Busyness… is an illness.
On a chilly January morning just inside the entryway to a Washington DC subway station, a young man took his violin out of its case and brought it up to his shoulder. He was dressed in regular clothes – just jeans and a t-shirt. And although he had a face many women found attractive, on this particular morning it was mostly obscured by a dark baseball cap and shaggy brown hair.
After plucking the strings for a couple minutes to tune his instrument, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a few dollar bills, which he tossed into the violin case in front of him, with the hopes that a few passers-by would do the same. It was a very active morning in the subway station as the young man began to play.
Thousands of people were busy hurrying to work, school, or wherever they were headed. Trains were coming and going – the morning rush was in full swing. Yet through all the busyness, the incredible sound of this young man’s violin filled the subway station.
It was impossible to ignore.
Or was it?
Over the course of 43 minutes, more than 1,000 people walked through the doors of the subway entrance where Joshua Bell was playing. And if he was any other street performer, perhaps it would have been insignificant that he earned the attention of just a few people and just a small handful of change.
But Joshua Bell wasn’t just any street performer. He was… and is… possibly the world’s most renowned violinist. And he was playing one of the most difficult classical masterpieces ever composed. And that masterpiece was being played on a $3,000,000 (yes, million) violin that emitted one of the most pure, eloquent sounds in the world.
Yet almost nobody noticed… Why?
Because he didn’t look like anyone special.
And because everyone was way too busy hurrying to pause and notice the music.
Busyness is an Illness
Think about it…
“I’m busy!”
How often is that your excuse?
It used to be my excuse every single day. Like those 1,000 people who ran past Joshua Bell’s music without a moment to spare, my schedule used to leave me zero time for unplanned presence and awareness.
And I was proud of my busyness. I wore it like a badge!
I wanted to remind everyone how tough I had it. I wanted everyone to know how driving from place to place to place in my comfortable Honda was a huge pain in the butt. Not to mention how Angel and I would have to juggle business and family. Helping our course students and readers, and then immediately rushing out to buy and wrap birthday gifts? Don’t even get me started! And then only having an hour to get our son fed and bathed before bed each night, so we could get him down and prepare to do it all over again…
“Didn’t you hear me? I am super busy, everybody! Keep this in mind, and have mercy on me! Please!”
Yes, that’s exactly what I used to want you to know about me….
But not anymore.
Now, I actually pause to hear the music. And I’m proud of it.
Here’s the thing: Busyness is NOT a badge of honor. There’s no honor at all in endless busyness.
Busyness is just an illness that makes everything harder than it has to be.
Busy for the Sake of Busy
If we’re not below the poverty line, juggling three jobs at once just to put food on the table, then our busyness is self-inflicted 98% of the time (the exception being that 2% of the time that a random series of incredibly difficult life events blindsides us).
I finally got a handle on my busyness when I studied it long enough to realize that, yes… my busyness was within my control. In fact, most of the time I actually created hurry and worry where none really existed. On any normal weekday, you would have found me running around begging family, business associates, and basically everyone nearby to move faster…
“If you don’t finish eating, we’re going to be late!”
“If we don’t get this task done in the next hour… we’re never going to hit our target!”
The funny thing is, whether I provoked everyone around me to move faster or not, we always collectively moved at about the same pace anyway. But when I provoked them, everyone (including myself) was unhappier.
It became crystal clear to me that nearly all of my busyness was an overreaction in my head. I was manufacturing it in hopes that it would create urgency in others, and somehow make my life easier. Instead, it did the exact opposite – my busyness only created anxiety, bitterness and complexity. And even on days when the busyness was real (lots of things to do), it was typically due to an overbooked schedule I had personally created.
All of this got me thinking:
Why in the world am I voluntarily making my life harder, busier and unhappier than it has to be?
The Reason and Answer for Needless Busyness
Sadly, a big part of the reason we fill our lives with needless busyness has to do with the always-plugged-in, always-connected, always-sharing, always-comparing society we live in.
We default to defining ourselves based on where we are and what we have in relation to everyone else.
If we don’t have a “better” career, house, car, or pair of shoes, we feel inferior. And the only way we can possibly do better, is to be busier doing… whatever! After all, we are what we do, right? Job title, employer… Aren’t these typically the first things we share with strangers we meet at parties?
