Check in: Busy?

As the "we'll get to it after the new year" season approaches in the universe, I like to do a self check-in on how I feel about life's busyness.  The end of the semester is nigh, holiday events are looming, and my list isn't getting shorter. 

How do I feel about this?  Honestly?  I am ok with the level of busy.  It's not a badge of honor for me.  But it IS how I run on a daily basis, because I'm an extrovert/unmedicated ADD/energetic person.  It's not right for everyone, but it works for me. 

It doesn't make me too stressed, because I force myself to prioritize.  I am a closet procrastinator, and heaven only knows how I finished a doctorate without any extensions or tardies.   My students usually get to the top of the list for deadlines, because they too are working on deadline.  It's just respectful to not make them wait on grading/feedback/etc. 

Family obligations are nearly tied with professor life for A-1 designation.  My flexible gig makes it pretty simple to do both.  I have a handful of hobbies, and now that pickleball has taken over my life, I have to make time to dink!  One thing I have had to remind myself frequently is that if I don't have time to get to a hobby, or if it sits on the back burner for awhile, that is OK!  No one is monitoring my hours spent and pickleball/flight training/organizing will wait (clearly my lack of attention to this blog is proof that it's still there right where I left off). 

As my children have entered adulthood and have their own lives and partners, I have scaled back the holiday events and planning.  I still love to celebrate with them the football day of Thanksgiving and all the things Christmas season can offer, but I don't hang so much "making memories!!!" pressure anymore.  I swear, I don't know how the millennial moms do it with the social media influencers beckoning to make everything the most AMAZING.  We Gen X'ers are glad to be out of that pressure cooker.  

I have more post-it notes than a true minimalist probably should claim, but I use them to remind and make lists.  It's the only way to keep it together.  I am not leaving this planet without enjoying it, so here's to the holidays and sticky note your way to a wonderful season!