It’s rare to find a person these days who isn’t always busy. Our lives are full, full, full. I’ve been in the situation where I was so busy it was overwhelming, and I had to start chucking some of my responsibilities so I could continue to do the ones I still had well. But this week I’m busy, and I’m finding it’s the good kind. I started revisions on my Intrigue Monday, then got two calls that afternoon for freelance editing/writing projects. I could have freaked out and yelled, “But I want to work on my revisions!” Instead, I just juggled the schedule a little and still can get those revisions done in a timely fashion. Plus, I’m thankful for the freelance work, especially since I took advantage of a big sale over the weekend and ordered a new laptop from Dell to replace my dying-a-slow-death, old laptop.
The key to “busy” not turning ugly is the ability to know when to say “no”. This is something I’ve struggled with throughout my life when it comes to work and volunteer activities. I like to help people, to contribute. But here’s the thing — if you do too much, you’ll burn out, mentally and physically. It’s better to do a few things really well than a bunch of stuff halfway. The world is stressful enough without us adding to that stress by overloading ourselves. So, look at your to-do list and decides what’s really important and either chuck or postpone the rest. Perhaps that’s the biggest gift you can give yourself this holiday season.
November 30th, 2005 at 2:20 pm
Since I don’t have the demands of a paid job anymore, I guess I don’t have to worry about being too busy. If I don’t feel like doing something, I say, “The heck with it, I’m going to blog.” That’s my new busy. This afternoon I’m busy making homemade chicken soup to feed my cold. The good thing is that while the soup cooks, I can get back on the computer and do my thing.
I’m proud of you for all the good work you are doing. I stand by my statement that you will be published very shortly.
November 30th, 2005 at 5:37 pm
“Good” busy for me is when I’m in the writing zone. “Bad” busy is when I’m in the writing zone and my kids (all three) come crashing into my room whining that they’re out of clean undies and when am I going to wash clothes? Next somebody mentions movies that need to go back (we’ve had them for weeks). Then another brings up the fact that they are out of snacks and would I please go to the store … blah, blah, blah … Then DH calls and asks about dinner and I go look in the empty refrigerator, pantry and cabinets (who has time for shopping when I’m in the writing zone?) and wonder why these people have to eat anyway? It’s highly over rated. And who says my eight-year-old son can’t learn how to use the washing machine? I just need to hide the bleach and fabric softner.
Tanya
November 30th, 2005 at 10:17 pm
Thanks for the vote of confidence, Motherkitty. Hope you’re right.
Tanya, I don’t have the kidlets, but life’s responsibilities do have a habit of butting in, don’t they?
December 1st, 2005 at 10:44 pm
I have a hard time doing that. It all seems important or I wouldn’t be doing it. I am a good person at saying no. So that makes it hard for me. but trust me, once I sell a book or two I will be happy to say no to some assignments.
Teri