"Being Busy Bouts" 3/26/2014

     One of the most important (and uncomfortable) things I've learned during my stages of becoming a young, hardworking adult is that things change. Learning and accepting that has been one of the most challenging things for me. I'd held onto memories expecting them to make their way into my present with no changes-the same people, same relationships with friends and family, but a different time frame with all of us looking fancy as ever. The same laughs, same pranks, same amount of communication, same level of strength composed within our relationships of unity. I'd grown aware of the absence of friends and the realization of fake friends in middle school (definitely important to know as a woman lol), but I wasn't aware that family would change. My small world was nothing compared to the big world.

     No one is exempt if you really think about it. We grow up and grow busy, right? The problem with "being busy" is that we use it as an excuse for unnecessary things. For some time, I'd been the main communicator among  most of my friends and family: I texted everyone I'd cared for, called, messaged-whether it was a "Hey! hope you're doing well...ttyl" or an "I love you". I tried. ROUND ONE: The world won. I tried until I'd learned that "being busy" became the excuse for failing to communicate with family and friends. Then, I stopped. And not too long ago, I lost a relative that I'd been close with to suicide. ROUND TWO: Knockout... Guilt. Could my attempt to reach out have let him know he was not alone?

     I'm aware that things change and I'm certain there are people like me-yearning for the same memories and the same people while trying to keep in touch with everyone,but it's not going to happen and probably not the way you'd like it to. We become too busy with life as an adult, and forget how relevant it is to remind those that we love that we love them. Technology grants us easier means of communication...a text can be sent, Facebook, e-mail. a short video, and also (what's seemingly growing unpopular) a phone call. We could even go old school and write a letter. How hard is it? 

     Despite "fall-outs" among old friends, why not check on the friends that are still relevant to you? Same with family. And while learning you may not be of as much importance as they are to you, it shouldn't stop you from remembering the individuals that you are extremely relevant to. Someone told me "You should be able to tell someone you care about them", and that is so true-whether it's reciprocated or not. The realization is that we will not be here forever. When we're in the world, we're in the world and when our time is up, it's up...and we may not know when or how, so it's important to show your concern and love for those you care for and those who care for you before the opportunity is no longer there physically.

We are given certain people for certain reasons-whether it be for a season or a lifetime. Don't allow your relationships, love, concern, or acknowledgement of those to go unnoticed. ROUND THREE: It's a draw. Don't be "too busy" for the people you love.

With Realness,

Bee Elae

3/26/2014