Are you busy in life?

 

I find that it’s all a really good idea until I wake up one morning and realize that there are literally not enough hours in the day to accomplish all the things I want to do, have given my word to doing, expect myself to do. Then having taken on so much doesn’t seem like such a good idea anymore.

It’s not that I forget why I committed myself to something. It’s not even that I can’t get in touch with what inspired me in the first place. I look with distant admiration at the girl who said yes! I can do that job. Or yes! I can meet you there. What a wonderfully alive and enthusiastic person!

And yet, upon waking up to a schedule that’s overflowing and completely unrealistic in its timing, that alive and enthusiastic girl is long gone – and who’s left in her place is a girl filled with anxiety. She’s clear that without integrity nothing works, and yet knowing how to get it all done is both a mystery and at the same time a stressful proposition.

If you’re not already stressed out by reading this blog post, I’d be shocked, dear reader. Even though I’m talking about myself, I am still wondering how a girl gets herself into such a pickle, and on a somewhat regular basis.
There’s drinking – that’s always an option.

But what if you’re pregnant?

Or more likely, what if you’re aware that it’s still early in the day and drinking is in fact another thing to add to things to do – and having too many things to do is what got you into this dilemma in the first place!

There’s another option. Perhaps not as sexy as ‘disappearing’ the anxiety with some kind of substance, but admittedly effective: communication.

This option requires two main ingredients:

1. A willingness on your part to talk about the problem.
   1. IE you actually have to get on the phone/get together with someone and be willing to look bad or be upset in their presence.
   2. Willingness on the part of the person listening to not try to solve the problem.
      1. In other words, this person should listen and be present. The reason why this is important is because when someone’s upset, they are often unable to listen to suggestions, so just listening and being present makes all the difference.

 Do you have someone in your life with whom you can communicate the good, the bad, and the ugly? Do you have someone in your life that you could train to listen to you?

It’s not a foolproof solution – but from a girl who’s tried most everything, being in communication, just letting it all hang out, when things look impossible is surprisingly relieving and effective in clearing the air to be able to move forward with confidence, presence of mind, and an increased level of peace.

So today, with puffy eyes and a renewed level of confidence, I tackle my overflowing schedule with compassion and patience. Who knows, I might even have some fun.