New Year’s Resolution: Delete the word, BUSY

Some years ago, I resolved to stop using a particular word. I tried to delete it for my common usage. But somehow, I continue to find myself saying it. I reframe my sentence to avoid the word when I am aware. But it does crop up again and again. It’s all over. I see so many people use it – often without meaning. The word is a modern-day fashion. And the word is also responsible for our sicknesses, including stress and untimely death.

And now you are wondering: what is this word? I recommend stopping saying BUSY as part of your NEW Year’s resolution.

Busy! Can you stop saying the word?

Simple! Stop Saying the Word: BUSY! It is easy as it sounds. Do you need to try it? Ask yourself how often you say – without a second – “I am so busy.” Busy with work, life and who knows what.  The world is busy – and it seems trendy.

Why do I try to avoid the word BUSY?

I love reading. And often, some words change the way I think. I am sure we can agree on it. Words do change us. What you say, you become. Its metaphysical – thoughts become words, and words, in turn, become matter.

I read this lovely quote: The busiest person is so busy that s/he does not even have the time to say that s/he is busy. Are you so busy?

I pondered over it again and again. If I have the time to say I am busy, it means I am not that busy. I started to avoid the word.

Another spiritual motivation to avoid the word BUSY

I also love acronyms – they are easy to remember. One such I came across a decade ago, B.U.S.Y. The acronym suggests BUSY means Being Under Satan’s Yoke. Why would I want to be under the mantle of Satan? Busy doing things and forgetting the right direction to be under the protection of God’s spirit.

It has become a good reminder for me. I can focus on things that matter and delete the clutter of being busy. It allows me to search for alternative words to express my daily engagements.

Is Being Busy a Modern Mindset?

Recently, I heard a TED talk where the speaker decried a western mindset behind the words – I am busy. When people say they are busy, the speaker claims that those people want to tell you they are important – they belong to a higher status. Business is associated the higher status in the social setting.

“I am busy” have come to mean “I am better than you” or “I have more important things to do than you.”

A Friend’s Comment about Busy People

A friend of mine says this classic statement. “Sorry,” he said.  “If you are busy, you are less organised.” Are the busiest people less organised?  Tim Ferriss’ bestseller, The 4-Hour Workweek, speaks about less work and more time for things that matter. What’s the objective of busy people? Is it to get things done? Or acquire more free time?

Efforts I made To Stop Saying BUSY

Initially, I requested my close friends to remind me whenever I said I was busy. It backfired. They reminded me  – if you are not busy, why do you not have time for your friends?  I did reduce saying the words: I was busy. But it is challenging to date.

When people ask me, “Are you busy?” I often catch myself responding in the affirmative. I do correct and say other alternative words for busy. But I am not satisfied with the alternative words.

Can you suggest alternatives for the word BUSY?

I often wonder what the alternative to the word BUSY looks like. It needs a mindset—a worldview to go against the tide. I tried a weak word: I am “engaged” with my work commitments. Another word is that I have “commitments.”  I try to replace the word. The important thing is the awareness it creates. Awareness is liberating for the mad rush of being busy.

If you have read till now, you are serious about stopping to say the word BUSY or try to avoid saying: I am busy. Next time you hear the word BUSY, what will come to your mind?

Do share your thoughts about your attempts to avoid (replace) the word Busy from your life, not just vocabulary.  I hope that by deleting the word BUSY, you become more relaxed. It’s a gift for yourself for a time of silence and contemplation, moving towards contentment.

About the Author

Feroz Fernandes, a Catholic Missionary, identifies himself as an Uncommon Priest. Father Feroz loves adventure in the apostolate. Check out his debut book The Uncommon Priest: Incredible Stories You Never Read on amazon. And also, the YouTube Channel: Feroz Fernandes promotes a better understanding of scripture.