Lately, it seems many people I know are busy.  Of course, any term is relative.  I also venture to say that most people in modern society are busy.  But, I wonder at times if I am busy because of there truly being more to do or because of me making my life complicated?

For myself, I’ve noticed that modern conveniences and technology actually don’t save me time.  I spend an hour per day some days answering emails.  I remember going to college in the early 1990’s.  I rarely watched television.  I didn’t own a cellular phone.  I only used email to talk to professors and study partners.  Back in those days (gosh, I sound old), we didn’t text message.  The big technological breakthrough was the answering machine and a touch-tone phone.  In college, I managed to carry a full-time load of classes while being in a sorority, working 10-15 hours per week at a part-time job, and being involved in many clubs, organizations, etc. 

I attritube my success in those days to having excellent time management skills.  I wrote down everything in my day planner (nope, didn’t have an electronic organizer back then and I still don’t), including sleep!  I had to so I could fit everything each day.

During the past three months, I decided to break up with my television set.  I haven’t had cable television in 12 years or more, so this is not costing me anything.  I’ve discovered I don’t miss television–at all.  I use the television to watch a monthly DVD or two and that is about it.  Instead of watching television, I will meditate or read a good book.  I like books that help me to learn and grow.  It’s great to be expanding my mind again more diligently and consciously.

I have been looking at my daily habits now for a while, making changes where I see fit for me.  I realized there is plenty of time in a day, even if I am very busy.  There is time to workout.  There is time to meditate.  There is time to see clients.  There is time to read and study.  There is time to spend with loved ones.  Once I shifted my belief that “I am busy” to “I have time every day to do the things that are important to me,” my schedule shifted.  I have to work on things in my subconscious mind prior to them manifesting physically as change.  So, I work with my beliefs first.  Then, my behavior follows.

I’ve also observed others struggling with being busy.  When I used to do massage therapy for a living, I had some clients who were too busy to get a massage.  It’s hard sometimes to treat yourself to that hour per month of relaxation.  I know I’d rather watch television because it’s so much better than a massage!  Just kidding, but not really.  I know I sound judgmental, but really, I think it’s all about priorities.  What is a priority for me is probably not a priority for you.  It’s all good.  Diversity makes the world go ’round.

One of my priorities is loved ones.  I like to be there for people and to spend time enjoying life with others.  We’re all busy, but we take the time to get together and hang out.  It’s a blessing and well, a priority.

I think of being busy as a choice just like any other thing in life.  Everyone has work or a job.  Everyone has loved ones.  Everyone has errands to run.  Everyone has hobbies, interests, and self-care activities. 

There always is “free time” each day, I’ve noticed no matter how busy I am in my life.  I notice that sometimes there is only an hour.  I also know that I can do a lot in that hour.  I can meditate for 15-20 minutes after starting a load of laundry and after that, I can read for half hour and then, return phone calls.  That may sound like I’m multi-tasking, but really, I’m just honoring my priorities, along with my commitments.  Spiritual growth and my learning are important to me, so amongst that phone calls and laundry they do belong.  I’m still laughing at my friend who said it is not spiritual to multi-task because you’re not in the present moment.  If I’m in the present moment with each thing, doesn’t that count?  I’d say it does count.

Today, I’m considering whether I’m busy because there is so much to do or because I’m choosing to use delay tactics when it comes to my creative life or my life purpose.  If I fill my schedule up with appointments, housework, errands, and time robbers, when will my books get written?  When will I have time to talk to friends who matter on the phone?  When will I have time to read or relax? 

Yes, I’m thinking about all of this today for some reason.  I guess it’s because my spirit says, “Write!”  I am going to heed the call.  I am no longer too busy for this important work of mine.  A book wants to be born, so I’m going to open up to allowing it.  And, that is all I will share about it because I like to keep the creative fires stoked.  I’m sneaky that way

With blessings,

Lisa

 

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