My busy life is getting on my nerves; I’m tired. I’m also ready to minimize distractions, which are a form of madness. So here’s what I’m thinking now: I am a human being, not a human doing.

When I first heard this line, part of me screamed out, yessss!!! Even though some people consider this little saying a cliché, it really speaks to me.

I like it so much that I’m sitting here, itching to expand this blog post. What else can I add?

Hmmm. My google search turned up 249 million hits for “I am a human being, not a human doing.” Part of me wants to figure out who said this first, where the line came from.

Except, here’s the thing: if I start researching the origins for this powerful thought about my humanity, it’ll take hours. Hours that I could spend as a human being instead of a human doing.

Let’s not go there. Instead, I turn to you. If you definitely know who said “I am a human being, not a human doing,” I hope you’ll post a comment. But if our crowdsourcing doesn’t turn up an answer, then maybe it doesn’t really matter.

Wow, how’s that for a revolutionary approach?

being vs. doing

Maybe it’s enough to share the thought and my jpeg for “I am a human being, not a human doing.” I made it because the other ones already out there are kind of bland. I need color to feel inspired. So if my image for this quote appeals to you, grab it and share!

To be honest, being instead of doing feels both relaxing and anxiety-inducing at the same time. Sitting still is new for me. But I can see where the act of being is a form acceptance, of setting boundaries and protecting myself from spreading too thin.

Okay. Deep breath. Let me see how it feels to end this post now.

Clearly, I’m going to need practice at being rather than doing. If you can relate, I’d love to hear from you. xo