We can all get “busy” in our lives.  I know that I do.  My husband had recently told me that he has given up on keeping track of my day-to-day schedule.  This is a very sad indicator.  A small part of me believes that things will get done.  Just one more “thing” to do, then I will… what?  “Things” never seem to get done.  There will always be another “thing” to do.  It’s like weeding a garden.

MAKE THE INVESTMENT.  There is no question in my mind I will continue doing my business.  Some days I am out of town at a conference, other days I am at a meeting.  When I am home, I am cleaning the house, doing chores, or making dinner.  Other times, I want to completely zone out with Facebook, Bejeweled, or Oprah.  Everything is good in moderation.  The point is… moderation.  I took for granted what is truly important to me… making and maintaining relationships.

When you have a supportive family, fantastic friends, and awesome colleagues to work with and be with, it’s easy to believe that they will always be there for you.  Here’s my AHA… the relationship is reciprocated.  I’m one-half of that relationship.  It’s a partnership.  So, I have reconnected with friends, had meaningful conversations, spent time with family, and took the time to listen.  It’s not to say that I didn’t do this before, but now I am deliberate with my time.  How I use my time matters.

Time can be easily wasted and under-utilized.  Certainly, there must be a balance between productivity and leisure, but I am feeling rejuvenated by spending my time focused on relationships to get “things” done rather than focusing on the “thing” itself.  I feel more connected to my family, friends, colleagues, clients, community members, and my dissertation (believe it or not).  Busy work is a waste of time.  Make the intention… and DO IT.  The outcome is not the reward, it’s the journey.