Stories of Life

If Not Now, When?

Procrastination is a universal challenge.

As one of the billions who succumb to it, I understand its allure all too well. During my time as a student, our professor would assign us weekly tasks to be submitted in our next class.

We all agreed to complete them on time, but as the days passed, we found ourselves with little to show for our efforts. It wasn't until the eleventh hour, with the deadline looming, that we scrambled to complete our assignments, disorganized and frantic.

This experience was a wake-up call. Procrastination isn't just about delaying tasks; it's about failing to take control of our time and responsibilities.

We often deceive ourselves into believing that there will always be more time, but the truth is, time waits for no one.

We must resist the temptation to delay and embrace the discipline of timely action.

Only then can we avoid the chaos and stress that come with last-minute rushes and achieve our goals with clarity and purpose.

♥️💡🎯

The Fleeting Hours

Under the warm sun of Lapu-Lapu City, the Mactan Shrine stood tall, a historical landmark and a bustling center of activity. As the city prepared for its annual fiesta, the shrine became a hub of excitement. Vendors lined the pathways, setting up colorful stalls filled with local crafts, delicacies, and souvenirs. Among them was Cristina, a vendor known for her intricate fashion accessories made from native materials.

Cristina had been selling her handmade accessories for years, but she often found herself distracted by other priorities. While she had a knack for creating beautiful pieces, she struggled with time management. As the fiesta approached, Cristina's fellow vendors, Martha and Alicia, were hard at work, crafting new designs and stocking up on products. They understood the importance of preparation and diligence, knowing that the fiesta was the year's biggest opportunity for sales.

Martha, with her skillful hands, wove intricate bracelets and necklaces from abaca fibers, adding vibrant beads and shells. Alicia, on the other hand, specialized in handcrafted earrings and hairpins, using colorful stones and metals. The two women spent long hours at their stalls, perfecting their crafts and ensuring they had enough stock for the influx of visitors.

Cristina, however, had a different approach. She often told herself there would be more time to prepare. She spent her days attending to other matters-helping her family, running errands, and even indulging in her hobbies. She believed she could pull everything together at the last minute, just as she had done in the past. But this year, the stakes felt higher, and the urgency of preparation loomed larger than ever.

As the days passed, the city buzzed with anticipation. Banners were hung, stages were set up, and the aroma of street food filled the air. The Mactan Shrine, with its rich history and cultural significance, was a focal point of the festivities. Tourists and locals alike flocked to the area, eager to partake in the celebrations and shop for unique souvenirs.

Martha and Alicia were ready. Their stalls were adorned with beautifully displayed accessories, each piece meticulously crafted and arranged. They had invested time and effort into their work, and it showed. The two vendors chatted excitedly about their new designs, confident in the quality and appeal of their products.

Cristina, on the other hand, felt a growing sense of unease. As the fiesta drew closer, she realized she had far fewer items than she needed. Her stall, usually vibrant and full, seemed sparse. She hurriedly put together what she could, but the rushed work lacked the detail and care of her usual pieces. She regretted not starting earlier, not prioritizing her craft as she should have.

On the day of the fiesta, the Mactan Shrine was alive with energy. The sound of traditional music filled the air, mingling with the laughter and chatter of the crowd. Stalls brimmed with eager customers, and the vendors were busy showcasing their wares. Martha and Alicia's stalls were swarmed with buyers, their eyes lighting up at the sight of the exquisite accessories.

Cristina watched as Martha and Alicia made sale after sale, their hard work paying off. She felt a pang of envy and regret. Her stall, though attracting some attention, didn't have the same allure. Her hurriedly made accessories couldn't compete with the carefully crafted items of her fellow vendors. She knew she had missed an opportunity, and the realization stung.

Throughout the day, Cristina struggled to keep up. She tried to engage customers, offering discounts and promoting her work, but the response was lukewarm. Martha and Alicia, meanwhile, were thriving. Their diligence and preparation had paid off, and they were enjoying the fruits of their labor. They had understood the importance of time and had used it wisely.

As the sun set and the fiesta's festivities wound down, Cristina counted her earnings. It was a modest sum, far less than what she had hoped for. Martha and Alicia, with their bustling stalls and steady stream of customers, had made a significant profit. They chatted cheerfully, sharing stories of their best sales and satisfied customers.

Cristina felt a heavy weight in her chest. She knew she had no one to blame but herself. She had deceived herself into believing that there would always be more time, that she could afford to procrastinate. But time waits for no one, and she had learned that lesson the hard way.

As she packed up her stall, Cristina resolved to change her ways. She knew she had the talent and the passion for her craft, but she needed to value her time and efforts more. She admired Martha and Alicia, not just for their success but for their dedication and hard work. They had shown her that diligence and preparation were key to success, and she vowed to follow their example.

The fiesta had been a bittersweet experience for Cristina. It had shown her the consequences of her lack of diligence but also given her the motivation to do better. She promised herself that next year would be different. She would prioritize her craft, manage her time wisely, and give her all to her work. She would no longer wait for time to catch up with her; instead, she would seize every moment.

In the quiet aftermath of the fiesta, as the vendors packed up and the crowds dispersed, Cristina looked at the Mactan Shrine. The monument stood as a reminder of the city's rich history and the passing of time. She knew she couldn't change the past, but she could shape her future. With renewed determination, Cristina walked away from the shrine, ready to face the challenges ahead and make the most of the time she had.

For Cristina, the lesson was clear: time is a precious and finite resource, and success comes to those who respect it. And as she looked forward to the next fiesta, she knew she would be ready, prepared, and unwavering in her commitment to her craft.