Waiting or Wasting?

When that happens, I will do this.

People wait for many reasons. At times, we call it procrastination. It generally involves some explanatory clause, rationalizing our circumstances.

Starting that martial arts class will happen right after regular workouts at the gym, do, for example, except for the fact that five years have passed and neither happened.

Reconnecting with art takes up a significant amount of time and has to wait until the kids get older. Between working, cooking, cleaning and everything else, there isn’t enough time and the spouse isn’t taking turns to balance the schedule.

Rejecting an opportunity because you feel like it’s not deserved. ‘Nuff said.

Let’s start here or with the example of your own imagination. We think about change, we want change, we don’t want change and we are waiting for it, all the same.

One has more say and control than initially anticipated. We are waiting to have the lives or experiences we long for or desire. Later, we complain about not getting them.

So, why not make things happen?

What if we said ‘no,’ resisting our reality? The one making us miserable or leaving us wanting. Who would stop us if we tried to change things? And if they try, does it really matter? Even when the saboteur is you?

But… who are you?

For a long time you’ve been stagnant, fighting against the change or maybe accepted it, possibly even bounced between multiple changes.

Gregory House from the acclaimed show, House, claims everyone lies. Yourself included.

What is your lie? Is there only one? Are you lying to yourself or others? Both? Can you even tell when it’s happening? How long has it continued?

You can sit there thinking about or ignoring it. A midlife crisis will eventually remind you the clock is ticking and time is running out. Anxiety will shake your perception and suddenly you’re waking up, restless, in the middle of the night.

“Is this what I want the rest of my life to look like?” says the thought demanding your immediate attention.

Darling, only you can answer.

You’re on a boat. You could ride it for the rest of your life or jump into the water. You can swim and find another boat, an island, mainland, get eaten by sharks or drown.

Is this worth it? Is it safe? That depends.

Do you want to survive or live?

“But it’s risky! And I could lose my life!” says survival. “I’ll wish to return to this boat when I’m getting eaten by sharks.”

Fair enough, but make sure you remember that when you cry about living. At least getting eaten by sharks breaks through the numbness and makes you feel alive.

What is this really about?

Only you can tell. Simply remember, time is running out and you need to make a choice. Safe or risky, good or bad, exist or live, it’s all up to you.

All you need to do is live with it for the rest of your time and make peace with your decision.

Go. It’s time.