I don't have the time for this!

I can't tell you how many times I've said this in my lifetime, but I can assure you, it's been a LOT.

But the fact of the matter is, I'm no busier than anyone else. In fact, in most instances, I'm less busy. So why do I say it?

Easy. Because I don't want to take the time to deal with whatever "this" is. It's not a priority for me. I don't care about it. I don't think it's important. I don't have the patience to do it.

And the same goes for you when you tell me you're "just so busy." 

Don't get me wrong, I know you have days that are full with work, family and errands that have to get done. You may have "extra-curriculars," too: hobbies that take up your time. Or maybe the kids are involved with sports or hobbies or lessons or whatever. I get that. I also acknowledge that I don't have a job I leave the house to do. My kids both work, but overall, I'm not bound by the practice and recital schedules that bog down many other people's daily lives. My family is also quite lenient with the time I may spend away from them doing my own thing.

But what that means is that I'm pretty much available whenever you can pull away. The point is that you don't pull away. Pulling away for a movie, or a road trip, or reading a blog, or catching up on the phone...doesn't happen for you. And I'm left feeling that I don't matter. That I'm not a priority. That in your infinite to-do list I'm somewhere past cleaning toilets, shampooing the dog or relining your kitchen cupboards with contact paper. And if I'm there, so are your other friends. And we all are feeling left out.

I'm making a conscious effort this week to practice what I preach by reaching out to others. Catching up with friends, if not by phone then through email, text or facebook. Instead of waiting for my neighbor to come pick up the shirt I borrowed, I'm going to take it to her. I'm done being passive in my friendships and I hope you are, too.

Make the time for this.

It's more important than you think.