To do, or to think?

Isn’t it funny how your intention isn’t enough sometimes? In July I came up with a writing project that I was inspired and driven by. So what I did was what I usually do. Get excited, buy a bunch of books and supplies, but forget the original intention of why I’m doing it. The whole point of this project was to write my way through it. And I haven’t put pen to paper or finger to keyboard since it started.

That said, I have never had such momentum or focus in my life. The original intent of this project was to re-train myself to be more responsible, and it is working. This morning I woke up excited to compare my spending in August vs. September, and see if my actions are paying off. These are the sort of responsibilities I often thought I would have ‘someday’ but never wanted to put the effort into doing now. But despite the fact I haven’t been documenting with word what I’m doing each day, it is paying off. I have spent $1600 less this month than I did last, and $100 of that was a decrease in alcohol and coffee alone. But what I didn’t expect was that my eagerness to finish things (instead of just start them and move on) would be stronger than ever.

What this all comes down to is a struggle of theory vs. action. And it shows up everywhere in my life. When I’m doing things I often forget to stop, reflect, and continue. Yet, talking too much about what to do often keeps me from ever doing it. Right now I’m faced with a writing project designed to record my actions that has resulted in all action, no writing. So what I’m re-committing to is building writing into my to-do list. A balance of theory and action is officially the next chapter of my project.

Sometimes taking a pause can leap you forward in the long run. And/or inspire others with what you share. So stay tuned, friends (for real this time)!