About two years ago, I declared war on "busyness." Prior to my declaration, I was not aware that busyness had already begun creeping into my own life; however, I was painfully aware that I was surrounded by people who never seemed to stop! How did I know...all I had to do was ask the simple question, "How are you?" Invariably, I would be told, "Really busy!" And then, the list of activities would unfold.

Then one day, a friend asked me "How are you, Pat?"... and the ugly words jumped out of my mouth - "Really busy!" Busyness had come to roost in my own backyard. Long before I spoke those words, I had begun noticing how my life had changed in the past two years. I worked from sun up to sun down - six days a week. On Sunday, I went grocery shopping, washed clothes, mowed the lawn, caught up on paperwork, and squeezed in a visit to my dear mom. Before I knew it, Sunday - my only day of rest - was over, and I began preparing for Monday. If this was life, then why was I dreading it.

It was no accident that I happened upon an article which talked about the essentials of a balanced life. It went like this - Everyday make sure you

work

play

learn something knew

I practice this creed, and I can tell you it works! I even added a few Pat insights -

spend a part of each day in the great outdoors

spend a part of each day communing with God

The battle for peace in the midst of life's craziness goes on each day, but I have learned to overcome the busyness of life by leading a balanced life.

FYI: Below is a picture of me in the second grade before I was aware of time and its demands. I was sitting high on a grassy hill outside of my elementary school. I was the first one back from lunch. I used to walk home to have lunch with my mom. On this beautiful spring day, perched contentedly on a hilltop, jump rope in hand, I gazed joyfully at the puffy white clouds in the azure sky. That peaceful little girl is still in me....and she still finds her solace in looking up to heaven.