“Someday, when I have (fill in the blank), I will (fill in another).”

Here’s the thing about perfect circumstances: they rarely occur. Not without a lot of effort anyway. To wait for them to present themselves is a complete waste of time. I hear a lot, however, about that fill in the blank version of living a passionate life.

“Someday, when the kids are out of the house, I’ll start painting again.”

“Someday, when my mortgage is paid off, I’ll take that trip to Paris.”

How about, “Someday, when I retire, I’ll wish I hadn’t waited so damned long to do what my heart desires.”

One of the biggest misconceptions about following a dream is that the planets have to line up before it’s a good time to begin. Nonsense. The only good time is now. What it comes down to – planets aside – is priorities and effort.

There are plenty of days when I don’t exactly feel like writing. There are plenty of days when anyone who’s accomplished anything has to push themselves to get out from under a ticking clock and into a groove.

Circumstances are created; they are not something to be anticipated. Waiting brings nothing but frustration and regret. Make the extra effort now. Be the catalyst of your own creativity.