Busy- a word that is used as an excuse too many times!

Busy!
What does busy really mean? In 2015 we all are super busy whether one is a mom, business woman, college student, high school student, athlete, whatever you title yourself to be. But when a relationship is important, little insignificant things one fills their schedules with can be put on the back burner so the special people in your life really feel special.

The word "Busy" needs to be taken out of ones everyday language! Most of the time when you ask someone, "How have you been? they will say "Busy," and what does it really mean? Personally,
I am over it. We all have busy lives and the same 24 hours to fill. As adults we choose how to fill it and with whom we want to fill it with.

The difference is that "busy" people constantly feel rushed and unorganized during those hours. I chuckle every time I get a text or voicemail from a friend saying "sorry it has taken me a couple days getting back to you, I have been super busy." Really- in the era of cell phones, texting, email, you can't find the time to touch base and connect. I can appreciate a long phone call is often challenging when cooking dinner, doing baths, bed time routine but driving home from work or to the store- just pick up the phone and say hi. I am guilty of this but have come to realize that too many times I use being busy as an excuse to put something off or ignore someone I do not want to interact with. I am working on changing this behavior and addressing the issue face on.

When a friend or family member constantly gives me the excuse that they have been too busy to touch base with me, it really hurts my feelings. I have a lot going on in my 24 hour day and make time to reach out to the people important to me. One of my "supposed to be friends" always gives me the excuse she is just too busy to get the girls together. That has never been an issue before so what has changed? As an adult and mother, one should be responsible enough to address the issue and stop the excuses that are hurtful. Life is too short to let "things" get in the way of precious friendships. Friendships are important in life and need to be nourished to grow and stay healthy.

Get a grip, make some tough choices and calm down. There is a huge difference between a busy day and a full day. A busy day is crazy and ineffective.  A full day is planned and productive.

Prioritize.  What do you want in life? Life is short so keep you list short and sweet. Stop making the To-Do list. To-Do lists pile up and add to the day to day craziness. As adults we have to make choices. This means admitting that we are human and cannot do everything and deciding to make time for what is most important. By scheduling your day with unrealistic To-Do lists, you are not taking control of your life. 

Say no. This is often very difficult since we do not like to hurt other people's feelings. But to do something well, one must be focused. Your focus needs to be clear with home, family and work as the top priorities. Whenever someone asks you to do something, be ready to say no. You do not have to always say yes to everything you’re asked to do.  Establish your priorities and stick with the plan. 

Realize you are addicted to being busy. Busy is an excuse and gives you an "out" to ignore parts of your life that need the most attention. Friendships need attention not the excuse "I'm busy." That is a lazy cop-out to avoid an issue that may be going in with the relationship.  Be an adult and deal with the real issue instead of making excuses. A lot of people think busy means important. When busy actually means out of control.  A busy day means unorganized and crazy. A full day means planned and prioritized. Important people have full days, not busy days, because important people can’t afford to be out of control.

In order to have your day be focused and flow, you must change the way you talk and not use the word "Busy."  When someone asks you, “How are you?” you will have something more interesting and engaging to say than “Busy.” You can be honest if your day has been overflowing but use the term "Full" not 'Busy" and open up the conversation to discuss what all has been keeping your 24 hours full.