I have been dealing with some baggage that I have carried around for way too long that I am READY to take it to the dump!

This baggage has been in my way for years, even though—if I am truthful—it has also come to my rescue a few times. I have tripped over it and slammed up against it…especially when feeling overwhelmed. This baggage has gotten bigger and bigger through the years and I just keep lugging it around. I move it from room to room and continue to trip over it.

ENOUGH!

This baggage is called...procrastination, and I am taking it to the dump forever more.

I have often wondered why this procrastination bug-a-boo baggage has been such a big part of my life experience. There have been times when I thought it was because, as a stage performer, I like to up the stakes so whatever I am working on becomes more of a thrill. There have also been times when it worked in my favor and the delay saved me from something or made room for something that I hadn't considered.

More often, though, it set me up for calling myself lazy and walking around in shame. Or caught me in a loop, wondering how much more successful I would be if I were not such a procrastinator.

I recently authored a chapter in a book of various writers that is launching in November (more about that later!). I actually worked with an editor for the first time in my life. As you can imagine, I was super nervous. The deadline for the chapter is August 31st. Well, to my surprise, I delivered the fully edited chapter to book editor on the 18th of August…almost 2 weeks BEFORE deadline!!! This was so out of character for me. I am usually the one skating in just under the deadline.

Hmmm.....what was different this time?

It certainly was something I had never done before so I didn't know for certain how long it would take. I also had to collaborate with an editor and I had no idea how long that would take. Another difference was that I was part of a team of authors so I wanted to be accountable and a team player. I realize now, as I write, this also brought out the competitor within. So much of my work is done solo, it was fun to see who had done what and who was...hahaha...procrastinating. I think the real game changer, though, was the passion for my subject matter and the uncertainty of how to do it. No one had ever taught me how to write a book so the uncertainty gave me permission to color outside the lines and even create new lines. No "shoulds" slowing me down. Passion has always been the rocket fuel for my creativity, so I felt energized and excited to see where the creative journey of writing would take me.

It has taken me to new adventures and realizations. One of which is: “Today, I take Procrastination to the dump!”

What are you going to take to the dump today?

My teacher mentioned in class last night that she has decided to replace Procrastination with GIDN - which she pronounced “Gideon.”

"What is GIDN?" I asked. She said, "GET IT DONE NOW!" I have decided to pursue a love affair with Gideon (GIDN). Don't you just love falling in love?

Quote of the Day

Affirmation of the Day

Today, I release procrastination and lovingly embrace Divine Timing.