We fill our Instagram, Facebook and Snapchat feeds, and our calendars, with manufactured busyness to avoid just being exactly who we are, exactly where we are. In the process, we not only miss out on the serenity and beauty that exists within ourselves, but we also miss out on experiencing that same serenity and beauty in the world around us, because our busyness has buried it with “hurry” and “worry,” and the endless need to be somewhere else, doing something else, as fast as feasibly possible.
Ready for a positive change in your life?
Join me, and let’s wake-up every morning from here on out and mindfully let our needless busyness and stress GO!
Let’s start making every moment less busy and more beneficial.
Let’s start keeping our lives ordered and our schedules under-booked.
Let’s start creating a foundation with a soft place to land, a wide margin for error, and room to think and breathe.
So we can pause to hear the music for a moment, and smile, when the opportunity arises.
Your turn…
How has needless busyness affected your life?
In what way has it been making your life harder (and busier) than it has to be?
Please leave a comment below and share your thoughts with us.
Also, if you haven’t done so already, be sure to sign-up for our free newsletter to receive new articles like this in your inbox each week.
Photo by: emil mk
Mary Anne says
Marc, this post is an excellent reminder — a life filled with less busyness and a more presence — a concept I know so well, and yet I needed you to frame it this way for me.
Honestly, this post reminds me of a quote that Angel and you referenced in the Simplicity chapter of your book:
“Life is actually really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.”
I couldn’t agree more! Thank you, yet again!
Helen Rogers says
What an excellent article. It truly spoke to my heart. Full-time work, evening job, kids/struggles, I can now recognize all the rush in my life, now in my sixties. Has anybody or cared? Kids grown, busy with their rushes, etc , etc. Life goes on. Let this be advice to everyone who still can: make time for yourself. Stop and smell the flowers or Listen to the Music. Life’s too short. As always, excellent article Marc & Angel.
Heather says
Wow! I totally agree that we fill far too much of our time with meaningless stress, worries, and time-filler activities that don’t uphold any of our core goals and values. Too often I find that I’m just spinning my wheels and taking up time that could be spent more intentionally. This has been one of my biggest issues, and it’s something your emails and posts have helped me with over the past year. So thank you.
Susan Embry says
I now recognize Busyness as an addiction to trying to get our emotional needs filled for the outside. Happiness is still an inside job.
Rebecca Mattox says
I decided to go back to school for a masters degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Art Therapy and I honestly feel like it has ruined my life. I know people have it worse but each day I question my purpose and existence. I feel so busy all the time because I am overthinking everything. I know I need therapy now. This post reminded me to get the help I need, thanks!
Lisa says
Yes I understand and part of that may be because it’s difficult to find one full time job in that field so perhaps you, like me, have 4 jobs trying to piece together an adult wage. Would love to hear some suggestions on how to approach this issue.
shirley davies says
LISA.
This may only be for the present time, lots of people are in the same situation, just go with the flow, until changes take place, then you can be less busy. HOPE for the future.
Marcia says
I’m in the same boat Lisa, living from day to day just to survive. A far cry from someone who graduated years ago top of my class in high school and college.
“Busyness” means something totally different to me. I was there once, in corporate jobs, working too many hours to find balance at home.
Now I’m in my late 50s and laid off for a few years, “overqualified” for most jobs and not “the right skillset” for the rest. After a failed attempt at one service business, I’m working on growing a second Internet business by learning everything from programming to social media marketing while piecing together freelance work to keep food on the table and the mortgage paid. Oh–while having spent all my savings to do so.
Each day I have to reach deep inside to still the doubt that things will improve, something I never struggled with before when I was readily employed with one or two interviews. My circle of friends when I had money to go out to dinner and drinks has dwindled to those willing to go for the occasional hike.
I have found that each morning I take deep, measured breaths to set my anxiety at bay, then I do 3 things in each area I need to bring money into my life. Then I celebrate whatever measure of success I have in attaining those 3 things, or whatever other opportunity that presents itself. Then take more deep breaths when I experience further setbacks and go for a walk in nature.
