Who or What Steals Your Time?
There are many things that conspire to steal our time. I’m so “busy” is the new “F”-word that I write about in my new book coming out Fall 2018-yes, that was a shameless plug:D
If I over identify with busy-ness then I am missing out on being present in life. So, am I really THAT busy? For myself the answer is sometimes and no.
I got back from vacation this summer and realized that I had not watched TV in over three weeks. It was a slowly dawning realization I had when I got back. I was putting on my make up for work, (which I usually do while watching TV) and I realized that I had forgotten what shows I had been watching and did not just automatically turn on the “boob-tube”, as my mom used to call it.
As I distance myself from vacation and add a little bit of TV back (only a little), I realize that there are actually many things that steal my time making it seem as if I am “so busy”.
Here are some things that might conspire to steal your time:
1) Perfectionism. Period. Trying to be perfect in anything, let alone everything, will steal your time as well as your self-esteem and joy.
2) Television. I tend to zone out and binge watch but when I choose just one hour of TV I realize that I am much more picky about what I choose to put in my brain.
3) Social Media. Don’t get me wrong, I like social media and it is a fun way to keep in touch, get support and needs met, and see what family and friends are doing but it is sneaky. Before you know it, you are down a slippery rabbit hole of time lost by farting around.
4) Alcohol. While a nice glass of wine to relax here and there or a fun night out are great, drinking often can become your slave-driver.
5) Video Games. Whether on your phone or television these can be a sinkhole for time because they are rigged to give you a “win” at intervals which tricks your brain into wanting more and continuing to get the next one.
What steals your time?
With the exception of perfectionism, none of these things are dysfunctional in and of themselves and everyone needs to check out and put the brain in neutral. My goal for this article is for you to start to be conscious about your habits and whether or not they are in charge of you or you are in charge of them.
As I realized with TV, I am not so busy that I cannot keep up my meditation practice, or call a friend (what a concept!!!) or write out a handwritten thank you note. I realized that I was checking out and “choosing” TV over my meditation practice. Too busy can become an excuse. At least for myself. I welcome your feedback, thoughts and comments on this topic:)