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It's About Time
Ruth Wong
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Don’t wait - finish tasks you’ve put off
Have you ever put something off and when you finally did it, wondered why you didn't do it earlier?
That's what I've been experiencing, as the last few months there's been a flurry of activity at my house preparing for a big gathering.
We've been fixing, purging, cleaning, painting and reupholstering. Many of these improvements were needed months ago, but there's nothing like a deadline to give a sense of urgency!
After having lived with white walls in this house for 35 years, I had some walls painted in color. Now when I enter my house, I see what a difference the color makes and wonder, "Why didn't I do this earlier?"
I've had needed repairs done, including replacing the bathtub fixture. The faucet had gotten progressively tighter and harder to turn. It took almost superhuman strength to tug and twist it to turn the water on, and the same to turn it off. With the new fixture, the handle now glides on and off -- the way it's supposed to, and I'm wondering, "Why didn't I have this fixed earlier?"
I also had the sofa reupholstered.
The old covering was off-white and showed dirt and wear. Now it looks like new, and again I'm wondering, "Why didn't I do this earlier?"
I also gave away two valued teak wall units, which were in my son's room.
I was emotionally attached to them, as that's where he studied all through his school years. He now lives in Boston, and for years I've wanted to simplify the furnishings in that room.
When a friend moved to a larger apartment and needed furniture, it was the perfect opportunity to give away the wall units.
It was hard, but I told myself, "I've had them for 30 years. Now it's time to pass them on." The wall units are gone now, and the space is nice! And I'm wondering, "Why didn't I give them away earlier?"
This reminds me of a friend who was selling her home and had it repaired, painted and landscaped.
When all was completed, she said, "It looks so nice now. Why didn't we do this earlier, for us to enjoy?"
My pastor and his wife moved from a house to a condo and had to get rid of half of what they owned. Afterward, he wondered, "Why didn't I get rid of it earlier?"
I think we all have things in our lives or homes that need attention, repair or editing. What are some areas in your life or home that need attention or improvement? Why wait?
I encourage you to identify some things that you've been putting off. By doing something about them now, you can enjoy the benefits and wonder, "Why didn't I do this earlier?" followed by, "I'm so glad I finally did this!"
See you in two weeks!
Ruth Wong owns Organization Plus. Contact her care of the Honolulu Star-Bulletin, 7 Waterfront Plaza, Suite 210, Honolulu 96813, call 488-0288 or e-mail
orgplushawaii@hawaiiantel.net.