The dark damp days of late autumn are quickly transitioning into winter; as 2015 draws to an end are you looking at how to Upcycle yourself in 2016? There are so many options it can be over whelming, while you make your plans may I make a suggestion; please avoid the trap of just doing activities to be able to say you are busy. Pause to really consider what you want to accomplish.
Saying you’re busy has become a tiresome mandatory response in our lives. For some, I know, it can be a legitimate answer to how you are, but for many it is either an automatic response, a way of “bragging while complaining” or an acceptable excuse to be dismissive of someone else’s request. In many social groups it is almost “sinful” not to be busy (or say you are) and a sign of heavy moral decay. If you say you are not busy the response is usually “it must be nice” followed by a litany of self imposed time constraints the other person uses as badges of honour and moral high-ground. For the accidentally retired, semi retired, or under employed they may consider it a nail in the coffin of their social connections with certain members of society if they admit to not being busy. Forget it!
As you look into 2016 really take an educated view of what your priorities are and what you want to accomplish. If your list includes a bit of a breather- a late middle aged gap year or break- that is a perfectly legitimate activity especially if you intend to use the time reflecting and making plans for the future.
For some of us our upcycling may include training, new employment, volunteer work or a combination of all three. If you do follow a path that has you pursuing activities and some one asks how you are, look for an alternative to the tired busy reply. How about using engaged, growing, involved or even flourishing as responses. Using these words will give others something to think about and maybe start a conversation, as opposed to the conversation dead end of BUSY! Think of using alternatives to busy as another tool in an Upcycled Selves arsenal for moving forward towards new and interesting rewards in 2016.
Upcycled Self 
This is the kind of article that any international student should read.
Great post Brian! This is so true! I will seriously consider alternatives to this crazy busy life of mine.
Quality over Quantity in all things!
Interesting post for sure Brian! I actually feel more motivated after reading it. I believe it will most definitely be an interesting 2016 for all of us! I plan to use words like involved, engaged, and growing in the enar future! Thanks for this.
And your Blog motivates me to spend money on a new wardrobe…when I can in 2016!
I love it, Brian! Engaged, growing and involved is exactly what you are, my friend. Keep this Blog going, it’s extremely interesting to read every week.
Great post Brian! There’s something really enjoyable about the start of the new year. Fresh start!
Yes; now if I could only start it at a Tropical Yoga retreat….maybe next year!