#Ship30for30
What Happened When I Stopped Using the Word BUSY to Describe my Life
*Hint* It improved
Ten years ago, I noticed that every time I asked a friend or a colleague, “how are you?” their response was “busy!” I was a mom of two boys and a wife, I had a job and a home with a big yard. Our family had sports, hobbies and activities that we enjoyed. On all accounts, my life was busy.
My busy friends and colleagues were also harried and stressed, they felt overwhelmed and constantly behind. It seemed they were at the mercy of their busy-ness. I looked at the concept of “busy” and found it wanting. So, I took it off the pedestal.
I eliminated the word busy from my vocabulary, as it related to me and my life. And my life greatly improved. I saw more space in my day. I was less rushed and could pause and connect with a friend. My relationships deepened and became richer. The pace of life slowed and I could be more present.
I’ve maintained my philosophy on busy for a decade. Busy is not my reason to decline an invitation or an excuse for my poor performance. When others attempt to characterize me or my life as busy, I correct them. I say, “No, I’m not busy.” And I mean it.
The words you used to describe your life shape how you feel about your life. If you want something to change, start by changing the words you use to describe it.
