Easier "to do" than "to Be"

Do you stress when the day’s almost done but you aren’t?

Are you inclined to play “beat the clock”, furiously rushing from one thing to the next in hopes of crossing off each task on your “to do” list?

What if you fail to complete everything? Do you become discouraged, perhaps feel “less than”? I still battle time and push myself to “get it all done.” It’s easier for me to do than to Be.

Many uncontrollable can cause us to fall short of our daily goals … sleeping through the alarm, getting caught in traffic, an unexpected visitor. Or maybe we try to fit ten gallons into a five-gallon bag (one of my personal specialties), realistically not having a chance of success.

The point is life happens. Despite our purest intentions, too often our best laid plans crumble, putting us behind the eight ball as time ticks by.

Still, not completing whatever I’ve planned reminds me of that D on an Economics mid-term. How could I have failed? What prevented me from achieving my goals?

Summertime is particularly challenging for me. This sun-filled season is full of too many fun options, especially in Bend. Hiking, golf, paddleboarding, concerts … I want to “do it all.” Because before I know it, colder weather will arrive, and these activities won’t be so accessible.

Perhaps there is more to this focus of “getting it all done.” Maybe my need to do is not solely about making the most of the season or completing a long list of tasks. Could my compulsion to overschedule and expect myself to perform 24/7 have a hidden meaning? What if solitude and just Being scares me? Because when my mind becomes quiet, I cannot control what thoughts might pop up.

Most of us would prefer not to be captive to what’s going on in our heads. After all, that’s where our fears and doubts live, noisily grabbing our attention whenever our mind quiets. Doing keeps my thoughts occupied. When I stay busy, I don’t have to acknowledge those shadows. However, personal growth requires us to pause so what’s hidden can surface. Only then can we shine the light on whatever weighs us down.

But there’s more to Being than examining what we’ve stuffed deep inside. When we are in this state, time stills. Clocks, watches, and phones no longer exist. Disconnecting from the outside world sets our mind free from the chaos and encourages creativity, opening a beautiful introspective window to connect with our true self.

Even though I understand this, I admit it’s easier to obsess about my “to do’s.” Yet, when I can embrace the present moment and get off the proverbial hamster wheel, the most marvelous “aha’s” appear. The bigger picture is suddenly crystal clear. I feel inspired. Those doubts, judgments, and fears surface then dissipate. My intuition awakens, reminding me that wisdom lives within. There’s no need to keep searching outside of myself.

The next time your “to do” list isn’t checked off and you fall short of being your typical Superman or Wonder Woman, take a big breath. Be present. Be in the moment. Wearing these hero costumes may support an efficient lifestyle, but it also keeps us from owning our emotions and fully receiving our internal knowing. Yes, there are many things we must do in life. However, it’s important to pause and allow time to just Be. You never know what brilliance may come to light.