How To Stop Being Busy
I stood near the kitchen table with my face in my phone, reading a message from a client. Unobservant of my husband sitting right beside me, I heard, “Would you PUT that down?” Then our son Simon piped up, “Yeah. You’re always on the phone.” His face dropped and he seemed to accept the lack of my presence as our new family norm.
My heart dropped.
Have you ever talked about that someone who is addicted to work? That was me. If you looked at my calendar, you would think I was married to my work and didn’t have kids. Not 100% true but at the time, I didn’t know the word balance. This left me feeling overwhelmed and my family feeling disappointed and disconnected.
That was my wake up call.
What was I thinking? How could I let my marriage and family be negatively impacted in my pursuit of business success? How had I gotten here? When I asked myself these questions I realized I was trying to keep my clients, my husband, my kids, everyone else but me, happy. Anyone else hear me on this one?
I was madly trying to keep up on the hamster wheel and I thought my business had grown because of my spinning. I thought keeping people happy was my ticket to happiness, yet I was running on fumes. My feet were getting tired and I was getting impatient, grumpy and disengaged.
I felt accomplished in the world’s eyes, but unfulfilled. I would “go with the flow” and say yes to keep others happy. Without boundaries and clear communication, I fell into the trap of people pleasing. I would say yes, or nothing at all when I meant no. I would please to keep the peace and then become resentful.
People wear busyness as a badge of honor. In our society you are respected for being busy. Busy means successful, productive, contributing member of society.
Yet, sadness seeps in when we discover that busyness doesn’t equal happiness and pleasing others isn’t the gateway to inner peace.
What to do. What to do.
Stopping to put gas in your own tank means you’ll likely reach those dreamy destinations and be able to take a lot of other people with you. That’s what REAL CARING for others is all about.
You gotta love yourself.
Then you have the energy, desire and resources to love others.
In our busyness we try to find acceptance and peace in being liked. Instead, pursue your dreams and goals from a place of knowing you’re more than liked, you’re loved.
With Love,
Amy
PS: Whenever you’re ready, here are 2 ways to help you increase your wealth, health and happiness…
For more strategies to Boost Wealth, Health and Happiness visit www.amyenglemark.com. To contact Amy directly email coacha@amyenglemark.com.