Summary

The article emphasizes the importance of living in the present and taking action now rather than postponing plans and aspirations, as the future is uncertain.

Abstract

The article, titled "Now Is The Time To Get Things Done, Not Later," conveys a powerful message about the fleeting nature of time and the importance of seizing the moment. It begins with a quote from Geoffrey Chaucer, "Time waits for no man," setting the tone for the urgency to act now. The author shares a personal story of a friend, Marie, who had plans to pamper herself upon turning 50 but tragically passed away from a heart attack before she could fulfill them. This serves as a stark reminder that 'later' is not guaranteed. The article encourages readers to do the things they want now, rather than putting them off, and to reflect on their own lives and the things they've been postponing. It suggests that each day should be lived as if it's the last, advocating for the completion of personal goals, health check-ups, mending relationships, and pursuing dreams without delay. The author concludes by inviting readers to make a pact to act now and not defer their plans.

Opinions

The author believes that time is a precious commodity that should not be wasted, echoing Harvey Mackay's sentiment that once lost, time can never be regained.
There is an opinion that people often delay personal care and self-indulgence, prioritizing other responsibilities, which can lead to regrets, as illustrated by the friend's story.
The article suggests that the recent deaths, including that of the author's friend, have brought a sense of urgency to the author's own life, prompting immediate action rather than procrastination.
It is conveyed that living each day to its fullest and addressing important

Now Is The Time To Get Things Done, Not Later.

Later is never promised to you. Do it now.

“Time waits for no man” — Geoffrey Chaucer reminds us.

Yet we wait for the perfect time to do the things we want, or we put them off for later.

But later may never be. Either for you or me.

Today is a grim reminder of just that.

Five days ago; I had a conversation with one of my friends. We were catching up, after a long time.

She was optimistic about the future despite the pandemic’s toll on her.

Having lost her job, uncertain of a favorable response to the numerous applications she’d sent out for consideration of a new one, her voice beamed with delightful enthusiasm about her immediate plans.

Of the many things she said, I vividly recall, she wanted to do some things she’s been putting off for some time now.

Her 50th birthday was soon approaching and she wanted to celebrate her milestone by being pampered.

“I am going to cut and color my hair with auburn highlights,” she said. “I will treat myself to a comprehensive spa, and for once, don't care a damn!” she sarcastically remarked.

Marie had spent most of her life working a corporate job, caring for her sick husband, and two children.

She hadn’t realized how much she had neglected herself.

Today I called her in a good gesture to offer a gift certificate I got her for one of the services she wanted.

But her phone rang unanswered.

I later learn she had been hospitalized, having suffered a heart attack.

She passed away 2 days ago.

Her later never came. Her plans died with her.

If only she’d known her plans would have never been.

“Time is free, but it's priceless. You can’t own it, but you can use it. You can’t keep it, but you can spend it. Once you’ve lost it you can never get it back” — Harvey Mackay.

Do the things you want to do now.

Every day we put off the things we want to do. Some are big projects, but many are simple things that could improve our lives immensely.

My friend just wanted one day to love and pamper herself. She has been putting it off for so long.

If only, she knew — later was never guaranteed.

As I reflected on our earlier conversation, her voice echoed loudly in my ear. It was as though she was speaking directly with me.

Having seen and heard of so many deaths recently, I can't help but shed a tear.

It has now affected me directly.

My thoughts then transitioned to some serious soul searching.

I had just gotten up, but the day has almost ended.

I have so many things on my “to-do list” that needs to get done.

But time slips by so quickly these days, half of the things I’ve written down, never gets completed. Some not done.

‘Another one of those days” I often say, before retiring to bed at night.

All the things I hadn’t gotten done — Gets put off for later.

We only have one life to live. We don’t know how long it’s gifted to us.

Time ticks by so quickly. The seconds turned minutes, the minutes into hours, the hours transitioned to days so fast; a whole week has come and gone.

We’re nearing the middle of a year that seemed yesterday had just begun.

Much of the things you set out to do, are shoved to the back of your mind or tossed somewhere, neglected on a piece of paper.

Each day is like a competition with the surmountable things seeming always to win.

We should live each day like it’s the last we’ve got. Start doing the things that are important to us.

You may have cause to reflect too.

These are the thoughts that flooded my mind. Are you resonating and reflecting on your personal circumstances as well? This could be the moment you need right now.

When last have you visited your doctor for a check-up? Are you going now?
How about that book you’ve always wanted to write? Will you write it now or later?
And that toxic relationship that no longer serves you? Are you ending it now, or later?
What about your plans to qualify for that mortgage loan towards owning your own home and stop paying the rent? Are you working toward the requirements now or later?
That overdue visit with your grandparents now that you all have gotten your vaccines…will you show you care now or feel sorry when they’re gone?
Tell a family member with whom you have unresolved issues, that you forgive and love them. Stop the hatred now. Later may never come.
Extend your hands of kindness toward someone in need. They need help now, not later.
Start loving yourself unconditionally. You need to value yourself now, not later.
Get rid of the bad habits that are holding you back, and limiting your progress to succeed. Will you continue as is, or make the needed change now?
That family secret you’re too afraid to reveal because others see you as the matriarch who is so perfect and never makes mistakes. Are you going to release the burden from off your back now, or will you bear it to your grave?
Be thankful to the Creator for spearing your life to live every now in each day. He hasn’t promised you later.
Every now is an opportunity with a clean slate for you to do whatever you have written down or stored in your brain. Use it while you can. Stop putting things off for later.

Can we make a deal together right now?

Let’s not put it off any longer.

Let’s do it now.