Little by little the bills are being paid, the house is still here, and we’re still having food on the table. I don’t know what the future will bring, but I focus on my small routine and it seems to help.
All the best to you.
Safia says
First what do you call an adult wage? Are you working so hard to just maintain your family in a decent life or to save in a bank account? Or buy a car?
If it is not because you need such amount of money for a decent life every month, you don’t need four jobs.
Do you have time to enjoy your family and yourself?
Are you seeking happiness for now or a future you may not see?
There is no standard for adults, no standard wage, no standard way of life, there is individual way of happiness and enjoyment. I think that’s what Marc tries to tell us!
Kathleen Pasley says
Congratulations to you, Rebecca. What a great realization you have made! And you have the courage and willingness to get help and make change. Bravo!
Mari says
Marcia, thanks for your comments. I love your three actions and then celebrate approach!
Magenta says
Marcia – I find myself where you are. Every day is a battle to try to keep the anxiety at bay (and not always succeeding) after losing my job at 58 years old. Doing a variety of jobs to put food on the table and wondering what the point is. Your comments (as are the comments of all the thoughtful, kind people who visit here) are very helpful – thank you.
Peter Owen says
Everything is always a rush for me. And you’re right, I really do create 98% of my complexities and urgencies in my head. And I also overbook myself to near death.
It is indeed time for a change.
Noureddine Khiary says
I’m very happy for you, Peter Owen
Actually, real change comes from within and, in my own case, I had to play judge and jury over myself for some time. All away from external assistance. My busyness drove me crazy at times and, like Marc put it, I had to hurry and worry often about trivialities. Thinking back, I can see myself busy doing nothing. “Luckily”, my Hodgkin lymphoma caused me to “stop and think”. Fortunately, I killed the beast and learned my lesson.
In a nutshell, if you cannot go any further/faster, don’t you ever panic.
Honestly
Nathalie | WantForWellness.com says
Like many people I come from a business where busyness is considered the highest calling. Sometimes I still have trouble reminding myself that exclaiming that you’re busy or even -being- busy can be entirely different from being happy and productive. I still get wonderful things done, but my life quality is simply better.
This is an article that describes that feeling very well! Need to save it 😉
Ope says
Some opportunities don’t come twice sometimes, unnecessary busyness makes us to loose out on essential opportunities for growth and improvement. Marc and Angel keep taking us places. I appreciate you all.
Love from Nigeria.
Skully says
This has really hit home for me. I am a people pleaser, always have been. Although, this causes me a great deal of unnecessary stress when it results in me never being able to say NO to anyone. I never have time to appreciate what I already have, where I am, or WHO I am at any stage in my day. This leads to me feeling worried and stressed and stops me feeling gratitude on a daily basis.
I am SO ready for this change!
Chris Thayer says
Skully you couldn’t have capture it more clearly on how I feel. I have tried numerous ways and I’ve really tried this less is more (which I truly believe in) but I’m having difficulty in learning how to get off this roller coaster. I keep thinking if I try real hard to get caught up then I can be more focused on what is important to me. My son lost everything to a flood last spring and we had damage to our home and business. We are still trying to get it all put back together. My son has been able to move on and is starting anew. But I don’t know how to get it all together. Stopping and smelling the roses don’t make the lawn get mowed. Skully if you figure out how to make it change please let me know.
-Chris
Sheila Richards says
Take control of your busy-ness. Create diversions which work for you, e.g. exercise; movies; going out with friends
Danyel says
It starts with taking control of your schedule and deciding what actually matters.
Sonja says
I completely agree.
xabbar says
I think many people fill their lives with ‘busyness’ because they are afraid of those quiet moments that allow one to really see how meaningless their lives have become.
Hafeeza Mughal says
You are absolutely right! As a student trying to get into college, I always compare myself to others–whether it’s test scores, athletics, or extra-curriculars. The main reason I’m so busy is because of the work load I placed on myself with AP classes, volunteering, and SAT prep. The worst part is that I’m stressing myself with activities I don’t even like half of the stuff I do! Thanks for this article. It has really open my eyes!
Andrew Reiffenberger says
Thank you! Let’s get back to Simple!
