Go ahead. Take a deep breath. Gut up, and say it. NO.

We live in a world that equates busy-ness with success. We feel like we’re not doing anything if we’re not doing something. The problem arises when we over commit. We say “yes” to everything.

I was once told that over commitment leads to under commitment. I didn’t quite understand at the time because I was much younger. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized just how true that statement is. If you spread yourself entirely too thin, because you’re trying to be “committed” to everything, then you’ll eventually have to skimp out on…well, most of the things you want to be a part of.

I’ve witnessed this in my own life (which is why I’m even writing this post). I have a hard time being committed, because I have too many commitments! I’m always having to leave something early only to show up to the next thing late. I spend half my day driving. I practically live in my car. At one point, I was spending tons of money on food because I was always eating on the go (I’m also working on my time management. But that’s for another post).

It’s like we get a rush out of having a bunch of crap to do. I’m starting to realize that I don’t think I want to live my life that way. I’m tired of wasting gas. I’m tired of wasting money. I’m tired of spending 15 minutes here or there trying to squeeze in homework assignments. I’m tired of running around like a chicken with my head cut off. Shucks, I’m tired of always being tired!

So I’ve decided, I’m doing what’s important to me. I’m doing the things that need to be done. I, however, will not fill my life with things that will not matter in the long run to the neglect of things that will.

So, NO, I can’t call you, I’m having quiet/meditation time. No, I can’t stay late and do your job for you, I have prior engagements. Yes, I could drive myself, but carpooling is so much more efficient. No, I can’t come to a non mandatory meeting, I have to workout.
I know they say life is a balancing act, but I just don’t believe we’re meant to scramble the way that we do. I don’t want to miss life because I was too busy to look up. Too busy to live.

There’s nothing wrong with slowing down, letting people help you, and cutting out some of the things that aren’t beneficial or necessary. I understand that life requires sacrifice, but we over do it.

I’m not advocating idleness. I’m advocating LIFE. Live it. Being busy is not the same thing as being fruitful.
I’m trying to use my time wisely, because I only have an allocated amount. I don’t want to waste it.

xoxo Kaisha