SKEDADDLE

It’s funny how one letter can make such a difference. Case in point  – hurried vs. harried. The former means to rush; the latter means to be stressed as a result of demands and obligations. Although very different in meaning, we often find ourselves experiencing both simultaneously.

I think we’ve all found ourselves in a hurry. We lead busy lives. We have partners, parents, children and jobs, book clubs, workouts, and a To Do list a mile long. Some people seem to actually thrive on being hurried. The problem occurs when we’ve allotted 3 hours for a 5 hour task. Or, when one parent is doing the job of two. How often do you find yourself saying, “I need to go; I’m in a hurry?” Or, as my friend, Helen, would say, “I’ve got to skedaddle,” a phrase I find so endearing.

Being harried is another issue altogether. Being harried is usually a result of being overbooked, overcommitted, and overrun with responsibilities. When we’ve said “yes” to too many asks. Harried often results in being frazzled, impatient, and short-tempered. Harried is not a pretty picture.

I don’t think we can avoid an occasional hurried moment. It may help to be realistic about timeframes and to set reasonable expectations. Give yourself an extra 10 minutes to breathe, take a bathroom break, and reconnoiter. If you’re feeling especially generous, give yourself 10 minutes several times a day to take a deep breath and two bathroom breaks. Such indulgence!

You may not agree, but being harried seems optional. It takes practice to get comfortable saying, “No” or “Not this time.” The prize for being the person who always says “yes” is usually unrealistic demands, extra work, and increased stress. If that’s first place, I’ll gladly finish last.

Gotta skedaddle!