Kathleen Pasley says
I loved every word of this. Such an important message for us all these days…I’ve sent this on to many.
My own wake up call back in the late 70s. I was living in Boston at the time. We got hit with an incredible blizzard that closed the city down for five whole days. No cars, no work, cross country skiing in the streets. It felt like Dickensian England. Lots of peace, silence, beauty, down time, and uninterrupted opportunities to get together with friends and neighbors for cozy spaghetti dinners. Truly, a one time opportunity to slow down effortlessly.
What did I do after three days of this lovely experience?? Talked a friend of mine from another state to pick me up at a train station 45 minutes out of town to go for a ski weekend. Total insanity. I have no idea how I could have even gotten to the train station with all my ski gear…there were no cabs running!
Now, lesson learned about my own addiction to busyness, I love a good snow storm for the very reason that I escaped that “mother of them all.” I love the relaxation of just watching the snow come down, calling and meeting up with friends, making small talk with neighbors outside shoveling, eating junk food to my heart’s content, reading, knitting, watching old movies, and generally being completely lazy, relaxed, happy and content with the silence and beauty of Nature’s great gift.
I now live in Washington, D.C. so am familiar with the violinist in the metro story. How very sad and, for many of us, a lesson in the disease of busyness. Thanks for the wake up call we all need!
Arezoo says
I live in developing country, In my country many of the people live below bread line – they have to work round the clock to make their ends meet. They do not read, they do not attend any class to make their life better, etc. So as you have pointed out, your method is not relevant to their kind of impoverished situation.
But, for me it was good just to reconsider my point of view…
To enjoy every moment of my life.
To listen to the music of life, like it is playing by the best musician ever.
suzanne says
I noticed my busyness, or rather other people’s busyness, a few years ago. I say other people’s busyness because that’s what we do see…other peoples ‘stuff,’ not our own. But after being annoyed by watching and listening to this busyness, I asked myself…what are these people mirroring for me?
And there it was.
Tracy says
Over the past couple of years I have been dealing with a health issue that has been very difficult. I, too, had a very busy, stressful job that I actually loved. Due to the illness I HAD TO step down from my position and it has forced me to look at life differently. I am now taking time to stop and be intentional each day. No more rushing here and there and trying to work myself to death. Money and title do not define me. My family needs me around. I hate the health issues but I also believe they are a blessing.
Taking life slowly is a pleasure.
Kathy says
It has taken me five years of fighting and thriving through a cancer that was caused by too much stress, 24 hour work schedules, rotating shifts and being exposed to a toxic and hazardous work environment, and raising a family. Now, just sitting quietly, looking out the window and reveling in the beauty of sunshine reflected by a leaf makes me happy.
Stuart Young says
For those of us not on the poverty line we are constantly measuring our progress (and coming up short). We associate progress with happiness, and to a certain extent that’s true, but only if we can take time to ‘notice’ the progress. Otherwise it’s just a treadmill. Thanks for the reminder to smell the roses and hear the music. 🙂
Katia says
Hi Marc and Angel,
I’ve been following you for some time now…reading your book and articles. It’s amazing how you’re able to throw things back into perspective and share that. Bigwakingupcall#slapintheface haha
I recognize myself so well in that busyness thing, doing so much, too much at the same time. Being left feeling exhausted really. It’s hilarious but at this tough moment in my life I currently have no job so I am unemployed and also jobseeking but in fact I am too busy all the time…I don’t really know how to change my situation, like there are just too many things project events I want to be part of, so I keep running all the time and can’t seem to find a healthy happy balance, nor seriously get myself to apply.
Could you please give me some tips?
Thanks, Katia
Lolendra K. Malvi says
Hi Marc,
You have wonderfully explained the truth. How no one has time for others as well as themselves… it’s sad. All are so busy in their own world… and some are actually busy and some are just acting so.
Mark says
How so. And we mustn’t confuse activity with accomplishment, either. Nor in many cases, the seemingly urgent with the genuinely important.
Samantha says
Wow, I really needed to read that. Every single day I am rushing my kids to wake up, get ready, move faster, hurry hurry hurry! All so that I can commute an hour to a job that I hate. Then I rush home make dinner, do homework, baths, put the kids to bed wake up and repeat! What the hell am I doing?? Thank you Marc for helping me put that in perspective…Now how am I going to change it.
