on being busy

It’s funny how words are just words…until we make them more.

A simple series of letters and sounds that form into something that can help two people communicate.

Just an assortment of squiggly and straight lines with an occasional dot or dash for flair.

But when we hear certain words… we tend to attach meanings. Right?  That’s all part of it.

Words might make us feel warm and fuzzy or get our hackles all in an uproar depending on an assortment of squiggly and straight lines.

The other day I wrote about finding time in a hectic world.  In fact, I’ve talked a lot about being busy.

A friend (?) of mine commented that I should really work less so I could enjoy life more… wait… WHA?!?!  So, to this individual, being busy means I’m not enjoying life? How does that work?

So… since I wanted to (a) not go another month without blogging here and (b) dispell a notion that by saying I’m busy that I might be complaining, a blog post was born.

Being busy is not a bad thing in my world… often it’s a very good thing.

Being Busy reminds us that we have value

You are important.  Even if the job at hand is a menial one, like laundry… what would be the impact if you didn’t do it?  Funny thing was heard on the radio this week along these same lines… Each week one of the moring DJs talks with his wife and plays the conversation for the audience.  This week… or was it last… he was talking with his wife about all of the things he never realized she did… this week he also realized he had far less underwear than he thought.

So while things like laundry, cleaning, and other chores may not be the most fun, they remind us that we have value to someone…. or to ourselves.  When I’m doing a project, tackling an assignment, or even just fiddle farting around the house with the latest “I saw it on Pinterest” idea, I feel useful.  I feel like I am making a difference.

Being Busy reminds us that we are useful

More than useful… needed.  There is a sense of joy that comes with being able to solve even a tiny little problem.  And little problems solved prevent bigger problems from happening sometimes, right?

Maybe not all the time but if you aren’t feeling useful when doing something, WHY ARE YOU DOING IT?

Being Busy reminds us that we are capable of more than we think.

Have you ever tackled a project without clear direction or understanding?  Maybe all you had to go off of was the basic knowledge of the outcome you wanted… and maybe you succeeded or failed brilliantly but you tried.  Likely, you tried something new.  More likely, there was a sense of achievement mixed in with any frustration the process brought with it. We are all capable of more than we give ourselves credit for.  We are only afraid of the unknown.

I say screw it!  Try something new.  Tackle a new project. Figure something out and don’t be afraid to be busy.
Photo Credit: Designer Hosting, on Flickr