“When you are asked if you can do a job, tell ‘em, ‘Certainly I can!’ Then get busy and find out how to do it.” ~Theodore Roosevelt
Not That Busy
A peculiar phenomenon
That I have always seen
Takes place whenever someone’s asked
To come out and convene
To take part in a get-together
With like-minded folks
There always seems to be a few
Who you just cannot coax
Because they’re “busy,” they have something
Going on that day
A thing that only takes up just
A fragment of their play
I’ve heard it time and time again,
“I’ve already made plans”
But what they say they’re busy with
Only few hours spans
I’ve even heard some blow it up
To wipe out a weekend
Events only four hours long
To the next day transcend
What is it about the mind
That says “You must recover”
“Write off the next day as well
For fear fatigue will hover”
I’ve heard some say they couldn’t make
A two minute phone call
Because they were so “busy” that
They were not free to stall
And yet I’ve seen those same people
With no minutes to spare
Drop it all to sit before
The TV and just stare
Watch their shows and movies and
Play endless video games
And later boast about their busy
Non-stop hectic claims
You’re not that busy, no one is
Don’t let your mind run wild
Don’t fall for thinking there are too
Many duties compiled
Call yourself on your B.S.
And don’t exaggerate
Never act as though you have
Far too much on your plate
Because each person knows the truth
That we are not that busy
Very few of us do reach
The point of being dizzy
Do not let your mind inflate
What’s being asked of you
And for the tasks you have right now
Take moment to review
Are you really that busy?
Is time really that rare?
Is stopping for a moment something
You would never dare?
I can only speak for one
In complete honesty
It wasn’t until I admitted
“I’m not that busy”
That my production level rose
And my training began
And people started calling me
“A wise, hard working man”
~Miro
Its Beauty Miro…
its sad people would rather spend time doing nothing than share and spend it doing something worthwhile…excellent piece Miro
That’s really thoughtful, and I’ve come across it too. I always try to be honest, try to avoid that “I’m busy” phrase, as I know very well that I’m not that busy. Thanks for sharing this poem, very well written and compiled.
“Makes us more wise…because that’s the path we should follow…”
How very true! Everyone is so “busy” just being busy; and they end up missing precious time with friends and family they will wish they had some day down the road.
I spent a lot of time with my son when he was growing up but once he was gone from the house I realized how fast his childhood passed. If I had to do it over again I would have cleaned less and played more.
Your post reminded me of one of my all time favorite songs, “Cats in the Cradle”.
Again, your words written are so true to life! I really try to avoid saying “I’m busy” because that would put me up on a pedestal, when I know everyone’s busy! But, too busy to stop, smell the roses, listen to a friend in need? As the younger generation would say, “it’s a lame excuse.” Thanks for sharing, Miro, and I wish you peace today and everyday~
I have to admit my wise friend at times I am busy, but not too busy to find time for those who need a helping hand..I still am trying to Time Manage Work and Blog time.. Home time and Family time… And still learning to find Me time.. most important..We are never too busy to find time to find ourselves.. A lesson I learned a long while ago.. When I was a TOO BUSY Person
I too have been guilty of such behavior….not acceptable I know. This is a wonderful post, and brings new awareness to myself…awareness of something I can and will correct.
Thank you for sharing this with me, Miro!
Hugs, xx
Yes, I am calling myself on my B.S. right now! I am not very guilty of this “busy” excuse nonsense, but I have been known to tell white lies to people to be “polite”. I should have been quietly honest with them that what they were asking me to do was not something that quite agreed with my value system!
Oh my goodness, so true, Miro! I’ve had people say it to me and I have also gotten caught up in the “too busy phenomenon.” Thanks for reminding me what is important.
Amen! I have a friend who has a very bad case of this–her loss. Certainly thought provoking as usual. Angie