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Someday, When I...
by Linda Larsen, CSP
© Copyright 2000

Recently I found myself doing the "chicken with no head" routine. I was caught up in a system that was simply destined to fail. It went something like this: "I can't begin the work on my new seminar project until Beverly can start working with me... Which she can't do until the office remodeling gets done... Which can't happen until John (formerly the 'Weather Muffin' - now the 'Construction Muffin') gets his television hurricane special finished... Which he can't do until his computers are up and running... Which won't happen until the office gets remodeled.

Yikes!

It seemed like every time we figured out what had to be done in order to make any progress, we then immediately saw something that had to happen - before THAT could happen. It was as if we found ourselves continually saying, "Someday, when we get "x" done, then all will be well and we can begin to reeeeeeally get things done."

Hellooo? How many times do I need to remind myself that there is no "place" to get to. There is no future time when all will be finished. There is no mythical happening that will make my life whole, complete and satisfied.

And don't we all do that in life at one time or another? Don't we find ourselves saying things like, "Well, when the kids go off to college, then we'll..." Or, "When we pay off the mortgage, then..." How about, "When I lose all this weight... When I get that job, raise, promotion, new house, car, boyfriend..." It's as if we truly believe that there is some magical future event that will flip a switch in our lives and THEN - we can really live.

I am writing this missive as a wake up call for myself, and I invite you to use it as one for yourself as well. Life is to be lived NOW. Lived and ENJOYED! I encourage you to savor each and every moment - the good stuff and the not so good stuff. As they say, even a bad day is better than no day at all.

Right now. Take a deep breath. Feel the air rushing in and out of your lungs. Give silent thanks for having healthy lungs that allow you to accept the gift of life. Some people do not have this ability.

Right now. Look at your hands. Look at the magnificent design of your fingers and thumbs and think about what in the world you would do without them. You are so blessed to have the use of those amazing hands. Some people do not.

Right now. Listen to the sounds that are around you. The hum of an air conditioner, maybe? Clicking of the keys on a computer keyboard? Is there distant laughter or talking? Phones ringing? Think about all those people who live in a silent world and will never hear the "noise" of life.

Right now. Think of one person you love. See their face. Hear their voice. Feel what it's like to hold him or her in your arms. Feel your heart swell with joy and gratitude for the presence of that loved one in your life.

Life - is now. It exists right here - in this now moment. And I believe the greatest tragedy of all, would be to arrive at the last few moments of your life, and truly KNOW that you could no longer indulge in a "Someday when I..." mindset. In those moments I believe it would be devastating to find yourself thinking instead, "Where did my life go?" Can you imagine how painful it would be to feel that you never lived your life - but rather IT lived YOU?

Why not put a little post-it note somewhere on your computer that reads, "Right now, life is good. In this moment I am extremely grateful for so many things."

Now you could do this...someday, when you have more time... Or, you could do it now. Your choice.

Word count: 667

Tag line: Linda Larsen, CSP, helps individuals think strategically, communicate effectively, and celebrate success. She is an international keynote speaker, trial consultant and author of the book, True Power, and the best selling audio program, 12 Secrets to High Self-Esteem. She can be reached at www.lindalarsen.com or 941-927-4700.

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