“Being” a friend

“Make time for people.” Hurriedly I scribble the note before the traffic light turns green. Then, ignoring my ringing cell phone I pull into the gas station.

My tank and energy level are both on “E.” On leg three of a four-hour marathon of errands, I am winding down. Stops have already included a post office, bank, credit union, clothing store, hobby store, and pharmacy. I'm now headed to the discount superstore for laundry soap and a badly needed source of caffeine.

Over the past year, I've made great strides in scheduling my priorities: household errands, business projects, time for health and fitness. But something is still missing: time for people.

Now evening, my sister calls and I give her a quarter of my attention as I finish sorting the bills. My husband arrives home from work. He'll want to talk, but I'm on a deadline. And a friend I haven't seen in months wants to meet for lunch on a day I've got a full agenda.

"Being there is something one just can't schedule."

Scheduled events, like my nephew's Eagle Scout ceremony usually aren't a problem. I've anticipated these occasions and noted them on my calendar. Unplanned “people time” is another matter entirely.

Funny ... I used to be so spontaneous. I'd drop anything for a friend. Now I'm more about doing than being. Being there for friends. Being with my spouse. Being ready for a party -- or a conversation -- at the drop of a hat.

Being there is something one just can't schedule. But shouldn't it be a priority, too?

Maybe I've gotten so caught in in the maintenance of life that I've forgotten how to live. Somehow left out the part that makes life worth living. This isn't necessarily a new revelation for me, but a truth I keep butting up against every time I find myself running on empty: I need moments of unstructured time to simply be a friend, to be family.

Can I “have it all?” Focus and freedom? Career and connections? Can anyone? I'd like to think so. I'm just not there yet.

Comments

[Brenda Friedrich]

Thanks, Sandy! I agree ... I think I've put blog promotion on the back-burner long enough! It's time to schedule a Purple Wren blog coaching session!

[Sandy Renshaw]

Brenda,

Let's get together and talk blog promotion strategy. You have such terrific insight and there are many people out there who would like to read your posts. The photography is great, too.

Sandy