Kristi Kane
It has been almost six months since New Years Eve when all of us made those New Year’s Resolutions that probably didn’t last more than two months, if that. And in six months time, it will be time to make another resolution that will probably last just as long.
My question is, why do we allow a specific holiday to dictate to us when it is time to change? There is a lot of time wasted in waiting around for a holiday that comes once a year, to decide to do something that you will not follow through with. Why not start today in making the change you want to see in your life. I agree with Benjamin Franklin who said, “Do not squander time. That is the stuff life is made of.”
I like the line from “Music Man” when Professor Harold Hill says to Madame Librarian, Marion, something to the effect of, “if you wait around for tomorrow, you will find you have many empty yesterdays.”
To use an example from my own life, I used to be preoccupied with being a particular dress size. Then I wondered, is that what will make me happy? So I changed my paradigm to, “Be the healthiest you can be. Eat healthy meals and healthy snacks. Be sure to throw a couple of big chocolate chip cookies in there once a week, and exercise five days a week for an hour.” To the world, I may not be the ideal dress size, but I am healthier and happier. I didn’t wait around for New Year’s Eve either. I decided to do something about it today. Sometimes I do really well, sometimes I don’t. But I just get back in the saddle again, and keep trying. That’s all I can reasonably do.
Is there something in your life that you are putting off doing that you know would bring you a fuller, richer, more meaningful life? Then write it down. Keep a journal of your progress. Give yourself ample time to complete your goal if it’s a biggie. For example, is there a family member that you would like to have a better relationship with but you keep waiting for it to magically fix itself? You may be waiting for a long time. Do you wish you had more time to read, exercise, spend time with your spouse or children, garden, practice or learn a musical instrument, etc? Make your own bucket list of things you would like to do, and do them. Make the most use of your time today. Don’t wait for tomorrow. Don’t be scared or afraid of failure. When Thomas Edison was asked about his 999 failures at attempting to invent the light bulb, he said, “I didn’t fail. I just learned 999 ways how not to make a light bulb.”
Don’t waste your time. Don’t waste your life. Make the most of the precious gift that you have been given. And do it today. You will have a fuller, happier, more meaningful life if you do!