“Busy is My Cardio”
(And Other Lies I Tell Myself)
It starts innocently enough. You agree to bring cupcakes to your kid’s field day, schedule a quick catch-up coffee with that friend from Yoga, and accept the invitation to your neighbor’s “casual” backyard dinner (which somehow requires a side dish, two kinds of wine, and mosquito repellent that definitely includes DEET). Suddenly, you look at your calendar and realize you’ve got more appointments than your dentist’s receptionist.
Congratulations! You’re officially addicted to being busy.
Somewhere along the line, “busy” became a badge of honor. If we’re not hustling, we’re falling behind, right? But here’s the catch: constantly being in motion doesn’t actually get us anywhere. It’s like being on a hamster wheel in Knix. Exhausting and sweaty. Not cute.
So why do we keep doing it?
Because busy feels productive. It distracts us from feelings we don’t want to deal with. Anxiety, boredom, perfectionism, that existential dread that creeps in around 4 p.m. on a Sunday. You know, the usual.
But here’s your permission slip: Summer is not meant to be a performance review.
Reflection Tips:
Ask yourself: “What would happen if I did nothing for 10 minutes?” Spoiler: The world would probably keep spinning. Try sitting still and noticing what emotions come up without immediately grabbing your phone.
Look at your calendar. What can go? Cross off one thing this week that is not mandatory or joyful. Replace it with rest. Yes, rest. (Not organizing your linen closet "for fun.")
Check your self-worth meter. Is your value tied to how much you accomplish in a day? If so, remind yourself that your worth isn’t a to-do list. You are not a productivity app in yoga pants.
Busy is not a personality. It’s a habit. And like all habits, it can be unlearned.
