Things You Should Not Put Off Indefinitely
Among the reasons life can be tricky is that we hear mixed messages. Many of these sound good and make sense. A friend and I were discussing the other day about delayed gratification versus seizing the moment.
“Haste makes waste,” but “Stop waiting for things to happen and go out and make them happen”. Ralph Waldo Emerson says, “Adopt the pace of nature. Her secret is patience.” But Robert Herrick tells us to “Gather ye rosebuds while ye may.” Leo Tolstoy said, “The two most powerful warriors are patience and time.” and Mark Twain said, “Progressive improvement beats delayed perfection.”
What are we to do? My conclusion is that some things can wait and some can’t. Here are some actions you should not put off:
- Texting your friend to say how much difference she or he makes in your life.
- Noticing the flecks of color in your friend’s eyes.
- Learning at least one dance to go with a favorite song.
- Writing a note to someone who has inspired you.
- Asking your best friend for whom is she or he named.
- Chipping away at your Bucket List.
- Taking in a sunrise.
- Using the good china.
- Thanking a teacher.
- Saying “I love you” to those who mean the most in your life.
- Running or walking in the rain.
- Taking on a physical challenge like running a marathon.
- Planting something beautiful.
- Encouraging a young person who needs it.
- Taking in the wonder of a new baby.
- Going back to school, even if it’s just one course.
- Giving away money.
- Throwing a surprise party for someone’s birthday or for no reason.
- Paying for someone’s groceries.
- Making yourself vulnerable in the interest of intimacy.
In short, don’t put off things that will help you grow as a person. After a lifetime, you will be proud of who you’ve become.
