“I’m totally overbooked this week.”

“Sorry I’ve just been so busy.”

“I don’t even have a minute to breathe.”

Sound familiar? I used to think being “so busy” was the epitome of cool. As if it meant you were in demand and requested by people. Actually that’s total and utter bullshit. I don’t know what’s made me change my views, either the trip to the ashram in India, or maybe simply the fact that I just grew up and got wiser. Either way, every time someone tells me they’re just so damn busy, I feel like simply telling them this:

1- Being busy is your choice, and your choice only. No one is twisting your arm forcing you to go for drinks with those annoying people you can barely stand. Or obliging you to attend every function you get invited to. Even at work, you have the choice to prioritize your tasks. Not everything is urgent, as much as people would like you to believe. Unless it’s a medical emergency, then it can wait.

2- It’s a cover up. Are you trying to fill up every single gap and hole in your days with plans simply so you don’t feel that certain void in your life? Are you scared of being alone for an hour? Now I’m not saying this is your case specifically; clearly, it varies from person to person. But I do strongly believe there’s something inherently wrong when you can’t spend some time alone, relaxing, in deep introspection, and thoroughly enjoy it. If you don’t, you’re running away from something. That something is for you to figure out.

3- It stops you from being in the moment. How often do you book so many plans one after the other that as you’re in the midst of one, you’re thinking of the next place you have to be or people you have to meet? You’re missing out on that moment, that precious moment that you’ll never have back. Especially social activities, they shouldn’t be items to be marked off a to do list. Enjoy the moment, savour your food, look into the eyes of the person talking to you, smell your surroundings. Take it all in.

4- It creates distance with those who love you. Whenever you tell someone who genuinely cares for you that you’re just too busy to see them, or to even speak with them, do you know how that makes them feel? Like they’re simply not worthy of your time. It’s also in a way demeaning, as if they couldn’t possibly understand your so called busy life. Sorry but life is all about priorities. You’re never too busy for something or someone you genuinely care for.