Mona says
Thank you for the reminder that my life does not need to be jammed packed at every moment to be meaningful! It seems like if I have any down time, I’m on my phone (facebook, instagram, email) keeping myself busy on the rare occasion that I have free time. Why do I do this? I can’t just sit back and relax? Look around at the world that is passing me by?
Tabby says
Marc and Angel this article was made just for me. I am always busy. I run a business as well as working elsewhere. I get myself so busy such that i have no coffee time with a friend or so. I have a one day off and that happens to be on a Sunday when i attend to church and doing household general cleaning. I have no time for excesses and for my family. I feel exhausted already and nothing i can do about it. but now u have this article, i have believed that busyness is not productivity. Once again Marc, thanks a lot. Be blessed
Ann Marie from Ottawa Canada says
Thank you for putting Busyness in perspective! I am guilty of always going…. Ironically I am going on a trip Monday to RELAX…
This reminder couldn’t have come at a better time. Thank heavens I am bringing your book with me to soak in the wonderful words of wisdom.
Thank you, thank you, thank you
Randy McGovern says
So, after a lifetime of rushing through airports, eating fast food and running from one customer meeting to the next, it required life altering health issues for me to pause and consider my behavior. It finally dawned on me that all of the stress in my life was self inflicted. I have discovered that I’m just as successful, or even more so, with much less effort on my part. I often find myself mentoring younger versions of me. I explain my philosophy to them with the following metaphor:
The old bull and the young bull walked to the top of the hill and spied before them in the pasture below a whole herd of cows silently grazing. The young bull excitedly says “Let’s run down and make love to one of those cows.” After a brief pause, the old bull replies “Son, let’s walk down and make love to them all.”
Steve says
Look at your “smart” phone when you are crossing the street.
Said Hasan says
Needless busyness in both virtual and the real world make my life look less meaningful.
Yes it is time to pause and breathe, observe and smile, act and recharge.
Thanks for the insightful reminder.
Flo says
Thanks for this. Sometimes I feel guilty for not being busy, like somehow I’ve failed to be plugged into the “real work,” or I’m not doing enough, but maybe it’s not such a bad thing.
Rima says
Wow! What a breath of fresh air!
Will start working on it, right away! Thank you.
Sarah says
I love this story! I too used to take pride in how hard I worked but now, at 35, no kids, I’m exhausted! And it was all self inflicted by stress. I love taking my time! I love taking it slow and it can be so freeing to disappoint people because finally I’m not disappointing myself!
Marvelous Agbaje says
This is really a good read! I realise that couple of times when I use the word “busy” my conscience pricks a lil and I decided to out myself in check so that I become productive instead of being busy. I also make myself understand that being busy doesn’t make me achieve more or rate me more important than any other person… So I use the word busy less often and I’ve found peace and happiness with myself.
Thank you #MarcandAngel
Stan says
I spend a lot of time “unplugged” from the phone, TV and social media. It is amazing how angry this makes people because I am not available to them every minute of the day. I’ve even been accused of screening my calls. (In truth, I probably left my phone on the table when I work outdoors, got in the shower, or perhaps just didn’t hear it ring.) I purposely do not answer the phone when I’m driving. I just don’t feel that I am so important the world will stop spinning if I miss a phone call or post what I ate for lunch. I haven’t missed anything “urgent” yet. Life is so much better with some quiet time. Time just to be still for a little while.
Deea says
Stan,
I love this. Thank you for writing your comment. I relate to the phone in the car issue. I stopped logging into conference calls while on the road for safety and I could not believe the backlash and the asks that I pull off to the shoulder of the road and take the meeting! These are not emergency calls! I also stopped getting up early to go to work and get my work done before all the meetings started. Now I get up early to sit outside and enjoy the peace. And I started declining unproductive meetings.
David Rapp says
Ok many of you will NOT believe this. In 2011 I was in the airport in Portland Oregon. A man dressed in all white was playing on a 7 string violin. His name is Jimmy Free. I listened for 20 minutes, then introduced myself. We chatted a little, then I bought all of his CD’s. They are some of my favorite music, even better because I met the artist himself.
