I came across a piece I wrote a year or so ago about being “busy.” I didn’t like that word then and I still don’t like it because, to quote myself, being “busy sounds scattered and frenetic, preoccupied and hectic to me.
So, similar to last week when I dissected the word “success” I’d like to share with you what I discovered about the word “busy” back then because, in a doppelgänger sort of way, it’s where I find myself again right now … and with the tendency to say things like, “I am really busy” or “I am so busy.”
Bite my tongue! Florence Scovel Shinn, the early 20th Century metaphysician, said, “Your word is your wand” – what you say is what you invite into your life. And I am not interested in inviting scattered, frenetic, hectic energy into my days.
The dictionary says busy means, “occupied, full of bustle, not free, unavailable to use.” Its synonyms are “full, eventful, demanding, hard, tiring, hectic.” What I experienced back then and what I am experiencing in my life now is none of that!
So I decided that I would not attach the word “busy” or the energy of “busyness” to these developments in my life. Instead I am choosing to embrace my new opportunities with a more appropriate word.
I no longer say that I am really busy, I say, “I am deeply engaged in life right now.”
To be “engaged” is to be involved, engrossed, participating, to be betrothed (I particularly like the word, “betrothed”) to the experiences of my life.
Oh, the power of words! For me, when I say that I am engaged I feel like I am bringing to my new experiences my attention, my love, my enthusiasm, my excitement. And I am!
Do I have moments when life feels hectic? Of course, but my greater intention, my focus is on the positive attributes of how my life is manifesting, and being “engaged” definitely fits my focus.
I invite you to think about the words you use to describe your life, yourself. If you find negative words coming first, consider how you can reframe your experiences with words that reflect the positive qualities of your experiences.
A side note: Whenever I share with someone that I am deeply engaged in life, rather than that I am super busy, I always get a nice, big smile.
Though “busy” may be what you are, your frame of mind and reference determine how enjoyable and productive this state can be.
Here’s to being deeply engaged!
Blessings, Plynn
Plynn Gutman 