Raise your hand if you are tired of ‘busyness’.
When people ask how I’m doing, I try not to say “busy,” even though my to-do list could stretch out the door and down the stairs. The truth is, life is full—beautifully full—and I’m learning to reframe busyness as simply living a full life.
I just returned from two incredible weeks in Ireland visiting family, spending an unforgettable night with my cousins, and teaching a workshop at EOM Studios in Co. Mayo. Before leaving, Steidel Fine Art invited me to show work at the Jackson Hole Fine Art Fair, which meant creating a new piece immediately upon my return. I also volunteered to help paint my granddaughter’s room in their new fixer-upper, and I’m now preparing for the upcoming Eatons’ Ranch workshop.
It’s been four intense weeks, but I wouldn’t trade a single moment. Every commitment is something I wholeheartedly choose—travel, art, teaching, helping family, creating new work. These experiences are the heartbeat of my life.
Seeing the girls’ faces light up when they walked into their newly painted lavender room? Worth every minute. Sharing Ireland with two of my best friends? Pure joy. Teaching, creating, connecting through art? My greatest passion. And Eatons’ Ranch? Always a highlight.
Brené Brown says, “It takes courage to say yes to rest and play in a culture where exhaustion is seen as a status symbol.” I believe it also takes courage to live a full life rooted in the things that make you truly happy. The busyness that comes with that? It’s part of the gift.
And when September winds down, I’ll gladly welcome a slower pace—saying yes to rest and play, because that too is part of living fully.
I’m curious to know, how do you handle feeling too busy? Would love to hear from you in the comments below.
Be well….be creative,
Clare
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