Go and Do It Now!

"Don't let your life pass you by while you wait for some imagined "best time" in a future filled with so many unknowns. Go and do it now." -  Ken Smith, The Way of the Hermit

I loved Smith's book, The Way of the Hermit, and I loved this quote. Honestly, this bit of wisdom is something I have heard many times.  I do believe there is a perfect timing for when things arrive in our lives.  I also believe the universe is in charge.  Writing and interviewing came into my life at the age of 50.  After I found it, I wish I had arrived at this moment at the age of 30.  But I needed to be able to type on a computer and the freedom of the internet for it all to come together. 

On the other had, there are literally thousands of choices we can make that enrich our lives.  This could include classes, getting a degree, travel, moving to a new city (or country), changing careers, getting in shape, trying a new creative pursuit.  The list of possibilities is only limited by your imagination.  We most likely don't have time to fully embrace everything on our list, so it's odd to see how many of us cope by procrastinating which leads to doing nothing. I am guilty of this at times.

Procrastination ruled my earlier life. I am ADD (yes, I know it's now called ADHD) and lack confidence, so seem to have a double dose of the urge to procrastinate. If you never try, you never fail.  And honestly, you need to at least think success is a possibility to have the confidence to dive into a challenge.  The number of projects I walked away from and let die is sad.  

I also had one educational goal - to earn my MBA in Psychology and become a counselor.  When I realized midway through my MA this wasn't the best career for my talents, I walked away without every once considering what other career might be a good match. I failed.  I lost my way for years with no real long term focus. I was like a balloon that had popped. All the air escaped.  That changed when I began interviewing - passion drove me like never before - but I regret all the years wasted. 

I think the key word in the quote from Ken Smith is IMAGINE.  When I learned to imagine, I began to dream.  A tool that got me started was creating a bucket list on January 1st which I continued to do for 2-3 years.  The list consisted of things I would like to try - things like zip lining and sky diving - as well as classes I might like to take, personal health goals for the year, and travel destinations. Writing this list helped me dream again, and stoked my imagination. I began to believe I could. 

Some things were accomplished quickly. Others on the list took a couple years to scratch off. Either way, that yearly wish list of dreams kept me moving forward. When I stopped, it was okay for a year for two, but lately I find my dreams and energy have waned.  In light of this, I am going to spend the next few days creating a new bucket list.  I have no idea what will go on it, but at least one or two will be big dreams that push me out of my comfort zone. 

How do you know when the time is right?  That is a hard question. For me has become partly instinct. My heart speaks loudly.  Other times I just can't get the door open.  To me that doesn't mean I shouldn't try, it is the universe whispering in my ear, "Not now."  I never try to second guess if it is the right timing if I feel the pull. However, I am always listening to my heart for guidance, so am willing to slow down, set aside, and revisit a dream later. 

Time to quite putting things off until an imagined future appears.  Just do it.  If it's not the right timing, the journey will be slow. If the moment is right, the stars will align. However your journey unfolds, whether you quickly or slowly reach your goals, whether detours and redirections happen, in the end you will be joyfully embracing your dreams.