The Zerbs Family is growing! Our newest family member, Daiya, joined us almost a month ago. She doesn’t know a world where people leave the house in the morning and come home hours later. She doesn’t know a world where she’s being rushed to do her thing outside because the person with her is in a rush. She knows nothing other than four people at home all of the time ready to fulfill her every need. Oh, to be Daiya!

I was thinking about my blog and realized I hadn’t posted since our “new normal” began. I began to wonder why that was. Clearly, it was not because there wasn’t enough time (the age-old, tired excuse).

This new normal, for me, has slowed everything down and at first, it was uncomfortable. Now, though, I’m beginning to love it. I’m working to cherish it and figure out which of the pieces can remain in our lives long past the pandemic.

This blog topic came to me over a week ago. And the reason I haven’t put it to paper is, well, quite fascinating. It is definitely not because I haven’t had time! I’m learning that I have so much time and — frankly — I’m more productive when I have more to do. So how’s that for an excuse? Lame. I know. I’m working on it.

So now that it feels like there is time, what is keeping us from doing the things we want to do? Need to do? What about the things we’ve been putting off for years — are you getting them done or continuing to put them off? If you’re continuing to put them off, do you really need to have them on your “to do” list at all? What would happen if you removed some items? What about moving the stuff that creates a pit in your stomach to your new “to not do” list?

It’s a good test for all of us. When there is time, what things do we still put off or delay? The reasons are different for different things, but ask yourself the question.

For me, I put off blogging because of my inner critic. Before I write, my inner critic shouts at me and with more time it seems my inner critic’s voice is more convincing. That’s okay, because with more time my inner strength and fortitude are also stronger. I’m grateful for that inner gusto and to you for reading this post.

I’ll leave you with this assignment.

What have you NOT DONE in the last 2-3 years because you didn’t have enough time?

Make a list.

Go through the list and then answer this question.

Why aren’t you doing these things now?

My wish is that we’ll be brave enough to conquer some things on the list. And that we’ll also be inspired to knock some things off of the list. Quit “should-ing” all over yourself (can’t remember who I heard say this but LOVE it). If it doesn’t bring you joy or lift up others, why are you doing it? Things that don’t need to be done, don’t need to be done. Period. Life’s too short.

I’ve gotta run. Daiya needs me.