I’m so tired of being busy. “Busy” is the trendy answer we give when people ask us how we’re doing. If we’re busy, that means we must be contributing to society in some way, working hard, earning what we get. But the truth is, being busy can keep us from following our true calling. When we’re busy, we don’t take time to stop and listen to what our hearts have to say. Being busy has become an excuse for not properly caring for ourselves, for not living healthier lifestyles, and for not following our dreams.

I don’t want to be busy anymore. When someone asks me how I’m doing, I want to say, “I’m doing great! I’m working on my book, spending time with my horse, going into nature, and practicing and teaching yoga.” Okay, maybe I’d still be busy, but I’d be busy fulfilling what my heart’s calling me to do.

I currently try to combat my busy-ness by making moments of stillness, meditating, practicing yoga and spending time with my horse. We all have to make a living, but doing so shouldn’t prevent us from following our hearts and making time for ourselves, and no one can make that time for yourself but YOU.

So make time for you today—no guilt allowed. Have a leisurely lunch, go for a walk, meditate, do yoga or do whatever makes you happy, even if just for a half hour. Remember, as Annie Dillard said, “How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives.”