Wednesday, March 6, 2013

There's Always Tomorrow

Is there really? This statement usually involves that there is all the time in the world to do what you want or hope to do. It is rather an encouraging thought. There's tomorrow to start again, to get a second chance, to try harder, to fulfill all pending dreams, to heal all wounds, to unravel the mysteries of Life and Wisdom.

Time is something that's usually organized, shared, looked for, wasted, taken, stolen and even killed. It's a delightful delusion since actually no one is certain of the term of one's particular life span. We all have heard of people who are here one day and gone the next. People who still had short, medium and long term plans for countless tomorrows they didn't get to see.

My war with the Dragon Slayer taught me tomorrow is the one thing I should not take for granted. The fact I can do something today doesn't necessarily mean I'll be able to repeat it tomorrow. I've lost battles overnight. Things have gone terribly wrong in the blink of an eye. While I could have danced the dragon mamushka in the sky one morning, I could as well endure torture that night.

The days I'm suffering being defeated by the Dragon Slayer, I tend to think on all those things I really want to get done before my time to join the Dragon Ancestors come. Suddenly the value and meaning of Time changes. Tomorrow looses its trustworthy mask to reveal its mirage true nature. The only real thing we've got hold of is Now.

One of my wishes is to finish my book and one of my concerns is what would happen with it should there be no tomorrow unexpectedly. Most likely Agnipath would be lost. My family doesn't speak English and wouldn't know what to do with it. Sometimes I harness enough inner peace to accept this possibility but other times I rebel to the idea of just letting this piece of me fade into oblivion. And this is only about Agnipath, but there are also my sculptures, my other projects.

These days I've worked on my dragon sculpture I realized just how much I invest in every piece of art I do. My joy and creativity take their toll on my precious energy, my sight, and other parts of my dragon self. If I have magic for one day, certain endeavors will make it last half or less. This awareness of the importance of the Now has made me anxious about the fact I can't possibly do everything Now.

Ironically, several victories against the Dragon Slayer in a row will have me waltzing a pas de deux with tomorrow, my priority list in hand. I will be spending my time in joys that have to do more about others than about me. Why, in the name of the Sacred Scale, why? I've growled at myself.

I'm striving for the answer as I type this. I do it, not because I am so thick I forget the fragility of my magic nature. I think I do it because I understand life is not just about what I want and what I dream.  There's also a lot of people in the journey with dreams and hopes of their own. Joys are greater when others join you in the celebration. Fears are less dreadful when others hold hands with you. Sadness is less tough when others reach their arms to hug you.

In any case, I stated earlier this week that dragons don't do things out of obligation. When I give my precious Now and energy to someone, I either do it for pleasure or for conviction. Yet, sometimes a thought assaults me; that people might not understand the true value of what I am really giving when I give my time.

In conclusion, here's a dragon with an unfinished book in his claws, dreaming people will some day read what his mind created. He might disappear one day along with that book he never finished because he spent his time writing his thoughts for people that cared to read them. Is it right? Is it wrong? What was the goal in the first place? Alas, the poetry of life riddles!

It is not a riddle, however, that this post is part of the Insecure Writer's Support Group hosted by Alex J. Cavanaugh, the only ninja gifted with the power of ubiquity.

65 comments:

  1. Joys are greater when shared - so true!
    Sometimes the greatest thing we can create is ourselves, and if people remember us for that reason - for who we were and how much we cared - that just might be enough.

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    1. One of the worst bosses I ever had told me one day that I cared too much. Needless to say, it wasn't a problem for him very long after saying that to me. How much we cared is enough. It has to be!

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    2. "Sometimes the greatest thing we can create is ourselves" Centuries distilled wisdom, Alex.

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  2. During this writing journey, I have met literally hundreds of people I otherwise never would have. Most of these 'hellos' will pass by, but a few have become more. And although I wonder if writing and creating is 'worthless' sometimes, I know that without it, I would have never had some of these contacts. And that in itself is worth quite a lot.

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    1. I hear you here. I've also met people who is leaving a mark in the dragon's heart. That's valuable.

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  3. Dragon Friend-- I think what I love most about you is your passion. It seems like this passion can both feed and torture. And make you great. Really, we can fret and dream about tomorrow and lament the past, but the truth is the only life we life is in the present. And how quickly it flies. I don't want to waste now with emotions that suck the joy out of my life (sometimes easier said than done, depending on the circumstances). May your nows be filled with joy and creativity my friend and may that be, in the moment, enough.

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    1. You know the difficult thing of being a dragon? That fire can both give life and take it. Must work harder on that peaceful fire, minute by minute

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  4. Wonderful post, Al. I've also been panicked about getting my work out there before it's too late. No man knows the hour that he will leave this earthly existence. Thanks for writing your insights into this.

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    1. You welcome, Mike. I know you are getting organized now, refocusing goals. I think you're in the right path.

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  5. Your words strike a chord in me. Most days I feel as if I'm spinning, trying to accomplish everything in the NOW. Of course, that's impossible and I end up wasting precious time by not focusing.

    To share the hopes, dreams, and needs of others is also so important. And yet it's such a juggling act to fit it all in. And there I go spinning again...

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    1. Juggling act it is, like with 10 balls or more. That's where I'm finding my challenge.

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  6. "In conclusion, here's a dragon with an unfinished book in his claws, dreaming people will some day read what his mind created."

    That's what we're all hoping, that someone will validate all that alone time we spend writing the words down by enjoying our stories. Such a shame if we never finish them.

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    1. Yes, too much effort to let it go to waste.