I was working on 7 projects in 4 time zones and traveled 45 out of 52 weeks that year. I flew 6500 miles in 72 hours in one crazy week. But that music penetrated my over-taxed, maxed-out mind and I finally got 20 minutes of complete downtime.
In a church I attend, there was several week study on clearing a space for God. I was not very successful, but at one point I did feel like I heard “God is clearing a space for you.” In less than 10 days I was given 2 incredible opportunities to find new work. Coincidence? Maybe.
Last thought: busyness does NOT equal business, and busyness does NOT equal productivity. The only people who benefit from these formulas are the owners of the business. Several responders to this post are struggling with too many projects or jobs. I would suggest eliminating the ones that are the least fun. Then prioritize the rest, and pick only the best two. Put the rest on a list to revisit in six months.
I am calling this year “Rebuilding a ’47”, and that project is me.
Christi says
It’s funny that at the time that I read this I was hastily eating my breakfast so that I could move to the next task I had to do at work. I’m always moving hurriedly to the next thing, never slowing down. By the time I get home I’m exhausted! This has helped me realize that I need to slow down…not only for me but for my employees and customers too. Life is too short not to enjoy every minute of it. Thanks for a great post and an eye opening!
Jennifer Dunville says
“always-plugged-in, always-connected, always-sharing, always-comparing society,” I love this phrase. Makes you pause & self evaluate.
Angela Ryan says
Thank you for this post! I was just cursing myself for not being motivated to accomplish a bunch of things today before I go to work this evening and questioning what was wrong with me for not wanting to run out and get those things done. Being busy on occasion is okay but I prefer to prioritize my busyness lol. Maybe I’m doing this right after all! Not the lazy failure my ex kept telling me I was. I realize some things HAVE to be done but I don’t need to be constantly doing things to be happy. Honestly, I prefer an open schedule ?.
JT Simmons says
When I catch myself doing this, I know it’s time to read the Desiderata again. It’s on my living room wall. We all need to be reminded from time to time to take stock of ourselves; where we are, what we’re doing and just how important is all of this anyway? Your story is another example of the fact that we all have choices, we really do! Thank you for your wisdom and for the time you take to share it.
Olajumoke Ola says
I wonder if reading this post is just a coincidence of some sort.
Yesterday at the bank I saw an ad where a couple was laughing and basically having fun at the beach and I asked myself when was the last time I actually took time off to do nothing but relax and have fun, no worries or hurries about anyone or anything, just me having fun?
I remember the days back in high school, I used to see my friends more often, we had the freedom to just live and not take life so seriously.
And then we grew up.
I look around and I see everyone running around just to meet a certain status in the society. The hustle to succeed is so intense. The hustle to be financially successful has made us ignorant and unappreciative of the beauty and blessings God has placed around us.
Thanks for this post Marc, the world needs it as much as I do 🙂
Michael says
Hi there, I agree with what you say. My own experience of what you say has been brought about by circumstance rather than by design or worry. I’m 63 yrs young and have been living from hand to mouth on a small government grant. I’m about to start my own small used car lot though. I used to be one of those busy people rushing around to this appointment and the next, but due to financial constraints I can no longer rush from place to place. I have learned to plan better, stop rushing and just mindfully get where I’m going on time, in a positive, calm and friendly state of mind. That automatically has the same effect on whoever I’m meeting with — makes them more receptive to my ideas or suggestions, and gives them pause to take a breath, and we part having concluded a mutually beneficial business agreement, as well as having made a friend.
Shella says
I work two jobs – one for the medical benefits and the other for good pay. I am the main earner and insurance provider for a family of 3. It’s a crazy schedule – Long hours are the norm. I also prioritize being involved in my kids’ school activities and volunteering at church on weekends. Do I wish I had more “me” time or the ability to hit pause and revel in whatever glorious moment presents itself – YES!! but this is not my reality. I have, however, taken a healthier perspective about my goals and tasks so that I don’t feel pinched, busy and stressed-out. I make no apologies for providing for my family even if that means less time for friends or my own musings right now. I walk everyday, we eat home-cooked meals as a family every night. These things are important to me and bring me great pleasure. If you ask me, I would say I’m busy.
cheryl says
But you are doing what you need to for those you love and that is the most important thing!
