - and I often wonder about social media's role to play in this. Either way, props to you for being kind to yourself foremost. <3
M.
you're right- it's totally normal now to be glued to our phones to our twitter, facebook, and instagram feeds... this is why i feared getting an iphone!
DeleteThis is something I struggle with...I do enjoy having time to myself and "not doing anything", but my problem is the guilt of not having accomplished anything afterwards. Something to work on! Thanks for posting :)
ReplyDeletethis is i write down my "accomplishments", when I can remember. you do a lot more in a day than you think. xx
DeleteSo important to remember
ReplyDeleteWe don't have to do things just for the sake of being busy, it is really important to have free, non-scheduled time
http://ahandfulofhope.blogspot.co.uk/
cosigned!
DeleteI can completely understand you being busy - you do so much! Always looking forward to the blog hop!
ReplyDeletethank you, lady!! hope you enjoyed the hop this weekend. xxo
Deletethis is so true!
ReplyDeletejust found your blog through the TABH and I'm in!
have a great weekend at the cabin
awesome, nice to meet you!!
DeleteI had the same sort of week. It's all okay. Coming to terms of not having to be busy is something I'm still coping with daily. It seems to be easier when we leave the guilt at home. Aside from telling myself that I am not a robot and cannot accomplish everything all the time, I also started saying NO quite often. It's helped out immensely.
ReplyDeleteYup, totally relate to that saying no thing. I'm usually pretty good at it. But as a result of saying "yes" way too many times when I had a little bit less going on, I'm feeling kinda swamped. It happens.
DeleteOddly enough, I don't do the whole "I'm busy thing" unless I really just want to get out of doing something. But I'm not the type of person who likes to be constantly busy. I'm a big 'ol ball of relaxation! lol I love taking time for me by reading or watching tv or listening to music.
ReplyDelete~Sara
Sincerely, Sara
You're my new guru.
DeleteI have been so bad about posting lately, too. I finally just had to buckle down and create a calendar with pre-determined topics so that I wouldn't have to think too hard when the time came to come up with a post. I'm still in beta, but I have high hopes!
ReplyDeleteAt least you have a legit excuse and you're busy! That's cool, right?
Yeah, I was trying that for awhile. It does work! And I always find that new ideas, in general, infuse new hope and inspiration to a blog/ project/ etc. xx
DeleteI completely get what you mean! I need to find breathing room but I still want to be productive. I hope you have a lovely holiday!
ReplyDeleteRebecca @ tr[i]b[e]cca
Thank you! x
Delete