Why Wait? Life is Short

Life is short. If we sit around until we feel 100% ready for the journey, we will likely be sitting around for the rest of our lives. We have to get up and go for it. And no, we shouldn’t feel any more confident before we take the next step. Taking the next step is what gradually builds our confidence.

Wait too long to explore the things that call to us

The world isn’t really as it is, but as we see it, and we all see it differently. So if you spend all your free time following trends and doing what everyone else is doing, you’re missing out. Try things out for yourself — try many things. Explore! See what calls to your soul, or what entices you to step forward, then go for it Don’t waste precious time pretending to like things just because other people do — don’t end up with a bunch of mismatched circumstances in your life. Enjoy what you enjoy, listen to your intuition, and you will end up with more circumstances in your life that make you feel alive.

Wait too long to take meaningful action

Some people wait all day for 5pm, all week for Friday, all year for the holidays, all their lives for happiness. Don’t! The world does not owe you a living; you owe the world a life. Stop daydreaming and start DOING things that matter. Take responsibility for your life today. You are important and you are needed. Someday is now; the somebody the world needs is YOU.

Wait too long to trust ourselves with life’s challenges

If you’re struggling, it doesn’t mean you’re failing. Every great success requires some type of worthy struggle to get there. Give yourself some extra credit along the way. Remind yourself you’re doing the best you can, and that sometimes it takes an overwhelming series of little breakdowns to have an undeniable breakthrough. When in doubt, take the next small step. Sometimes the smallest step in the right direction ends up being the biggest step of your life. Truly, there’s a time and place for everything and every step is necessary. Just do your best now, and don’t force what’s not yet supposed to fit into your life. It will happen, when it’s time.

Wait too long to appreciate what we have

How often do you pause to appreciate your health, family, home, or other seemingly stable fixtures in your life? Nothing in life is fixed or guaranteed forever. Living in the present is a basic notion, but as with most simple things we often find a way to complicate it.

Wait too long to be kind to others

When you grow older and look back on life, you will inevitably forget a lot of the stuff that seemed so important when you were young. You probably won’t remember what your high school GPA was. But you will never forget the people who were genuinely kind — those who helped when you were hurt, and who loved you even when you felt unlovable. Be that person to others as often as possible. (And as you know, what goes around eventually comes around.)

Wait too long to be kind to ourselves

More likely than not, the first person who caught your eye wasn’t “the one.” And the second, third or fourth probably wasn’t either. You know why? It’s because YOU are the one!

In your own life it’s important to know how spectacular you are. You really have to look in the mirror and be kind, because what we see in the mirror is often what we see in the world. Our disappointment in others can reflect our disappointment in ourselves. Our acceptance of others often reflects our acceptance of ourselves. Our ability to see potential in others often reflects our ability to see potential in ourselves. Our patience with others often reflects our patience with ourselves.

Wait too long to create and uphold healthy boundaries

Your mind is your private sanctuary; do not allow the negative beliefs of others to occupy it. Distancing yourself from people who always give you negative vibes is self-care. Stepping back from situations where you feel unappreciated or disrespected is self-care. Choose to honor your feelings and boundaries, gracefully.

Wait too long to close old chapters

You’re going to mingle with a lot of people in your lifetime. It takes a brave person to know when that chapter is over, and when to turn the page. Every “goodbye” you receive in life sets you up for a new “hello.”

Wait too long to accept and flow with life

Don’t stress over things you can’t change. Live simply. Love generously. Speak truthfully. Work diligently. And even if you fall short, keep going — keep growing. In the end, loving your life is about trusting your intuition, taking chances, losing and finding happiness, cherishing the memories, and learning through experience. It’s a beautiful journey.