Running Sucks! Why I Walk Through Life

by Marianne  - July 17, 2013

 

In high school I was a sprinter, and I was pretty fast, too….  But, this post isn’t about running, in that sense; it’s about how you move through life. 

Do you run, or do you walk?

Lately, when I’m out and about I notice that people are ALWAYS rushing around; driving impatiently; pushing past you in the street; answering the question “how are you?” with “BUSY!” … Really? That’s all we are?

It’s not just people “in general”, it’s me, too! This week, especially, I have found myself feeling overly stressed because I am either too busy to think straight, or feeling like I *should* be busier! WAIT, BUSIER? I want to be busier?  I just left my job to become less busy and more productive!

BUSYNESS cannot coexist with BUSINESS <— see what I did there?

Many of us seem to be under the impression that being busy has a positive correlation to productivity and even necessary to being successful – whether you are: a business person, a stay at home mum, a gym-goer or, in any type of meaningful relationship.  

I am putting forth a motion that, actually, BUSYNESS robs you blind of any productivity or success in your job and your relationships.

Having more things to do actually takes quality from your life and, more to the point, it steals your opportunity for quality time with other people. How many of you are happy, patient, kind, peaceful, humble, loving etc when you are busy and in a hurry?  What gets most of your time?  I guarantee you spend your time thinking about all the things you have still to do, as you are trying to start or finish something else.  What happens when someone needs your attention? What happens when it’s time to make a meal or go and train?  What gets sacrificed? 

Just so you don’t think I’m lecturing for the fun of it, this whole lesson slapped me smack in the face this very week and I think it’s important to share it because it happens to us all!

Here are 5 examples of this from my week to date (this list is not exhaustive):

1) I get caught up in a few emails and feel too busy and stressed to drive to the gym –> I missed 2 training days because of this excuse.

2) My mum was talking to me and I didn’t hear her because I had a million things “I need to do” running around in my brain.

3) My friend asks me to go for lunch and I say I can’t stay long … because, guess what? I have a  million things I think I need to do. So I keep the conversation from going too “deep” in case it takes too long 🙁 *shame*

4) I found myself running between clearing the garage, trying to sort out my washing and writing “to do” lists –> then I got sick and felt EVEN worse!

5) Several times each day, I will catch myself wondering which project I want to really focus on and I nearly have a panic-attack because I have so many tabs open on my computer to “sort through”.

 

Wanna know what the real kicker was?

I GOT NOTHING DONE!

Busyness breeds impatience, distraction, feelings of failure and a perception that you never do enough OR a resentment that you do too much.

 

This is why running through life sucks! You rush past the beautiful scenery of the day; you miss your friend waving at you; you miss your favorite show; the QUALITY of your work suffers and the QUALITY of your relationships suffer… Never mind your training and diet!

SLOW DOWN!

What is the big hurry and why does every minute of the day need to be filled with some task? Stay in one place long enough and realise that each moment you feel that anxiety to get on with other things, you are missing the opportunity to actually enjoy what you are doing RIGHT NOW.

Once, when I was really dreading going into the hospital for nightshift and I was getting all wound up about all the things I needed to do, I prayed for perspective and I prayed for peace over the unrest I was feeling. As I sat still and took a few deep, relaxing breaths, I remembered that where ever I am, regardless of how much *I* want to be there, I have the chance to enrich someone else’s experience … or at least brighten that moment of their day by letting them feel that they are worth my time …  Being “busy” robs quality of even the shortest encounters. Even now, that realisation still has the power to settle me.  

How often do we rush around in our busy worlds not noticing the time we are wasting chasing things that really don’t matter. 

It seems to me this business of busyness is more a question of what you think gives your life meaning, purpose or value.  Will you get the answer from the more tasks, money, social events you acquire? Or will you start seeing that your life ALREADY has value – you just have to slow down long enough to really see that.  That is when you are your most productive and successful.

Slowing down and walking through life, knowing my value and purpose, has helped me see that it’s not about seeking what life has to offer; it’s seeing that the offer IS life!

