Hey hey, there friend! I’m currently sitting at my office, listening to my country playlist while sipping my 4th cup of coffee today (let’s not talk about it, ok?). Taylor asked me a few weeks ago to start thinking and writing some potential blog posts, and it’s safe to say I’ve started writing about 20, and haven’t finished a single one. Ya wanna know why? I’m busy!!!
Does the conversation sound familiar? The “How are you?” “Oh, I’m so busy! Just crazy busy!” Maybe you can never say no, have two+ jobs, kids, a social life… all the things. I know everyone maintains a
certain level of “busyness” that can feel overwhelming. So, I’m here to speak into the constant response and encourage you in this season.
After a little research, I think it is safe to say that American culture has curated a workaholic lifestyle, which has inspired this idea that busyness is emblematic for success, ambition, or competence.
Don’t believe me? Google “Busyness in America”, and the first items to pop up include articles titled with stress, status, ambition, success — all words we have linked as synonymous to being “busy.” Makes
sense, right? The more you work, the more meetings, phone calls, opportunities, people to meet, and tasks that take up your time.
I listened to a podcast a while ago that asked a very simple question, and it forever sparked the challenge for me to live a life less busy-fied:
“What are we hiding from behind our over busy-fied lives?”
Then the podcast starts listing various things that many of us choose to hide from. Being alone, bored, ordinary, away from parents, friends, restless, or actually confronting who you are and what you want….
the list is never-ending. *cue the tears*
I chose to work four jobs and keep a never-ending busy schedule because I found my worth in the number of things I was doing. Keeping up with multiple work schedules kept me from facing my eating disorder. I chose to hide behind my personal struggles and insecurities instead of actually living. After breaking down in the middle of a parking lot (long story, ya know?), one of my best friends stopped and asked me the following:
What are the thing(s) that matter most to you? The thing(s) that actually fulfills you and brings hope for your present and future? Does your “busy” schedule satisfy your soul? Your life? WHAT ARE YOU HIDING FROM?
Once again, I was offended that my friend would think my life is unfulfilling and ask me these questions. BUT, let me tell you, even at that moment, I knew in my heart that she was right. I was hiding. I believed the lie that a full schedule meant productivity, achievement, success, or satisfaction in life. One of my favorite authors, Jefferson Bethke, discusses busyness and rest well, “Only when we truly know rest and celebration can we know how to work and enjoy it. We work from rest, not to get rest.” It wasn’t until I chose to find a balance with work, rest, celebration, and place my relationship with God on top, did I
experience true joy & satisfaction. Don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of things in my work that I absolutely love and adore. I get to live out multiple passions weekly and learn new things daily. BUT, I am a firm believer in finding a balance between work and rest.
So, friend, I encourage you to take a moment (YES, a good 10 minutes at least ?) to just stop. Breathe. If you struggle with the never-ending challenge of busyness, I encourage you to take a moment, because
hurry is violence on the soul, and YOU matter, friend.
If you’re a reader, here’s some great recommendations for this topic:
- The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer
- To Hell with the Hustle by Jefferson Bethke
- Too Busy to Live: The Addiction America Applauds
- A Minute to Think by Juliet Funt
Xoxo,
Payton
