Affirmations?

Is it possible to have a split personality - yet be perfectly aware at all times?

Sometimes I feel absolutely certain that some unknown entity - some inner, darker part of myself - has taken over the reins and has complete control over all higher brain power and motor functions. This little demon does all the things that, as a logical, educated, intelligent, conscientious individual, I would never consider in a million-trillion years! This is the little beasty who convinces the rest of us in here that its okay to just put it off... deal with everything tomorrow. This ... entity... is sneaky and conniving and determined to see me fail! Of this I am absolutely certain! But... AHA - I'm onto the game, now! I see what it's trying to do -I'm wise to its wicked ways, and I'll have no part in the whole nefarious scheme! Off with you, foul beast! Your magic has no power here - be gone - at once! (you see... you have to confront them. Show them you're unafraid, and suddenly their power is no more).

All jesting aside... I do find the nasty beast called Procrastination dogging my heels. Has been for years, actually. I've been a member of the Scarlett O'Hara Appreciation Society since before I can remember. Our credo - our motto, if you will - "I'll think about it tomorrow." As I've grown older, and wiser, however, I'm beginning to realize the danger of adopting such an attitude. Did you know that tomorrow never really comes? It's "always a day away." And - as somone near and dear so recently pointed out - "today is the tomorrow you dreamed about yesterday!" Deep, huh?! So, if I spend all of my todays dreaming about tomorrow, then my yesterdays will be full of "could haves" and "should haves". And, as we all know, lamenting over lost yesterdays is equally as productive as waiting for never-attained tomorrows. So the lesson here, kiddies: Don't put off 'til tomorrow what should have been done yesterday.

That being said - let me just point out not to let go of dreams for tomorrow - for they will be what sustain you today. Just don't live for tomorrow... live today. Make each moment count. Wise advice if I ever heard it. Problem is... I've heard it. Many times. Over and over I've reminded myself of this. Over and over I've ignored the good advice. Don't get me wrong! I've accomplished things. Not all of my days were full of tears of yesterday and wishes for tomorrow. But, too few can be counted in the "living for today" category. Too many times have I told myself "I'll think about it tomorrow."

So here is the big question... How do I flip that ratio? It is simple to say "just do it", but not so easy to put the idea into practice. I suppose the only thing for it is just to jump in and, literally, just do it! Don't sit on the fence, hemming and hawing over the what ifs and how should I questions. Don't over plan and organize. There comes a moment when you have to put the plan into action and trust that you've laid the proper groundwork. And... if things don't go exactly as planned, well, then readjust. Be flexible. Life is not absolute, and if you live it thinking everything must go precisely to plan, then it will become a series of dissappointments. Discouragement will dog your heels to the point of causing a cessation of all forward momentum, and you'll find yourself back on your couch, chips in one hand, ice cream in the other, remote balanced on your overextended belly and your regrets piled around you, dragging you into the depths of despair. Not a pretty picture, is it?! NO - it's not! So... I just don't think I want to go there. Yes, tomorrow is another day. But, today has yet to end, and there's no time like the present, right?

Now, you may not have found yourself in need of such a pep-talk, but as you've willingly joined me on this ride, I'll just have to assume you'll allow me this little eccentricity. You see... it helps. Call it an affirmation, if you wish. "I'm good enough. I'm strong enough. And, gosh darn it, people like me!" The thing I have to keep in mind always is... I CAN do it! Doesn't always feel that way, and in recent days I've felt a bit of the despair trying to creep back in. But, you see, that's what these little pep-talks are for! To bolster and reassure. They offer a certain strength - a crutch to lean on until such a time as I'm able to walk once again on my own. Trust me. It helps.

Funny, but I had no intention of going down this little road when I contemplated what to write tonight. But, here you find me just the same. I've decided to post, rather than delete and start over with something of more ... dunno - substance, entertainment, whatever. Here now is a little peek inside my head - exposed for the masses (or the dozen of you who are reading). My dreams are still intact, but rather than waiting for the perfect opportunity, I've decided to go forth and make my own opportunites. I'm sure there will be bumps along the way. Obstacles to overcome. But if I keep this advice in mind, and the clear confidence that I AM capable of reaching my goals, then I should be able to negotiate the dips and detours and get back on the path once again. Sounds like a plan, if I ever heard one!

Now... go forth one and all! Be well, and happy, and fruitful in your endeavors!