 

“”Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:41-42)

 ~ Cheers

Marianne

PS – I feel a *little* bad for luring you here with my title … oops 😉 But glad you stayed long enough to read this!

 

Couplet Routine | Outdoor Summer Workout

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  1. Hey Marianne,

    Seems like I haven’t sent you a comment in a while, but I had to respond to this one. You’ll never believe the passage on Luke you quoted is the same one I was studying yesterday (7/21) which was my first day of fasting. I’m not currently working right now because I’m focusing on pursuing my dream in the fitness industry. I received a message when I was studying that the only way to have blinded faith is through prayer and fasting….so I chose something that I love to do…so I chose not to lift or work out for 7 days…I’m very dedicated and never miss a work out. So this will be a challenge. But this will bring me closer to God and I just cant wait to see what he will reveal to me…with business decisions and personal ones. I also wanted to show him how important he is in my life….even tho sometimes I get so caught up in my own world. Marianne when God really wants me to do something or listen to him….he always sends his message to me in 2 different forms…..ALWAYS. I just had to share this with you because I just think its soo cool how God used you to reveal that scripture to me the second time. Please keep us updated on your journey pursuing your dreams as well….you’re in my prayers.

    Cita

  2. Excellent article. A lot has do with technology so our brains are wired to expect things to happen in an instant, so faster must be better way to do things. I have an injury to my shoulder so I am force to slow down and some things I just can’t do, but in a way it’s a blessing. Last night I shut everything down and just read a book. At work I’m delegating more. Tonight at the gym maybe a spin just to keep the blood moving.

  3. you sound like my boyfriend. He is always running around not getting anything done while running around keeping busy, it’s a catch 22.
    I am for some reason unable to handle being stressed or too busy I get overwhelmed and then depressed, so I try to keep it simple, I guess I’m a slacker. I actually thought this article was about running as exercise LOL.

    1. Sorry for the title “trick” 🙁

      I’m usually the same as you – I can’t cope with being busy AT ALL! I hate it and I want to always be unbusy haha … maybe this doesn’t have to be a bad type of slacking. 🙂

      As long as you have enough of what you need, there’s no point to chasing more.

      1. The title made me chuckle because I know you are not much of a runner, at least according to your T shirt. I was like whoa! Marianne is making some crazy training changes, then I read the article….. LOL

  4. “Go placidly amid the noise and the haste…” I always try to go back to this…
    Thanks Marianne for great article

  5. Great article. There was a similar one in the NYTimes a few weeks back. I do think there is a ‘culture of busy’ and it is good to be reminded to slow down.

  6. Great reminder Marianne.
    I work full time in sales, plus run a Personal Training business on the side so this all resonates considerably! Big respect to you for making the decision you have done…I am on the cusp of one similar myself so understand the courage it must take!
    Without doubt the biggest effort needed in the week I try to make is simply putting the brakes on and letting someone into my time, past me in queue or just sitting down and listening to them.
    I find my two little boys are my cue to cool down as they pounce on me every time I walk in the door, so I keep their picture handy as a reminder that the most valuable time I have ever is time with them and their mum!

    1. Awesome, James. I have started doing the same when I drive. I was a very impatient driver before and something so simple makes such a difference!

      You children will appreciate that very much and it will teach them the same.

  7. Great message Marianne, I know since I have started my full time job I feel like there is not enough time to “get everything done” ie personal emails, Facebook, forums, HR issues I have to address after work hours, I am losing valuable time for my real life relationships and I don’t like it! Let’s all keep in perspective what is truly important in this life which is relationships, “The Lord God said it is not good for man to be alone” Gen 2:18 I am going to be more aware of the value of ‘being here now’ for the people I love and hopefully being a blessing to others!

  8. Very true – as words of wisdom always are!! It’s always good to remember to take the time to nurture your relationships with the people in your life because it’s so easy to get caught up in all the other stuff! I believe work is important as long as you don’t let it dominate your life.
    I enjoyed reading this post and hope to put it into practice! 🙂

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