We all have our unique gifts. Some people are born athletes, others are math whizzes, and some can bake a perfect sourdough loaf on the first try. Me? I’ve discovered my true calling: I am a world-class piddler.

If you aren’t from around here, you might not know the term. But according to the digital grapevine—and anyone you ask in Texas or throughout the South—a piddler is someone who spends their time in a leisurely, aimless, or trifling way. It’s the art of engaging in small, non-essential tasks without a single shred of urgency. It’s being busy without the “hustle,” and I’ve turned it into a morning ritual.

The Magic of the “Slow Shuffle”

My mornings aren’t a sprint; they’re more of a rhythmic, joyful shuffle. I’ll make the bed, then suddenly decide the floor absolutely needs to be mopped right this second. I’ll pick out my outfit, but then comes the most important part: the accessories. (Because let’s be real, the right peacock necklace changes the whole vibe of the day!)

In between the “real” tasks like packing a gym bag or answering a few emails, there are the “piddling” essentials:

• Finding the perfect funny meme to send to my daughter.
• Sending a quick “I love you” text to my kids.
• Contemplating the day over a bit of breakfast.

Why “Piddling” is Actually Good for the Soul

Society tells us we need a “5 AM Miracle Morning” full of intense journaling and HIIT workouts. But there is something so incredibly grounding about just… being busy without the pressure of a deadline.

I might not be able to tell you exactly where those two hours went, but I can tell you how I feel when I finally head to work: content. There is joy in the small, unstructured moments. Whether it’s taking out the trash or just enjoying the quiet of a house before the world gets loud, those piddling minutes are when I find my peace.

What’s Your “Piddle” Factor?

I’ve decided to stop wondering “what have I done all morning?” and start embracing it. I’m good at piddling my morning away, and honestly? I’m joyfully doing it. I’m leaning into that Southern pace of life where not everything has to happen right now.