What are you waiting for?

A couple of years ago, my wife and I have visited a small gallery in Sedona and fell in love with the works of the local painter Pamela Becker. The stunning full-size oils were not quite in our price range but we were happy to bring home, at least, a few small prints signed by the artist. We’ve framed them and we keep one of them in our counselling office. It reads: “What are you waiting for?” Most of the times I do not even notice it anymore, but whenever it catches my eyes – this simple question stops my pace.

I have a documented history of procrastination, a long list of some “good” excuses, and a record of obvious unpleasant consequences. Although it doesn’t always feel like such a big deal. Besides, there is the ancient wisdom of letting go and following the flow of events I have no control over anyway.

So perhaps I don’t need to sweat the small stuff? As for the bigger stuff, well… According to Statistics Canada, I can count on almost 20 more years ahead. Most of you reading this article even more. We don’t know what kind of life, but that’s a different question. So, why worry, why hurry?

Can we afford waiting for the perfect time, opportunity, or a lineup of the planets? Life is not about perfection, most of the time. Life is about… living it. Living it now and living it fully, also meaningfully!

I believe we are here for a reason. Some people are certain about their purpose, some don’t give a damn. The majority of us falls somewhere in between and at some point we come across the question “What is it all about”? So what do you do if the answer is eluding you? There are tons of workshops and self-help books out there, there are motivational speakers, gurus, mentors, elders, and – don’t forget your good friends. They may have brilliant ideas and a lot of experience. The trouble is, it is their experience and their wisdom, not always compatible with your case and, surely, not transferrable.

So what are your options?

Keep looking for the Purpose with capital “P”. The process itself might be even more valuable than the outcome. More importantly, in the meantime, live consciously every hour and day, stay engaged and present in every situation and relationship. Do not settle for mediocrity and do not leave things for tomorrow. Also, deal with the unfinished stuff from the past.

You likely remember the obvious things, like the peeling paint on your porch, the unfinished email in your Drafts folder, the clutter in your basement almost sorted and ready for a donation bean.

But there is another “clutter”, in the basement of your mind, so to speak. This one is way more important to deal with. Think of the conversations rehearsed in your head so many times and never held; the conversation with your dad, boss, lover or friend. Think of those burning questions you’ve been afraid to bring up. Think of that grudge you’ve been harbouring forever. Think of all those “I’m sorry” or “You were right” you’ve been avoiding to say.

Think. Take a breath. Choose something new. Let go. Forgive. Reconnect.

Do it right now. Firstly, remember that at the end of their life people regret mostly the things they have NOT done. Secondly, you are paying a high price for delaying the action. The emotional maintenance of all that unfinished business sucks your life energy. You can use it in a more powerful way and bring more joy, freedom and happiness to your life.

What are you waiting for?

By Josef Sadowski