GETTING THE RIGHT BALANCE
At the moment it seems like everyone is just so completely busy..what's going on? Everyone I talk to lately 'has a million and one things to do' or 'there is never enough hours in the day.' I don't think I've heard anyone of late saying..actually I'm shit bored and have nothing to do! When I look around at random people they seem so self absorbed and rushing to get to their destination, all looking very serious and would probably jump out of their socks with fright if they were stopped in their tracks. But then I think our society is some what like that anyway, not really laid back like other countries...plenty of people choose to move away from such hectic lives and have a more chilled life style abroad. We're all at it, busy getting on with all things that are very important and even if they are not important we're still busy. Does anyone take 5 mins, stop and think why we tend to be so busy all the time? Do we have to be so busy or do we choose it..I think it's a bit of both.
Majority of our time is taken up with work. We get paid for our jobs so in return we have to give our time and commitment in order to progress and get some lovely monies. Some people get paid good money to work over and above the norm, so there's little time for anything else because their job is just too demanding. I knew of someone who worked 12/14 hours a day and never stopped to eat or take holidays. Some of that was demanding but a lot of it was choice..so she made herself busy with work because she had nothing more exciting to do..quite sad really I think. But each to their own. We are busy with hobbies, catching up with friends, family, socialising and of course we have the wonderful house hold chores, cooking and cleaning to think about too. For those of you who have partners and kids, when everything else is done (or not) you have fit in quality time with your family too..go out, have dinner, amuse the kids and so on.. So what happens when you have a few hours of not having to do anything at all apart from putting your feet up and doing nothing. Do you get bored and feel like you can't sit still for so long? Or there are things jumping in your mind that you could be getting on with or do you just think fuck it, it can wait?
So being busy is something that has hold on most of us...There is nothing wrong with it, and I know alot of people enjoy being busy little bees, but it just seems like we are never stopping. I'm no exception, just like you lot I'm always on the go too but it is a struggle to fit it all in. I had this conversation with my husband and friend on how everyone seems to be juggling lots of balls. It's finding the right balance to fit in everything we want to do that we love and keep everyone happy in the process..never easy and you can't please everyone all of time. I'm sure boredom would kick in very quickly if there was nothing going on. I definitely can't sit still for too long..but sometimes I wish I was making a living selling coconuts on the beach in Barbados, drinking rum punch for breakfast :-)
I know you are all busy, you tell me..soo what do you think and how do you balance it all (or not!). Alot of you can relate to this conversation so don't be shy, get on and comment before I have a hissy fit!!...lol ;-)
asha treacy
12 Comments
View Printer Friendly Version
Email Article to Friend
Reader Comments (12)
I know I don't just get bored but actually feel slightly ill if I'm not at least interested in something... but I don't think that's so terribly unusual. From science and art to novels, films, television and the internet, there has for a very long time been cultural products in which to absorb ourselves. It's just that some of us choose to absorb ourselves in our careers (in addition to our cultural interests).
Coming from Down Under, I have to say that people who emigrate to Ausralia do so to have a sedentary, slower lifestyle. But that isn't to say that Australians *live* a slower lifestyle. It is merely the wont of those who choose to enjoy the weather and the sheer beauty of the place. It's easy to take it easy if you choose.
That's not the case here. The weather - to be frank - is not conducive to a relaxed lifestyle. Most of the year it's chilly and fairly miserable, and the only way you can be sedentary is to spend your entire life watching Big Brother and Hollyoaks. Not exactly appealing. Thus those who stay here are prepared to get out and do something rather than just sit and breathe in warm air.
As far as balance is concerned, I think this is more about choice than capacity. I admit freely my social life is limited, but at my age, I am happy to live the rest of my life attending public lectures and cultural events rather than seeking relationships. To be honest, it's more fun anyway.
So when people say they are more busy than they wish, perhaps it's partly a matter of concern over their sense of control over their environment, and partly pride in their business. In any case, it's something that requires both sympathy and admiration as a standard response... and I believe usually achieves it!
Hi Joanne
Thanks for your response..I agree there so much to get into, you're never out of options and i find it interesting what people do absorb themselves into, what interests one and not the other. I often hear people talking about moving to Australia using the words 'better quality of life' rather than 'relaxed life.' Not been there myself but def a place not let pass by.
It is all about our choices. I sometimes give a little more to work if it's really busy but choose not to make this regular..I love alot of other stuff, spinning, yoga, meeting people etc and want to do it all..
Just as well spending your time watching Big Brother and Hollyoaks could be really depressing..
Hi there, im usally bored at work when theres nothing to do but otherwise its so busy. I havent even had time to catch up with friends which is not good. At home n on days off always on the go as u know. We need to chill a lot more n take time out to catch up with everyone.
I try to make a point to catch up and see friends and family as much as I can but it is difficult to see everyone all of the time..so you keep it going via email, Facebook,text etc
Take the meal for example on the 28 June..I listened to what people were saying and took it upon myself to organise this and bring us all together for no reason at all..just a little jolly..maybe we need more of these?? :-)
A good read,you definately need a balance between friends and work,and in fact fiends are far more important,as I tend to see them every week,I try not to get too bored at work..
Si xx
We all approach this from a unique perspective.
Clearly, we’ve all been hard wired to make choices long before we’re faced with juggling the demands of life. And despite our best efforts to control destiny, life’s road is winding, revealing new challenges and rewards around every bend.
In time you will find your balance. And then you’ll lose it. Then you’ll find it again, and then you’ll lose it again and so on, and so on…
Can you tell I still don’t have it figured out?
Thanks Simon..it's interesting what and who we prioritize and make the time for... xx
Thanks for your comment Don; I'm totally with you on that one..you think you get it right then something suffers or changes and you have to start again..guess that's just the way it is :-)
It is funny cos my hubby and I were having a similar conversation the other day - we are so busy just trying to get stuff done - chores etc - that sometimes it feels like life is just passing us by. Not good!
You are right, we need more events like the 28th. I say mass picnic in the sun in Ricmond!! xx
Pinic in Richmond doesn't sound like a bad idea Anjula....if of course the sun decides to stay out!! ;-)
Great read again Asha! I think i'm maybe in the same boat as Don described above... is really hard to get a balance between work n friends n family at times... always in and out of that groove. With work i find, like you said, that i need to give the time and commitment sometimes to get some more mula... but it does take time away from family and friends, and i have found myself missing out on events because of work... Unlike you and some of the others here Asha i don't have a family and kids to juggle as well, yet, so can only imagine how hard you have to work to get it all in, as well as maybe some time to yourself... but i'm sure at the same time all that work and effort to fit everything in is worth the effort for the people you care about...
I'd have to say i'm one of those who doesn't like to sit around doing nothing... i told you recently how much cricket i play, which some people find overkill, but it keeps me busy and considering half of my friends are the guys i play with it's pretty much a social event as we're all "catching up" as well as having a good laugh... but like you i can also see myself having that relaxed life, especially after my latest holiday you know all about... could definitely see myself living out there and having a much more laid back lifestyle than i have here...
That's really good, doing something you love and catching up with friends at the same time too..
Work does get in the way but I do love working too (most of the time) I've met some brilliant people over the years and have made friends who now fit in my social life.
We met lots of people in Portugal who had been here, done the city life and wanted out because of all the stress, and these were not retired people either. Brave move and good for them..yes can see you living the relaxed life style, spending spending and oh yeah more spending! ;-)