I look at how young adults live today, and I keep hearing the same thing: “I’m too busy.” Too busy to cook, too busy to clean, too busy to run errands, too busy to make time for family. Everything has to be delivered, automated, or outsourced because life feels overwhelming.
But I don’t think life is harder now. I think it’s just noisier.
When life was simpler, people still worked full‑time, raised kids, kept a house running, and handled their responsibilities. Yet somehow, there was still room for family. You sat down for dinner. You spent weekends together. You didn’t have to “schedule” time with the people you lived with. You just did it.
Today, people have more conveniences than ever, yet less time for the people who matter. They’re not buried under chores — they’re buried under screens. Notifications, social media, constant comparison, constant pressure. Their attention is pulled in a hundred directions, and family ends up squeezed into whatever minutes are left over.
The pace of life didn’t change. The priorities did.
Back then, you didn’t need an app to remind you to call your mother. You didn’t need a “family night” blocked out on a calendar. You simply showed up. You were present. You weren’t distracted by a phone buzzing through every conversation.
Life was better when it was quieter. When you could hear yourself think. When your time wasn’t eaten up by digital noise. When family wasn’t treated like an optional extra.
Simpler wasn’t worse. Simpler was better.
What do you think — is life actually busier now, or just more cluttered?
19 comments:
OH, you are so wise!!! Yes, I totally agree. And I will add that so many people always kind of BRAG about how busy they are! Like it is a badge of honor. It irritates me.
You are 100% correct. Priorities have changed and all of the social media has added another distraction for some people. Simpler is better in my opinion. I agree with Ginny, I hear people talk about how busy they are, and they sound proud of that like that is what life is all about.
I 100% agree life was simpler when there were not so many bells and whistles and hoops to jump thru.
I've been trying to get a new washer and dryer installed since July 3
They are both in my garage. First guys told me they could not modifiy dryer duct. So I made an appointment for the new ones to be brought upstairs today...these guys told me I need new fittings on hot/cold faucet on washer. Someone is coming this morning to do that, Lowes comes back to morrow to move appliances, Friday Dryer Vent Wizards some to modify dryer duct fitting. IN the old days delivery folks did it all.
Everything is sourced out
I bet you are sorry you asked me.
MOL MOL BOL
Hugs Cecilia
I agree! It's just more cluttered with the things that are supposed to make life easier!
I agree with the 4 comments above and with your post. the worst thing that happened is the smart phone and the internet. when something happens to the internet, everything will shut down, doctors offices, all business, not ATMS no debit cards, and everyone will not be busy..
I don't understand the kids of today at all.
I know for me things seem busy and I don't like it. I want it to calm down more. I can't quite figure out why. I feel like stop the world I want to get off sometimes. lol
Being retired we don't have a busy life. We're happy about that. You're right about things being different now.
Have a fabulous day and rest of the week. Love and hugs to you and lots of scritches to Gibbs. ♥
i am very sad to say, i agree 100% with you. what i really don't understand is all of the grandparents raising their grandchildren. i never had a "babysitter". even my family, "our moms" rarely babysat for us and it was only for a date night or to shop for christmas gifts. i stayed home when they were little and once they hit school age, i worked with the hubs. i drove them to all there games and activities and watched them all as well. the hubs and i never missed a game, show or any event. they are 42 and 43 now and i think they had a great childhood, they played outside and didn't have phones!!
I agree with you - life is more cluttered now and it really needn't be.
Simpler times....they can be simpler today, as well, if people stop to smell the roses, so to speak. Running here, running there, busy, busy, busy! So much noise, clutter and nonsense today. This is how I see it, anyway.
Life is, and can be, beautiful and simple...but for some reason people choose to make it complicated and chaotic.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this Ann, and very true. I have often thought about when we are in the kitchen for instance, our grandmothers used to make do with a big mixing bowl and a wooden spoon, and present very tasty, satisfying meals. Progress? In many areas but in other areas not so much.
Simple was great!!! I totally agree.. When my grandson and family were here this past weekend...we talked about going to eat and he said, "I would rather eat here at your house Shug." they do not go out to eat but may a couple times a month...they live a simple life...
Great post Ann and I totally agree with you!!!
My life is still simple. I love the internet and access to what is going on in the world, but I I take plenty of time for moodling.
Ann, I wanted to share with you a YouTube channel that I subscribe to and have been watching the videos for a couple of years now. I love ❤️ it and I really think you will as well. The channel is called Early American. It is a young couple who dress, cook, eat and live life like they did back in the early 1800s. I find it very relaxing and enjoyable because they live a simple, unhurried life.
Life really did feel quieter and more intentional when things were simpler. Your reflections are such a good reminder to slow down and make space for what matters. I always enjoy your thoughtful posts — they’re a little breath of calm in all the noise.
I am going to check that out too, Linda.
Hi Carrie, thanks so much, I hope you enjoy the Early American channel on YouTube! :)
Oh, Ann, you couldn't have said it better...and I am on the computer all the time. It is a lot of company for me...but I would prefer some of that time to be people. But I do think things have changed. My mom and dad seldom went to a doctor...even after mom was in her late 70's...and I cannot remember my dad going but one time and he ended up in hospital.
I go the the dermatologist, going back to twice a year now...and had to go back and have Moh's surgery last month. But other than dermatologist the only time I have been to dr. in years was last winter when I could not shake a cold.
However, Roger's primary wants to check him 4 times a year, I had him to the VA twice and to the primary in the past month or so. Cardiologist would like to see him every three months too, but I cancelled yesterday because it was simply too hot to get him out in it.
I think I am going to try to talk to both of them about twice a year visits, say in April or May and then Oct or Nov...to avoid the worst heat and to avoid snow.
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