“It isn’t a good week for a day off; things are bit too hectic.”
“It’s too soon to tell her how I feel.”
“It’s too late to ask for help.”
It often feels like now is not the right time. But is it ever really?
I notice this tension daily between the things I really want to devote my energy to versus the things that pull at my attention.
Most recently, I encountered it while trying to build a new meditation habit.
I had decided that it was important to me to carve out 20 minutes a day to sit quietly with my thoughts. Rationally it made sense — the science is there — and I was determined to make meditation a priority in my life.
But day after day, once I got into the swing of my to-do list everything else felt higher in priority and definitely more urgent then sitting quietly for 20 minutes, even though I knew from experience that I could bring more energy and clarity to my work after even a short meditation.
I saw this happening in other areas of my life as well.
My wife and I recently planned a getaway for a few days. As it got closer, it just didn’t feel like the right time to get away — there was too much uncertainty, too much work, too many things that had to be done. With a non-refundable travel itinerary booked, we went despite my anxieties. And of course, the moment our train left the station and I started seeing the landscape pass by, I was reminded of the power of perspective and fresh energy that can come with distance.
When it comes to things that are important but not urgent — taking time to recharge, having that conversation, reflecting on how you feel — it almost always feels like it’s not the “right time”.
I’ve come to appreciate that there may never be a “right time” for many of the important things in life — and because of that, almost any time is.
To making time for the important things,
Dave Radparvar
Co-Founder, Holstee
P.S. Our goal with the Holstee Membership is to help you connect and reflect on what is important in your life through the lens of 12 mindful themes.
