My Approach to Busyness

This week has flown by. There has been somewhere to go almost everyday, and the household, garden, and animal chores list is piling up. It has been busy. Today, I glimpsed at the calendar for next week, and then I had a mini panic attack.

It isn't that there is anything surprising on the calendar. I knew all these things were coming, but somehow seeing them on paper, all in a short block, of time induced panic. Starting tomorrow we have to go somewhere or someone is coming here everyday until Wednesday the 19th! 

There is a lot that I need to get ready for these events, and a pressing list of chores here that need done. Oh and I am working 25 hours too, and there is that little issue of finishing up homeschool for the year. Quite honestly, it is a little overwhelming.

I like to be busy. I used to say I'd rather be busy than be bored, but really I'm not sure the last time I was bored. So, can I honestly say that anymore? But busy is good, and there are ways I can cope with it without getting overwhelmed.

First, I have to stop. Yes, perhaps that is counter intuitive, but the best way for me to deal with feeling overwhelmed is to halt activity, even if it is only for a couple minutes. I need to stop doing long enough that I can start thinking.  Actually, that is exactly why I am writing this post.

For the moment, I am ignoring  the fact that dinner is not started, the clothes line is completely full of dry clothes, and that I really need to go get groceries. Although, it may be true that all those things need done, what I need the most right now is a little quiet and a plan.

Now, that I've said a quick prayer, taken a few deep breaths, and used writing as a tool to keep my focus, it is time to make a plan. Yes, there is a lot to do, but it is not more than I can get done. I just need a good plan of attack.

Even though all the events are on the calendar, I start with a fresh piece of notebook paper. It gives me more room to write and brainstorm than the calendar I use. On one side I list the days with the events for the week. On the other side I make a brainstorming list of the things that come to mind as I write the events. For example Tuesday we have a group picnic to go to. I am helping to organize it. On my brainstorming list I wrote that I need to order the chicken, check the paper supplies, and bring the bike that a friend left here and I keep forgetting to bring to her.

The brainstorm list keeps growing as I write and think. Then when it is all on paper I try to plug the "to dos" into the days to make sure everything gets done in a timely manner. The final step is to hang the piece of paper on the refrigerator. It is a needed visual reminder to myself to stay on task. It also is a reminder to the family that this week is busy, here is the plan.

Aaaahh I feel better all ready. The next few weeks are looking a little full, but it is ok. I will stop. I will make a plan. It will get done, and we will enjoy the blessings of family, friends, and farm in these next few busy weeks. Now, I better go cook dinner.