Jennifer Jena says
Hi Marc and Angel! What a great post at the perfect time. I am a (newly) single full time working Mom of a 6 and 4 year old, and this paragraph hit me like a semi truck:
“The funny thing is, whether I provoked everyone around me to move faster or not, we always collectively moved at about the same pace anyway. But when I provoked them, everyone (including myself) was unhappier.”
This is SO true! This is ME every moment of the day. So now that I’ve surrendered to the fact that I am making my own chaos (most of the time..), now I need to figure out the HOW portion of this equation. How does one with a “busy” life begin to untangle all of the ropes that bind us to this madness? Baby steps and time…
Thank you both for always being guiding lights. 🙂
Alex Leow says
Frankly I have no time for other articles but I make time to read yours as they have always been very good advices and reminders for us to take it easy and slow, to also not forget to breathe at times. Thank you for always dispensing excellent advices. God bless you.
carol says
Well said and so true. I would add that always demanding perfection from oneself adds to the stress of busyness. We all have things we must do as part of life – housework, yard maintenance, child care, etc., but everything doesn’t have to be perfect at all times to be okay.
Mary Alcantara says
Dear Marc and Angel, Thanks for your blog on Joshua Bell…It brought me to tears. I love music and would have loved to hear him play in the subway. Would I have been sensitive enough to hear that glorious music?!!! I doubt it! I am too human, and run by my compulsions!
What a wonderful story, and let us hope our other gifted and not so gifted musicians participate like that! What a way to start the day! What a way to change the world!
Also, I have not been able to view your letter to the shy student, your letter to us about low self-esteem. I’d be so grateful to read that.
Thanks, Mary Alcantara
DD says
This is also a great example of fame and how much that’s blown out of proportion. So many crave becoming famous, and don’t realize that sometime you can be famous and thousands won’t even know you are – right next to them.
Moses says
Marc and Angel thank u people for this article. i think u posted this one precisely for me. Am a busy person and i can’t deny the fact tha’ i’v caged maself in the circle of busyness. Am sick and tired of this God forseken circle of,and no matter how much busy i get nothing normal comes out of it.what annoys me most is that the things that makes me busier are the ones i hate… Its high time i change!!! Please i need help..
Nikki says
I relate to this article 100%. I understand why our Creator created a Sabbath for us (just recently started observing) I was literally doing some 7 days a week, every moment, and it still wasn’t enough..now i see was not alone, and i understand that is not what life was intended to be about
Beth says
I loved how this article started….a violinist playing in a subway and not many noticed. I would have noticed because where I live, there is no subway to use and music catches my ear. I would have paused because I have learned in my busyness to pause and appreciate simple and pleasurable moments. However, I can still get wrapped up into thinking that I need to fill every minute of my day into doing something to be productive thus causing constant busyness! My spare time is limited so when I have a block of 2 hours, I think, what can I get done? I have a very face paced job that forces me to move faster. I have also learned that I need to change gears after work, if I don’t it doesn’t help my attitude. The other thing I am noticing is to listen to my body more. If I run out of energy or my legs start to ache so it is time to slow down and take some deep breaths. I learned this from yoga. Yea, I can be busy and try to feel good about my day but do I really need to feel so stressed out all of the time? I have to admit sometimes this still can be a daily challenge.
cheryl says
Being the breadwinner (speech pathologist in public school setting with a caseload of over 60 kiddos) and a single mom who made sure her kid was getting what she needed (including ballet lessons as that was/is her passion) I was/am busy….BUT I was always in the moment with whatever I was doing at the time. Talking to her while driving her to and from school and extracurricular activities, I didn’t think about work. At work and seeing that the 12th group of kids I saw that day were making progress with whatever deficits they had- I didn’t think about what I had to do at home that evening…I think it’s a mindset and if you are doing what you love then you don’t consider yourself busy, but living a full life. Just my perspective.
cheryl says
oh…and I don’t “do” instagram, snap chat or whatever else you mentioned (flip phone here- that’s all I need!)