Do you feel "too busy" or just right?

[paelthom]

I am feeling the strong urging to slow down. I feel that my days are spent running from one thing to another with very little quiet time and it's not a good thing. Even though school is out for the summer, I find that I am running Ryan to lots of activities in an attempt to keep her from being bored. This morning I looked at her and saw a worn out little girl. She was supposed to take a class at the local museum on Sat. about the stars and another class at an out of town museum on bugs on Sunday. I'm cancelling both and we will just hang out around the house and maybe watch movies, or wander around outside if all the rain stops. When I get too busy, I begin to almost panic from the exhaustion that comes. You'd think I'd learn and not let it happen again, but it always does.

How about you too busy, not busy enough or are you just right?

[canadian gardener]

Just right. Last week was too busy but that happens rarely now. It was a combi of taking a friend to emergency and waiting till past 2 am till she was seen and admitted for emerg surgery.

and then a family visit with fil, sil and nephew 2 days later. I'm catching up on sleep now.

Pat what might make you feel better for Ryan's sake is this: Kids who are allowed to get bored are more creative, and more able to cope with life than kids whose parents occupy their time and keep them busy.

CS Lewis said the reason for his creativity (Narnia, a sci fi classic trilogy and numerous Christian classics on theology and life) was many happy empty hours amusing himself indoors on rainy days with his parent's library at his disposal. He read everything, suitable books, books completely unsuitable and everything in between.

His mother was dead, his father was busy and he and his brother read everything in their parent's considerable library.

I think it may also have had a good deal to do with why he later became a highly respected Oxford don. Or was it Cambridge. Can't remember.

Upshot is this, kids who learn to amuse themselves are self starters with a lifetime skill, who will never be bored because they possess in themselves the means to right that situation.

Kids who are entertained or kept busy are often too busy to grow mentally and emotionally, they don't have time to reflect and consolidate their learning, they are constantly rushing.

There is a book called "The Hurried Child" and while it may have more to do with rushing the growing up process it does also have to do with our society's expectation of keeping kids too busy to think, reflect, learn to amuse themselves.

Hugs it's a very counter culture thing to allow them the luxury of free time, but it's the only time in their lives they'll be allowed it otherwise.

[homesteadmamma]

Right now I'm feeling "just right". I know though once I start my new job July 2nd, I'll have to be very cautious during my day in not getting overwhelmed and too busy.

I value my quiet time so much, that I'm careful as to how much I take on.

Its interesting you would ask this question. There was an article in yesterday's paper in regards to our society being in too much of a hurry and in not getting enough sleep. Quite an interesting article.

[canadian gardener]

It is REALLY counter culture to slow down. Our culture values "busyness" and doesn't reward time off for contemplation, or reflection or just resting that doesn't involve "doing" or sleeping. By doing, I mean tv, books, hobbies, crafts, recreational activities.

It can be hard for anyone in our culture to slow down and get off the treadmill but I'm here to say it can be done and the results are an improved immune system, more energy, better physical and mental health, sharper thinking and the list goes on.

I broke my health by not slowing down to rest enough, by racing to prove stuff to myself and others.

I am on the way back by taking the slower route, letting go the excess. Dejunking my life if you will.

In the process I've discovered a lot of joys I'd forgotten about.

[Darlene]

Just right. I'm a pretty laid back person and just don't put myself out there to be stressed out. I'm pretty good at saying no when I have to too.

Life is too short not to be good to yourself.

Pat, you & Ryan have some wonderful you time. You guys are worth it.

[MMP]

I guess just right. I decided not to send DS to summer school this year(although shopping with him makes me regret that LOL) because he has been doing something every summer since kindergarden. And he even had an extra grade in there. LOL.

I was going to try and get a scholarship for DD1 to go to some classes at the local children's museum, but decided against that, too. And DD2 is out of speech therapy for the summer. I talked the therapist today since her office is in the same building as the WIC office.

[guest2]

Right at this moment, it's just right. Two weeks ago I was running and burning the candle at both ends. I made a vow to myself while I was on vacation at my parents' place at the lake to slow down, not stress the small stuff and to get myself in a routine where we would get done certain things for the day and then have the rest of the day to relax this summer. I'm also going to try and carry this over into the next school year and not get myself so busy with everything that I burn out.

[Guest1]

toooooooo busy......

no quality time for anything....
feeling like I'm missing all the "God things" for doing all the "good things"....



I keep clicking my heels together but I'm not finding home!

[lucy979]

Right now I'm just right. Hope it stays this way!

[dmvezina]

I've been feeling a little overwhelmed lately myself. I used to be able to sit down even just one afternoon a week & just watch a movie, but haven't been able to do that for weeks.
I'm either behind in my work for some reason, or too much running around due to kids. I have 3 of them that see a Dr. on a monthly basis, plus one of those 3 sees a counselor twice a month. Just been crazy!! lol

[forestdale]

I'm about right. When I was working, I used to work 12+hours a day, 7 days a week and although I never felt stressed I think now that I must have been.

I love the feeling of floating through my days now. We still have occasional times when I race around like a headless chook, like when dh was ill, but I think I'm better able to weather those storms because most of the time I'm calm and relaxed.

Relaxation and calmness are very much a part of simplicity. I try to concentrate on the moment and I recognise small moments of happiness when they happen. It's surprising how much you notice when you slow down.

[simplemom]

I know how you feel Pat...I have been too busy and I have been feeling overwhelmed too, these past two days. I too, feel panic inside when I never get to stop. I almost feel nauseaus and anxious. I'm glad you brought this up---I've been telling myself today...why again, have I become *overbusy?* Why do I never stop?

btw, tell me CJ, you are starting a new job july 1st? What will you be doing? And also congratulations on this new job.

[simplemom]

Oops...forgot to add....Enjoy your time together, Pat.

[paelthom]

By my lack of visiting in the forum, I guess you can tell I'm still on the "too busy" side of things. Everyone is well and fine - that's good. It's been raining here like crazy and the minute it stops we all rush outside and try to get something done. I've picked some blackberries the other evening and realized that was the closest I'd come to quiet time in days. Sad to think I had to share my quiet time with briars, chiggers, ticks, spiders and those horrible thorns. But the blackberries were yummy! Dd is doing a ballet class in the afternoons this week and she's enjoying it, but not as much as the cooking class. VBS is finally over at church and we have our new lady pastor. Once she's gotten used to us and stops being nervous, I'm sure we will like her fine. Company's coming for July 4th and we will watch the fire works. Wow that's enough I think. Next week, I'm planning on taking a nap

[PrairieRose]

At present I'm feeling too busy but I think it's mainly because my little daily routine is out of whack. Dd has been home for the 1st 1/2 of the summer to help me with some projects around the house and I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed. My daily "work" seems to be piling up while doing the other things....... Feeling a bit out of control here too Pat. Hang in there and try to enjoy your summer.