This life we live involves a lot of doing. We do for ourselves. We do for others. We do big, and we do small. Maybe I should be a little more specific.
Life involves making choices, serving people, tending to our homes, taking care of our bodies, having a job, solving problems, and making friends. In any given week we may find ourselves making an appointment, reading a book, cleaning a floor, washing the dishes, visiting a friend, attending a meeting, making a meal, folding laundry, taking a walk, and shopping for groceries. Most on this list are things we have to do; some are things we want to do. Life involves a lot doing (as it should), but sometimes we do and do and do until we overdo.
Doing can quickly lead to overdoing. We want to be involved in our community but end up signing up for one too many committees. Being involved in our children’s school and it’s programs is important to us, but then we over-commit. We want our child to be well-rounded, but then we find that every evening and most Saturdays are filled with time in the car racing here and there.
Sometimes we overdo because it’s all we know. Sometimes we overdo because it’s what everyone around is doing. Sometimes we don’t even know we’re overdoing because we can become so easily accustomed to living this way.
Signs You Might Be Overdoing
- You’re tired. Do you get to the end of the day completely exhausted?
- You’re cranky. Are you easily frustrated and quick to snap at those around you?
- You keep getting sick. Have you found that you are getting sick more frequently?
- You are easily bothered by requests from others. Does a simple request from a friend or acquaintance frustrate and annoy you?
You might be tired, cranky, sick, and bothered by requests for a number of different reasons, but if one or more of these things are happening (with frequency) there is a chance you are overdoing.
Doing But Not Overdoing
I will always encourage you to do. The not so busy life is not about being lazy or sitting back and watching life pass you by. It’s not about being self-centered, only caring about you and only you.
I will always encourage you to do, but I will not encourage you to overdo. A life of overdoing gets messy and tiring. A life of overdoing is chaotic and crazy.
Let’s do this life…but let’s not overdo!
What about you? How have you kept your self from overdoing?
Until next time,
Charissa
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Argh I am so overdoing it, but I don’t know how to stop myself. I keep getting sick and I am so tired all the time. I need to take your advice and take time for myself and take care of myself. Maybe when the parents come visit and help babysit 🙂
Hi, Betty 🙂 Thanks for sharing. Hope you do get that time to slow down when your parents visit!
This is such a great post! I am that person who tries to do it all.
Hi, Jessica 🙂 I think we can all have that tendency.
I am overdoing it, and I know it, but I am having such a hard time stopping. I really need to slow down, and I have been trying. Thanks for the reminder to do, but not overdo. 🙂
Hi, Danielle! I think it’s easy to slip from doing to overdoing. Taking some time to reflect and evaluate at the end of the week is a good way to then make adjustments for the coming week. Here’s to doing but not overdoing!!
I’m a classic over-doer. It really is difficult for me to slow down. In fact, I have to schedule it in my planner. I block out time as “busy” just so I can rest. It’s so important!
Blocking rest time is a great idea, Rachel!