One of my sisters-in-law gave me a glass jar many years ago. It has a wooden lid labeled “Soul Candy”. Inside, she stuffed tiny pieces of yellow paper. Each has a quote, poem, or saying on it that is meant to inspire. I turn to these occasionally for food for thought, for something to write about.
Today, I found this:
I expect to pass this was but once. Therefore, if there be any kindness I can show or any good that I can do let me do it now. —William Penn
It reminds me of my father. He has had two framed sayings on his wall for as long as I can remember. I seemed to remember that this is one of them. Or perhaps it is this one:
I expect to pass through this world but once; any good thing therefore that I can do, or any kindness that I can show to any fellow creature, let me do it now; let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again. —Stephen (de) Gellet
There seems to be dispute about who actually penned the thought. But, the sentiment passed along is the same.
The other quote he has on the wall is this:
Never put off til tomorrow what you can do today. —Thomas Jefferson
They are words to live by, and combined I find them motivating. I’m a procrastinator. I admit it. So Thomas Jefferson’s quote makes me think hard about how I operate in life. It’s a nice reminder to get up and get stuff done.
I also think of something the Flylady says:
Housework done incorrectly still blesses your family.
It’s a nice reminder to me to lose my perfectionism. Perfectionism…yep, that’s why I procrastinate. If I can’t do something JUST right, why bother? That’s not the right attitude at all. I’ve been working on changing it, but it’s been a very slow process. Very slow.
How about you? Any words you live by?
