Parenting
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The moment I answered my friend’s casual “How are you?” I instantly regretted my response. What began as a simple inquiry spiraled into an irritating exchange of what felt like humblebrags.
“I’m doing well!” I exclaimed. “But I’m so busy. Like, really busy!” Then, I began to list all the work projects, sports activities, household duties, and social commitments that filled up my calendar. I even added a dramatic sigh about my lack of sleep and perpetual exhaustion.
My friend merely nodded, offering no response. Game over. I had triumphed in the Busy Battle.
In today’s culture, being busy has morphed into a kind of status symbol. Busy equals better. Busy equals success, right? At least, that’s what I once believed. And judging by how many people engage in this conversation, I’m not alone.
Busyness has become the go-to humblebrag. We often list our responsibilities as if they validate our worth. We become martyrs, portraying ourselves as the overwhelmed souls drowning in a sea of commitments, convinced that our chaos is greater than everyone else’s. “Oh, you think you’re busy?” we might say, “Try managing ballet, soccer, swimming, travel baseball, hockey, a long commute, PTA meetings, and oh yeah, work!”
As I reflected on my own words, I realized I had fallen deep into this rabbit hole of busyness boasting. And I wanted to escape.
Being busy is not a badge of pride. It’s not inherently better. It doesn’t mean we’ve won at life.
I wholeheartedly support living life to the fullest. We have one opportunity to experience this world, so we should embrace it. If you thrive on being busy, great—go for it.
But when did being busy become a competition? When did we all join the Busy Olympics? Where did the notion that being busy is somehow superior come from? And why do we feel compelled to showcase just how busy we are?
The truth is, we are all busy. Sometimes we choose to be busy; other times, life forces it upon us. Kids, work, and responsibilities can pile up, leaving us feeling overwhelmed.
This isn’t a manifesto for minimalism or slowing down. Nope, I’m not even advocating for less busyness. Instead, I propose we simply stop talking about how busy we are all the time. Yes, we’re busy. We all are, so let’s stop turning it into a contest.
Some people are busy with their careers, juggling demanding jobs, late nights, and multiple roles. We’re answering emails while on the phone with our child’s teacher or racing to make it home in time for dinner, only to log back on after the kids are asleep. We’re busy.
Others are busy managing family life. From diaper changes to soothing tantrums, organizing snacks, and helping with homework, it’s a whirlwind. We’re busy.
Many of us volunteer our time, whether planning fundraisers, serving meals, or advocating for change. We are busy.
Some are busy balancing it all, multitasking between work and family. We’re checking emails while our kids watch cartoons, folding laundry during dance class, and cooking dinner while chatting with friends. We’re busy.
And let’s not forget about the importance of self-care. We’re exercising, journaling, and connecting with loved ones. We’re busy.
Yes, we’re all incredibly busy. But this competition to see who can claim the title of “busiest” is driving us mad.
So, count me out. I’m done with the “busy but good” qualifiers when someone asks how I am. I’ll refrain from detailing all the things that consume my time and energy. I’m quitting this exhausting marathon of busyness. No one wins, and frankly, I’m too busy to compete anyway.
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Summary
The article discusses the societal trend of equating busyness with success, highlighting how this mentality leads to unnecessary competition and stress. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing that everyone is busy and suggests refraining from boasting about it. Instead, it encourages a focus on genuine connections and personal well-being.