Fellow former procrastinators, I have given up my dear minivan. Giving it up nearly did me in. For two years I put off parting with it. We’ve been through a lot together. It has served me, our family, and others well. It was the last in a string of minivans and took the prize at hanging in for 15 years.
Acquiring a new-to-us car was frustrating. What I wanted and what was available or realistic conflicted. The features I wanted do not exist together. Though it was my decision, as family repeated deliberations they heard me ponder, they helped me recognize my conflicts. My husband looked up information which I charted about different vehicles. I test drove some. Our son kept asking me, “What are your priorities?”
During the decision process, my priorities changed. I began to face some facts. I’m not great in certain parking situations. (Family members can parallel park in two swoops of the steering wheel!) I seldom carry several people at a time. I probably should not haul as much as I have been. That’s the hardest part. I haul furniture, plants, boxes. The means to haul sat in our driveway ready to roll which made life easy and me happy.
Recently I mentioned to a friend I’d not be able to move his furniture. He responded “That’s okay. Neither can I. I’ll pay for delivery.” Ah! Also, we have few friends with trucks, but trucks are easy to rent for a day. It will pinch when I can’t haul; but honestly, I don’t have enough hauling days to justify owning a bigger vehicle.
The fact is, parts of life are changing. The longer I put off accepting that, the more burden I force myself to carry.
So, with changed priorities, I ended up with something quite different than I started out looking for. I have moved to a somewhat smaller but very useful car. I really like it! Smart move.
I have given up the ability to carry as many people and haul as much stuff. In return I have gained greater ease in driving and parking. I have a car that serves me better where I am now.
Procrastinators hesitate to give up something to gain something else. Leaving things as they are comforts us in the short term. We opt for instant gratification instead of choosing the better thing we want more – a job complete, a decision made, a peaceful heart and mind.
In our office we’re giving up excess paper and books to gain freedom and function we’ll really enjoy. We can give up TV to gain reading time. We can give up a few purchases to gain provision for others. We can give up some sugar to gain energy and healthier bones. We can give up pride to gain the benefit of counsel.
Giving up to gain requires facing facts, taking responsibility, and exercising courage. The rewards are worth it.
What can you give up for greater gain?
Leave a Reply