Now Is the Time

The more that I have been focusing on what I truly desire in my life, the more it has fueled me to move toward those dreams.  I believe that my minimalist journey has also played a great part in streamlining all of my past distractions (shopping, clutter, keeping up with the Joneses) to stay focused on my goals.  There really is no better time than now to start moving toward your dreams.  Dreams never become reality overnight.  Every part of the process is a journey that continues to continue.  I am choosing to no longer wait for someone else to give me my greatest artistic performance opportunity.  Creating it myself will take time, but also be more rewarding in the end.

Now is the Time: 170 Ways to Seize the Moment by Patrick Lindsay is a book of simple insights to motivate and encourage powerful change in your life right now.  Today I’d love to share a few passages from this tiny book of inspiration.

Now is the time…

to take the first step

The longest journey, or project, starts with a first step.

When it’s too hard to picture the whole journey,

break it down into smaller ones.

Keep reducing until the first step seems attainable.

Then take it.

The others will follow.

“To begin, begin.”

Peter Nivio Zarlenga (1941- )

Now is the time…

to be you

Our greatest journey is our internal voyage.

Take time to discover yourself.

Find your essence, the unique you.

Advertisers want to classify you.

They want you to conform, to be part of a group.

You are an individual.

Live you own life.

“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life.”

Steve Jobs (1955- )

Now is the time…

to commit yourself

Those who succeed set themselves apart by their commitment.

Most of us make an effort:

we prepare; we try; but then we hope.

If you really want to achieve something,

you must be prepared to stretch yourself.

You must distill your energy and focus all your efforts.

You must give of yourself.

“If you’re not actively involved in getting what you want, you don’t really want it.”

Peter McWilliams (1949- )

Now is the time…

to nurture your creativity

We are all creative.

We are all artists of some kind.

Some are better than others,

a few are geniuses.

But we all have a creative spirit.

Allow it to rise up.

Nurture it, challenge it.

Give it freedom.

Celebrate it.

“Love the art in yourself, not yourself in the art.”

Konstantin Stanislavsky (1863-1938)

Now is the time…

to use your talents

We all have talents,

in different fields and in different degrees.

The trick is to make the most of them.

Some come naturally.

Most come through hard work.

But having talent is just the start;

using talent to fulfill potential is the most difficult–

and the most admirable.

“Since talent is so often scar tissue over a wound, perhaps I had more than most men.”

Elia Kazan (1909-2003)

Now is the time…

To rethink your possessions

Don’t let your possessions overwhelm or control you.

After all, you’re really their custodian, not their owner.

Look at them differently.

You can’t take any of them with you.

So only keep things that are useful or beautiful.

Live simply.

“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.”

Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519)

This year I have let go of many possessions.  In exchange for the things that I have parted with, I have gained creative and emotional space.  I have an undescribable peace that I am extremely grateful for.  I have designed a life where I can see myself and therefore see my desires in plain view.  There is beauty in simplicity.  There is peace in beauty.  Now is the best time to let your creativity shine!

(Image by D Sharon Pruitt)

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