And it can keep you as busy as anything else, and happier

And it can keep you as busy as anything else, and happier

Mary Oliver, the beloved poet and nature enthusiast, understood the power of being busy in a way that brought happiness and fulfillment. In her poetry, she often explored the beauty and wonder of the natural world, finding solace and joy in the simplicity of life's everyday moments. For Oliver, being busy was not a burden, but a source of inspiration and connection to the world around her.

In her poem "The Summer Day," Oliver famously asks, "Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?" This question speaks to the idea that being busy is not just about filling up our time with tasks and responsibilities, but about living fully and intentionally. Oliver believed that being busy with meaningful activities could bring a sense of purpose and joy to our lives.

For Oliver, being busy was not just about productivity or achievement, but about engaging with the world in a way that brought her closer to herself and to others. In her poem "When Death Comes," she writes, "When it's over, I want to say: all my life / I was a bride married to amazement." This sense of wonder and awe at the world around her fueled Oliver's creativity and passion for life.

Oliver's poetry often reflects her deep connection to nature and her belief in the importance of being present in the moment. In her poem "Wild Geese," she writes, "You do not have to be good. / You do not have to walk on your knees / for a hundred miles through the desert, repenting." This reminder to be gentle with ourselves and to find joy in the simple pleasures of life is a powerful message that resonates with many of her readers.