BY JOELLEN COLLINS
This summer is especially full of events, and even though it is my favorite season in Idaho, I find myself ashamed when telling friends that I am really busy, sometimes when it is absolutely correct, and even when I should not be THAT busy. I think we all developed our “alone” skills during the past couple of years when we have been quarantined or have exercised sufficient caution so that we have avoided gatherings even with dear friends and family.
I hate the number of times I have felt overwhelmed by my busyness in response to invitations. These current weeks offer a plethora of activities that I have committed myself to and now pop up during a shorter time than probably would have occurred pre-pandemic. I have used my Covid time away from people I care for because of necessity and found it O.K. being home alone, though, thank God, I was blessed to be comforted by my cuddly doggie. Don’t know how I could have handled the isolation without her.
I rationalize my newly increased activity by knowing that everything I have committed to, while bunched together, are activities and venues I love. I have arrived at the stage of life where I must choose to be active in ways that are appropriate to my income, age, and physical welfare. I simply am unable to contribute oodles of money to the theaters and other groups I adore, nor can I help set up venues in hot weather or do things that require hours of standing or moving loads of items. I wish I could do more at banquets or food events, but I am not only a klutz but developing, even though mild, problems with arthritis which cause some awkwardness pouring wine. This is normally a simple chore, but not for me anymore.
I am now choosing to keep volunteering for situations where I can serve in the most positive ways to use the energy I possess to be as productive as possible. For example, as a writer, I can certainly compose or edit things for people, I love to teach and be with children, and I surely enjoy verbally extolling the marvelous arts and sources of creative and intellectual inspiration and education available in Blaine County. Of course, I can also learn to say “No.”
I refuse to continue some of the patterns of life I have accepted before now. I can still love being with people, helping my friends and family, and keeping “busy” with the things
I can truly improve by my presence. It is a refreshing thought to work at what also makes me feel better for having done them rather than experience martyrdom or being “too tired.”
The author Holbrook Jackson states it well: “It’s only when life is overwrought with the tyranny of doing that we miss the joy of being… that makes us capable of any worthy action.” Time to practice what he preaches.