We hear it from a mishmosh of friends and associates: “I’m so busy: I can’t find time to get together." I used to buy it, but you know what, I’m older and wiser and no more! In the words of the acerbic Judge Judy, "Baloney!" Too busy is just another way of saying "you’re really not important enough to squeeze into my schedule.” Remember: we all can take a lunch break.

Believe me, I know that many of us do have hectic lives and demanding work schedules. That is undeniable. But I’ve found that the busiest folks I know always make time for me —whether through an in-person visit or at least a phone call.

An article in TheDailyGood.org written by Rasmus Hougaard and Jacqueline Carter asserts that busyness is just an excuse for laziness. This is a unique concept that I wanted to step back and consider.

I had been feeling very overwhelmed recently between work, living in a crowded environment, commuting, plus the extra demands we all have to face like difficult neighbors, filling out insurance forms, IRS paperwork, cumbersome websites, being on hold for ridiculous wait times, dealing with robocalls and scammers, etc. It's annoying stuff none of us can escape.

But, how much can you attach yourself to all the stressors in the world and eventually not implode completely? My discomfort with being stressed all the time from busyness has made me reflect, in a good way.

A true story about the Dalai Lama was referenced in an October 3 feature story. The esteemed spiritual leader was at an event where 10,000 people were gathering to see him. In addition, 500 volunteers along with a multitude of journalists and volunteers were expected. The author Houggard went up to the organizer, a man in his late 70s named Lakha, a friend and former study mate of the Dalai Lama, and asked him "Are you busy, Lakha" and Lakha's calm response was, “There is lots of activity but I am not busy.” This was a powerful observation and conclusion: it will be my new mantra.

Obviously, setting up a huge conference along with handling details from top to bottom would be daunting for anyone. But I realized, as the authors did, that it really is one’s attitude that dictates how busyness affects us.

The writers calls this busyness action addiction. They point out that you can be highly productive without giving in to the unpleasant emotions that being overburdened generates. It feels so much better to handle busyness with calm rather than distress.

So, I am making the conscious choice to relax, no matter what, and it really feels good. I will never again be "too busy" to see the people I love and care about!