Multi-tasking is a socially acceptable addiction.  As a matter of fact, I've decided to oppose all social convention and refuse to multi-task any more.

This was not an easy decision.  I prided myself on my ability to multi-task on an extremely high level. I was the multi-tasker of multi-taskers. At any one time I would be performing 8-10 tasks simultaneously and correctly. I couldn't possibly consider wasting time performing a single task.  How preposterous!  There is just too much to be done and too little time to get it all accomplished!

I could schedule an appointment by phone, send an email, check the weather, review marketing documents, eat a meal, balance my checkbook, entertain friends and comb my grandson's hair simultaneously.  

How efficient!  How wonderful!  I'm was so amazing!  After all, doesn't society demand that we multi-task? We do it at work.  We do it while we drive -- eating, talking on the cell phone and to passengers in the car, while putting on makeup and/or reading a map, newspaper or work documents.  (Just look at what the person is doing in the car next to you during your daily commute -- a bit scary at 55 mph.)

Mothers are notorious multi-taskers.  Somehow children force us to do more than one thing at a time. Otherwise, someone will not get fed, diapers will not get changed and laundry will not get done, just to name a few activities.  Society insists that mothers multi-task.  If we don't -- heaven forbid -- we're considered somehow less than fit for motherhood.

I took multi-tasking to new heights. I'm ashamed to say that even when I was supposed to be sleeping, I found myself wearing earphones to listen to an audio book, hoping I could later recall what I'd heard. 

If I fell asleep during a class with head bowed and eyes closed, my instructors were amazed to find that I could correctly answer any question they posed (thinking they'd catch me unawares) on any topic on which they lectured during my "snoozing" period.  (By the way, I made an "A" in each of those classes.)  I was good at multi-tasking and my success just reinforced my desire to do more.

Recently, I was forced into a situation where I was not permitted to multi-task.  (I'll save that explanation for another time.)  It felt quite strange, at first.  I wondered to myself, "What was I to do with all this...time on my hands?"  I was permitted only to perform a single task at a time.

As the initial eeriness of the day began to wear off, I faintly began to experience a feeling I had not felt in a very, very long time.  In fact, I couldn't even remember when I had last had such a feeling. I couldn't identify it at first. It took a couple of days before I recognized it, but when I did, I was shocked.

It was a feeling of peace. I had no stress. I felt calm.

I was learning to stay in the moment and savor whatever that moment brought. I could focus.  When I ate a meal, I could taste the flavors and texture of the food. I ate more slowly and became satisfied more easily.  My encounters with friends were more pleasurable. I heard what they said and picked up on their non-verbal communication.  I enjoyed them more. 

When I interacted with my individual family members, I discovered almost imperceptible things about each I didn't recognize before -- characteristics that showed me how interesting and unique each personality had become.  I even noticed more of the beauty in nature. Every sunrise is a bit different and every sunset is not the same.

And guess what?  I still accomplished just as much, if not more.

 Yes, my addiction to multi-tasking had robbed me of peace, the simple joys of life, the ability to allow myself to connect with others on more than the most surface level.  I could not sit doing nothing (less than at least 5 things at a time)!

So I decided no longer will I multi-task and miss the golden nuggets hidden in life. As a multi-tasking addict, I've not totally kicked the habit yet, but I've scaled down considerably and working my way toward zero multi-tasking.

Perhaps you'd like to join me at my next Multi-taskers Anonymous meeting. Everyone is welcome. I'll be the first to share my story.  "Hi, my name is Helen and I'm addicted to multi-tasking."