“Busyness is the greatest distraction from living, as we coast through our lives day by day, showing up for our obligations but being absent from ourselves, mistaking the doing for the being.”

—Maria Popva

I’v been known to tell others about how busy I am. I’ve been known to take on more than I can handle. I’ve been known to see an empty space on my calendar and rush to fill it.

Busyness can be an addiction, to productivity, to accomplishment, to validation, to adrenaline.

I must work every day to keep myself present. Some days it is a smashing success, other days it is a dismal failure.

I can be busy AND be present if I remain mindful that my actions are in line with my values.

Here are 5 steps I take to remain present while busy:

1. I start my day with a grounding practice. For me that is spiritual readings, reflective and gratitude journaling, setting and intention for how I want to feel, and finally planning my calendar for the day. This is the framework for I will keep myself present.
2. When I plan my calendar I am careful to include blank spaces. These are the spaces for writing. Writing helps me work with the wonder of my life. To express to myself who I am becoming. To share this becoming for the benefit of others. Writing is my being.
3. As I approach each interactions I remind myself that my presence is a gift I can give to others. My work as a psychotherapist has built my presence muscles. Learning to still my mind, to leave my world, and to enter the world of another requires my complete presence.
4. Before saying yes to a request for my time I am sure to assess that the activity is in line with my values and will fit in my schedule.
5. I end my day checking in on how well I did balancing being with doing and how the doing felt.

If are looking for help to get a handle in your busy reach visit our website https://www.lifeskillsresourcegroup.com/ or 407.355.7378 to schedule an appointment.

Cindy Fabico, MA, NCC, RYT200 Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist MT2724 Licensed Mental Health Counselor MH8555 Founder & CoOwner Life Skills Resource Group