Growing up in a Honduran household, saying these two words “I’m bored” was more than just a passing remark – it was a cardinal sin, a surefire way to invoke the wrath of my mother and earn yourself a one-way ticket to chore city. From scrubbing floors, cleaning my bedroom, reorganizing the closet, washing dishes to folding laundry, there was always plenty of work to be done – and idle hands were not welcome.

But here’s the thing about growing up in a household where “I’m bored” was a forbidden phrase – it instilled in me a deep-seated belief that productivity equaled worthiness, that my value as a person was directly tied to my ability to stay busy and productive at all times. And while this mindset served me well in some respects – helping me excel academically, professionally, and personally – it also came with a hefty dose of anxiety, perfectionism, and an insatiable drive to constantly do more, be more, achieve more.

As I entered adulthood, this over productive mindset followed me like a shadow, shaping my relationships, my career choices, and my approach to life in profound and sometimes detrimental ways. I found myself saying yes to every opportunity that came my way, overcommitting myself to the point of exhaustion, and neglecting my own well-being in pursuit of external validation and success.

But here’s the truth that took me years to learn – productivity is not a measure of self-worth, and busyness is not a badge of honor. True fulfillment comes not from constantly striving to do more, but from finding balance, presence, and joy in the simple moments of life. It’s about learning to be kind to ourselves, setting boundaries, and prioritizing our own well-being above all else.

So, how do we break free from the cycle of over productivity and reclaim our sense of balance and wholeness? It starts with giving ourselves permission to rest, to play, to embrace boredom as a gift rather than a curse. It’s about learning to say no when our plates are full, to delegate tasks when we need help, and to prioritize self-care as an essential part of our daily routine.

And perhaps most importantly, it’s about embracing the wisdom of our Honduran upbringing – the value of hard work, yes, but also the importance of laughter, connection, and savoring the simple pleasures of life. Because in the end, true happiness is not found in the relentless pursuit of productivity, but in the moments of love, laughter, and joy that make life worth living.