This quote has been attributed to Benjamin Franklin, one of the wisest men in American history, although upon further research it seems without substantiation, as it cannot be found among his works.

However, no matter who said it first, the quote is unequivocally profound.

Now, I will admit—only to you—that at first glance I read right past the gravity of what was being expressed.

I had to re-read it.

As the weight of the words settled over me… someone knocking on the door of 50, I immediately thought:

How many years have I spent in the in-between?

Living in the grey.

Life is for living!

Yet, I know I’m not alone when I say so often we get caught up in the daily grind. We don’t give ourselves the space we deserve OR don’t do the thing we know deep down we must because we:

• Fear what someone else will say or think.

• Convince ourselves it’s not the right time and someday it will be.

• Stay suck in analysis paralysis over the “right” decision and then end up making no decision.

I’m sure you’d agree that objectively being in a state of perpetual indecision, put simply, is nothing more than a waste of time AND energy.

Further, this way of being becomes a pattern of behavior that allows us to slip into a life of busyness, “checking-out” or distraction in order to escape taking action on the thing that matters.

And that’s not the kind of living we’re here to do.

So, how can we combat it… ?

By stepping into ALIVENESS.

Ways to Feel More ALIVE immediately:

1. Eliminate Excuses:

   Stop yourself mid-excuse, acknowledge what’s needed and refocus on moving forward.

2. Spend Your Time Consciously:

   We all have the same 24h each day. Spend yours without regret. This is subjective, as one’s person’s time-waster may be another person’s favorite past-time. The point is, you know, for you.

3. Make Someday Today:

   There is an absolute cost to inaction. If it’s important to you, seize the opportunity when it presents, as there is no guarantee someday will ever arrive.

These practices may trip you up at first, but just like anything else, you will get better with time.

AWARENESS is all it takes.

Without judgement, notice when you’re slipping into one of the above patterns, and then choose to pivot, put down your phone, get out in nature, re-ground yourself…

Ready?

If yes, my challenge for you this month is:

Set an intention to make the most of each day—no matter what.

Make that decision you’ve been putting off. Today. Then commit to making it right—for YOU.

How might that shift everything?

As always, thank you for joining me for this reflection, and I’d love to hear from you.

Until next time, rooting for you—Here’s to living empowered~!

Stephanie

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_{Stephanie Casaubon is an international empowerment coach, inspiring keynote speaker, and published author. Stephanie's philosophy takes clients beyond success to the art of life up-leveling through her holistic and transformative approach. Whether through 1:1 coaching or immersive retreats, Stephanie’s goal is always the same: to help her clients elevate every facet of their lives, from personal growth and career advancement to emotional well-being and relationship enhancement.}