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Report From An Opinionated Gardener – January 17

I started the morning today by reading a post on Seth Godin’s blog. He quoted this from the Rev. Martin Luther King:  “We are now faced with the fact, my friends, that tomorrow is today. We are confronted with the fierce urgency of now. In this unfolding conundrum of life and history, there is such a thing as being too late. Procrastination is still the thief of time.”

Reading this quote, I began the day thinking about what I postpone, and why. In the garden I always put off transplanting and dividing. I’d rather be putting new plants in the ground rather than revamping existing ones.

Out of the garden I put aside those things I’m either not very good at or not excited about: taxes, balancing the checkbook, or dusting come to mind.

All of that is pretty normal and understandable; what interests me is why I put off things that are ultimately important, enjoyable or satisfying. Walking the dog in the winter, for example. I put it off because it’s cold out and I don’t want to slip on ice and injure my new hip. Understandable, again, but once I actually surrender to the inevitable I am thrilled to be outside, surrounded by the stark beauty of winter.

The “fierce urgency of now” extends beyond my backyard, certainly. Why do our elected representatives continue to posture according to their party line at the expense of the people? What can I, a single citizen do about it? It is indeed a “conundrum of life and history”.

Note to self: don’t put off sending that email to my representatives. Continue to create every day, make positive human connections and pay attention to how my actions might contribute to growth.

And don’t delay that soul-restoring walk outdoors.

The reflection of a setting sun, an almost-full moon, and the beautiful forms of trees in winter. Combined with the cold air on my cheeks and the joy I see in The Dog as he rolls in snow...why do I put this off, I wonder?

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