You’re Not Too Busy

I believe this is how I keep my sanity with a crazy life. Meeting someone you've know for years or getting re-acquainted with a friend can be a great re-energizer for your day or even the week. Meeting up IRL counts, not anything online. This way the 'buffer' is the flow of the conversation, not the e-devices. Small actions like this add up to a giant picture, and the best you can do is paint your own picture.

I went out to a networking event last night, not just for networking, but for seeing the “regulars.” It's almost easier to plan on going to those events because most of us are there. Now I'm good for the week. Not that I won't see other people, but by booking these events, I know I'm getting my social time in. Connecting is so important, and it is good to make sure we keep that as something to keep us energized.

Spending time with old friends is definitely a great way to re-energize. Although, I would say (and I did) that online counts too. There are some people I “met” online who I chat with on a daily basis. Some of them I've met in person before, but even though I don't see them on a regular basis, I still greatly appreciate their friendship. Thanks for commenting, Adam!

That's so interesting, Emily, but it makes total sense. A bunch of busy people continue going to a networking event, not necessarily to network with new people, but to see their old friends. Hey, whatever works! Thanks for sharing

I spent last night at the visiting hours for a colleague. He retired December 31st and passed away about a week ago. Less than 3 months retired. There are far too many variables we don't know. Always thinking there'll be more time. That isn't always the case.

I've also discovered that sometimes “I'm too busy” becomes “It needs to be convenient for me.” As if the world is supposed to revolve around one person's life. (I've been guilty of this myself)

Elisa: I'm so sorry to hear about your colleague. It's unfortunate that things like that have to happen before we truly realize how precious life actually is. That's why I started the Appreciation Revolution. It took my friend passing away at 21 for me, and I didn't want that to have to happen to anyone else. We're all guilty of thinking we're too busy and forgetting to make time for the people who matter, but that doesn't make it okay. So, we just need to remember that we're not too busy and try to make the most of every day. Thanks for your comments!

Whenever I use/hear the phrase “I'm busy” what I really mean/hear is “You're not that important to me.” Am I the only one? Well I guess not. Haven't used the bxxx word for over three months (intentionally, of course) is what I am secretly proud of. Thanks, I like your insight.

My girlfriend and I were talking about this in terms of a guy she is casually dating. She isn't really into him, so it's quickly fading and she's busy finishing her degree HOWEVER she told me, “If I am really into someone and care about them, there's nothing I wouldn't drop for them.”

The same goes with friends, family, etc. There are certain people where the hard work, isn't hard, it's just part of it because you want to. I think it's funny how this works and I also, greatly appreciate it. It really shows who is true..and who isn't. Because really, we are ALL busy, so that's just not an excuse.

I think that's how it translates to a lot of people, and that's why I wanted to write this post. Even if it's unintentional, not making time for people can easily make them feel like you don't care about them. Kudos to you for not using “the b word” for over three months! Very impressive!

Great points, Grace. It shouldn't be hard work for us to make time for those who truly matter. We should WANT to do it. Any relationship requires time, effort and energy from both sides. And, you're right, we're all busy. If the President can make time to go on dates with his wife and read stories to his daughters, can't we make time for the important people in our lives? Thanks for sharing your insight!

I like how you put it, MAKE time and not just find time because if you strive to work on the latter, you'd most likely fail. Sometimes we may fail to let these loved ones feel that they're loved by not communicating with them but the worse thing that could ever happen is that when you don't think of them at all! No matter what we're doing, we should make it a habit to make our loved ones feel that they are indeed being loved.

I wish more of my “friends” felt this way. Less then 10% of overtures or messages I extend to them ever get returned or even acknowledged, and the refrains is always, “I'm busy,”. When people matter, they should be worth the 5 seconds to shoot an e-mail response.

Jonha: Yes, making time implies an active effort on your part, while finding time is more tenuous. I agree that we should make a habit of letting our loved ones know that they are loved. Thanks for the comment!

Hi Ty. I know what you mean. It's hard to put in the effort and not have it reciprocated. That's why I wanted to remind people that they're never too busy for the people who matter. No matter how much you have going on, there is no way that taking 5 minutes to send out a few texts or e-mails will ruin everything. Plus, having strong, loving relationships will have a positive impact on your life overall. Thanks for sharing your perspective!

This is a wonderful post, Sam. I think it is very easy for us to get caught up in the drama, and the craziness – and it's important to make time. I struggle with the balance sometimes, but it's a work in progress.

Thanks Beth! It's so important to make time for the special people in our lives, not just for them, but for us too.