What’s The Purpose Behind Your Busy-ness?
Posted on September 19, 2008 by LJ
Within 24 hours last week, two comments floored me. The first was from a good friend, who looked at me and said I was exhausted, but how could I not be, after all I had been through in the last year? And was it any wonder I was irritable and short-tempered? The second was from another woman who asked me if all the things that keep me busy were just a way of hiding from things I needed to deal with?
You see, during the past few months, my extra-curricular activity numbers shot up again. And I was constantly juggling various roles and projects, stress level leaping higher with every phone call and email.
At the same time, I realized that my run with my current client is nearing an end, and this will also signal my last assignment with my current company. So I am facing a change of employers after almost 13 years.
Friday I made a list of all my activities outside of work, home and family. Then I drew a line through 50% of them. Last weekend I spent writing emails resigning from three committees and three volunteer positions. I also gave up writing LauraEarnest.com, one of my three blogs (temporarily I hope). One other volunteer position will be relinquished as soon as a replacement can be found.
I year ago I would have been frantic at all the change. However, now I am very conscious of having let go of the bank in the stream of life, and I am now moving with the current. Undoubtedly I will hit some rocks, but at the same time, I am letting the future take me around that unseen bend. I will have time to relax, heal and deal with the fallout of four major events in my life.
My friends were right. My busy-ness was a way to hide. So I am taking steps to simplify my life.
Are you over-busy? Have you asked yourself why lately?
I will be running a best-of series here in the next two weeks. Starting October 1, I expect to be back in the swing of things, documenting this new journey in true productivity — doing the things that matter — and simplicity.
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