When Is Now For You?

When did you last decide to do something NOW? Have you thought about how often you put off action on a decision? Is it too often?

I have to admit that I have been great about making decisions in my life, but acting on them has been less than stellar.

Granted, there are times that making rash decisions can bring immediate, or delayed consequences that we don’t want. However, how often did you let a good thing slip away because you hesitated?

I remember that I once wanted to speak to someone about how much they meant to me, but I waited. It was too late to communicate with him by the time I chose to speak. My grandfather’s Alzheimer’s had taken that opportunity away.

It is not to say that I never expressed my love to him, but there was more I had desired to share with him. Questions I wanted to ask.

Observe Your Patterns

One of the best pieces of advice I ever followed was to be more aware of my thoughts and behavior. I started journaling each day, and I have stuck with it. I wasn’t even sure why when I started, but I just felt, very deeply, that I should do it.

In that case, I didn’t hesitate. I jumped in and started immediately. It has paid off immensely.

Had I not started right away, I would have missed many important patterns that were causing me problems. Hesitating would have cost me time and relationships.

By writing and becoming more aware, I found stumbling blocks that I was holding onto. I learned that there were patterns in my family history that I was repeating.

Today, I look for those patterns as a guide to my personal development. In the past, they would have appeared as problems that defined who I was and how I was going to always live my life.

Now, I recognize that I am in control of my life. Choosing to take action today can and will eventually change the patterns of my life and my family’s life.

Don’t Let Fear Win

I think one of the patterns that has affected me in life has been fear. I think my grandfather Doyle was well conditioned to allow himself to be ruled by it. Perhaps that is why I relate to his struggles. As I work on it, I have more compassion.

Today, I take on challenges. Sometimes they are scary, but when I act with conviction, the fear dissipates. Find the glitches that hold you back. Be aware, and you will find a lot more joy, more stable relationships, and greater success in life.