Is your life a blur? Do you fall in the trap of busyness?

Busyness is not the same as productivity …

And I say that to remind myself! Yesterday, I had the opportunity to be “busy” or to simply enjoy the moments — the countdown — of the remaining days of home school. And to, at the same time, be productive! This being graduation time, I want a photo (read: a LOT of photos) to commemorate this final year for my son (and for myself).

In the midst of our semi-last minute goal — to utilize a western sky with vivid, swirling storm clouds over lush green wheat fields as our canvas — my son and I quickly devised a strategy! It would have been mere busyness (and more than a little stressful!) if we didn’t already have a list of errands (conveniently woven into our list of photo spots!) and a time table. (Started before the rain; took care of errands in the rain; more photos after the rain …)

Is your life a blur? Are you stuck in the trap of busyness?

If so, here are some tips to sl-o-w your daily race to an easier pace. Because marathon runners go the distance; sprinters don’t. And ya’ can’t sprint the marathon of Life!

Be in the driver’s seat (with a map of your top three daily “destinations”!).
Follow the map. Determine the direction of the day — and avoid u-turns and tangents.
Observe the speed limit. Adrenaline-powered days don’t provide you with the best mileage.
Refuel before you get to “E”. Set a timer for 15-20 minutes and snooze in a quiet place.
Record your mileage. Notations of tasks, thoughts, memories, etc. allow you to accurately assess the moments of your life.

These are merely some ideas to ponder. Ideas that will assist you in avoiding the stress of dragging around the weight of the busyness trap. Ideas to gradually weave into your days. Ideas to equip you, so you can stop sprinting and enjoy the wide open spaces of the awesome and inspiring marathon of Life. \o/