'Now Is the Time - 170 ways to seize the moment' by Patrick Lindsay

No. 6

'take the first step

The longest journey, or project, starts with a first step.

When it's too hard to picture the whole journey.

break it down into smaller ones.

Keep reducing until the first step seems attainable.

Then take it.

The others will follow.'

'To begin, begin.'

Peter Nivio Zarlenga (1941 - )

To execute any move, we must - move. We need action. Whether we are talking about a trip (literally) or our dreams, to get to the destination or to live the dream we must take action. Beginning is sometimes the hardest thing. Where to start? How to start? These can be very overwhelming questions for some. However, the best plan is to plan - break it down into manageable bits, like Patrick Lindsay suggests, then just do it, as Nike states.

It is amazing that once the hurdle is crossed, the rest usually just falls into place (most of the time).

Some might read this and wonder, 'What are you talking about?' Taking a trip or beginning something is easy. And this can be true too, for some.

But, I'm talking to those who might be struggling with the life changing journey's. Change for a lot of us is a huge hurdle and needs much more consideration, and a big dose of courage. But, if you sit down and write out the pros and cons, then this is the beginning...and further steps will follow.

So, good luck and enjoy your journey...

'Now Is the Time - 170 ways to seize the moment' by Patrick Lindsay

No. 5

'cherish your family

They may exasperate and infuriate us.

But they are one of our most precious possessions.

Don't take them for granted.

We never know how long we will have them,

or they us.

They are our mirror and our anchor.

Treasure your time with them.'

'The family is the country of the heart.'

Giuseppe Mazzini (1805 - 1872)

Family - A Cherished Life

It doesn't seem all that long ago,

The years have flown so fast.

When we held our babies in our arms,

But that is all now past.

Now all we have are our memories,

The good times and the best.

For they are the ones we cherish most,

They stand above the rest.

The pitter patter of little feet,

upon the wooden floor.

Delightful giggles that filled each room,

Were sounds that we adored.

Our home once quiet became alive,

With music to our ears.

We cannot remember life before,

For they were empty years.

Each passing year slipped one by one, and

our babies grew to be

delightful personalities, who

were young and proud and free.

Inspiring individuals, they

explored their world and found,

excitement and crazy mysteries

That sent them outward bound.

They never ceased to amaze us both,

Ideas flowed thick and quick.

Life was a box of chocolates, dear,

We wondered which they'd pick.

All grown up now with lives of their own,

We look at them in awe.

But it is not yet over for us,

Because there's so much more.

There's graduations and wedding bells,

and grandkids, sure to come.

We  treasure all our memories, and

family of fun.

written & dedicated to my husband, Ian

by Debbie Smith - 13/12/2010

'Now Is the Time - 170 ways to seize the moment' by Patrick Lindsay

No. 4

'enjoy the day

Make the most of every day.

Use up the hours like a child.

There are no guarantees how many we get.

Older people will tell you

they rarely regret the things they did,

only the things they didn't do.

Don't spend your life intending to do something.

Start now!'

'And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count, it's the life in your years.'

Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865)

I don't know if you are like me, but don't the days seem to slip by more quickly than the day before? Hours seem to roll into each other and before I know it, the day is nearly over. I'm a bit of a list girl and if something doesn't make its way onto my list, I forget about it and it doesn't get done. I use to just have lists for every day activities, but I find I now need to write lists for all the other stuff I intend doing.

I feel compelled to do the things that have been written down. They are my challenges and I try my best to stay committed to meeting them. This is not my advice to anyone. I'm simply sharing my way of doing things. I need a list. I love to 'tick' things off as I go. It makes me feel productive. The trick is to only put important things on my list, otherwise I can fill my day with insignificant things and whilst I may have had a productive day...

exactly...productive is one thing, but is list making a way to 'seize the moment'? How can you plan for the spontaneous, the one moment at a time stuff that crops up. Lists have their place and are important for getting everyday things completed, however, it is most important to remember that the highlights usually come from the unexpected. I find personally, it's the spontaneous things I do is what produces energy for my day. People - strangers, I meet through the day and happen to strike up a conversation with about anything, anything at all can be a marvellous boost to my day. These are the little things that can help put smiles on dials, not to mention perhaps finding out something new that I didn't know before.

Ways to seize the moment can vary for the individual and can range from doing anything that you've never tried before. You can even kill two birds with one stone and commit an act of kindness whilst performing your seize the moment act. All you need to be is creative and willing to have a go...so, let's all give it a try...and have fun.