‘Procrastination’ is today’s buzzword; avoiding and postponing needlessly, that which could be done today. For me, it is a finely honed art form, and one that has developed like a fine wine, becoming rich, full-bodied, and multifaceted.I sit down, screen ahead, thoughts tumbling across my brainscape, and suddenly, sorting that pile of papers becomes essential. The mark on the kitchen floor becomes more noticeable. It’s too hot. What’s that funny noise coming from the boiler? I’ll just make a cup of tea. I’ll just…

To many, this will be a familiar pattern. ‘Why put off everything off?’ I hear some cry! Aah, how much more simple life would be if we all were able to put our best foot forward and just get on with things!

But why do we procrastinate? Sometimes it is simply that the task at hand seems about as entertaining as sitting in front of a brick wall, or as insurmountable as flying. But sometimes it is because we are afraid, though we may not understand why or of what.

 Take this entry for example. I sat for months, considering what I might write, how I might write, the name I might write under. I was paralysed by the blank screen, totally unable to assemble a sentence. All the thinking and supposing I did lead to very little action, until I read Anita’s positive first step into this blogging. Her writing hit a nerve in me and suddenly I was inspired. The fear was not gone, but slowly it began to show its face. To begin to write, means to allow myself an identity; it means to begin to allow change. This in itself is a very daunting prospect for those of us a little lost at sea, lacking any direction or clarity. But time moves forward with no regard for those it drags along. Change is uncontrollable and organic, and unless we engage with it, we ourselves stay stagnant. But we can choose to be active or passive.

There are many things in life that must change, but for those of us, afraid of moving forward, the change must begin at home. A while ago a very wise person said to me ‘if we are afraid of something, it means we should probably do it.’ For me, my first step towards change is making myself accountable. I am not just biting, but fully embracing that proverbial bullet.

 "Procrastination is the art of keeping up with yesterday". Don Marquis