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  7. You had me at There's always tomorrow. I think I've said that a lot in during this revision process. I need to remember tomorrow's not promised to me. I need to get all I can done today in the hopes that tomorrow I can say, it is finished.

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    1. I've written many stories but few I've achieved to finish. It is, however, a great feeling when you can say it's finished.

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  8. I loved this post. Time is what I struggle with the most and doing as much as I can with the time that I have. Now that I am part way through a book series that I am writing, I worry about my readers if something were to happen to me and I never get to the end. But when the worries come, there is the peace in doing as much as I can with each day and reminding myself not to worry so much about all that is beyond my reach. Good luck finishing your book!

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    1. Your words remind me of Mother Dragon. She says he who does what he can, does what he must.

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  9. I am a little bit of a type A personality. I like to get things done. I like to make lists and I get a huge rush from a productive day. I too was once plagued by, "what if something happens to me and I never finish the many manuscripts I tinker on each day?"

    Then I had an idea. I asked my best writer buddy..if I die, would she finish up my babies? She said yes, if I would do the same for her. Then I told my husband, this flash drive goes to Celeste. Now I feel more at peace.

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    1. That's not a bad idea at all, Elizabeth. I must find one who wants to get trusted with the dragons' babies.

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  10. A perceptive dragon post. I'm glad to discover that dragons have the same concerns about time and writing and obscurity as we humans do. This knowledge only enhances my admiration for this species.

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    1. Oh, yes. There are concerns we share in life, and also loves, like the love to knowledge and the love to writing. :D

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  11. If nothing else, Al, this blog (and all the great comments you leave for us at ours) stands as testament to your hopes and dreams and that's something, right? :)

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  12. Ah, will we ever find the right balance? I don't know. But if we try and do right every day, we'll soon have a life we can look back on and be proud. Hang in there, Father Dragon, and just keep doing. ;)

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    1. I started long ago by deciding not to kill or waste time anymore. Whatever I do, should have a purpose.

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  13. One thing is true, anxiety over something we can't control helps no one. All we can do is our best to complete our goals, whichever has the priority and focus for the moment, and live life. Living without anxiety over whether we've completed tasks and projects makes the work go not only smoother but more efficiently. Trust is a great word. And if what you're creating is so important to you and what God has intended for you, then trust that it will be completed.

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    1. I'll keep these words in my mind and in my heart. Thanks Nancy.

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  14. That was a great post! Tomorrows and time. I have heard there is always tomorrow all of my life....and don't think that way too much anymore. I try to do as much as I can each day. I choose the most difficult task first and work my way down. Thanks!

    sandysanderellasmusings

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    1. Thank you for the advice. It sounds like a plan to me.

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  15. Tomorrow is always in the future, always just out of our grasp. We all worry about it, plan for it, look forward to it and hope it will bring happiness and success. Organising our time and our priorities is one of the hardest to master. You show warmth and compassion through your posts and these are being read and enjoyed by many. Thank you.

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  16. This is a powerful post and you are just amazing. Just reading through your comments is a testament to what a difference your presence truly makes. You accomplish so much everyday by simply just existing. You are just so inspiring with your outlook on life and time.

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    1. Murees, you just got yourself a dragon hug. Thanks.

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  17. Blogging is always an obstacle to writing, but it doesn't mean both can't be accomplished. With a your Dragon will, I'm sure it will happen for you :)

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    1. Dragons love riddles, you know? I just have to figure out the balance one. :)

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  18. You're right, Al. There is no guarantee about tomorrow, but there is always hope for today, and that makes all the difference! This is truly an enjoyable post to read and ponder. Thank you!

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    1. You welcome, M.J. My pleasure to share with you. :D

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  19. I'm such an optimist, I know tomorrow is going to be bigger and better than today! :-)

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    1. That's one good thought. Expect the best, but don't procrastinate. :)

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  20. I loved your post, especially this:
    Time is something that's usually organized, shared, looked for, wasted, taken, stolen and even killed.
    I'm wishing you loads of time and success on your sculpture, art-works, and books. :-)

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  21. I've found that reading biographies really helps when it comes to wanting to know why we do the things we do. Consider the girl who's suffered more rejection by the age of 16 than most do in a lifetime -- deciding that writing, submitting and collecting numbers and numbers of rejections (which is the norm not the unusual) what she wants to do with her life. And yes, I ask myself just that every day, and then I start writing that silly story in my head, because someone once told me they enjoy my letters because I write like I talk, I tell a good story. Some day someone will read my words, about my life, and say -- she did it, so can I!

    Go dragon, go -- you inspire me every day I read your words!

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  22. I hear you. I have two many projects and I can't do them all now. but I want to. Gah! I've learned to make some compromises -- allowing myself to write short stories again now and then and giving some time to a new project while I work on the next priority.

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    1. Ok, priority list I've tried. Compromise, I think I've not. That's something new. Thanks for the recommendation!

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  23. There is no guarantee of tomorrow, which is why my to-do list is insanely large every single day.

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    1. hahaha, this made me think of you entangled in a list as long as bandage. :)

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  24. It sounds like you have many irons in the fire. This was beautifully written, and it gives us all something to think about. I hope you are feeling well, and as busy as you are, you have to remember your health comes first. I truly believe that you will finish your book.

    Julie

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    1. Thank You for the vote of confidence, Julie!

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  25. I feel so ill-equipped to give any kind of sound advice because I struggle with this too. I think my writing improved after I started blogging and connecting with so many amazing writers and blogger from all over the world. Trouble is, now I find less and less time to write. Balance is what we all strive for but it is difficult to achieve for extended periods of time. But I think when the muse whispers in your dragon ears, don't put her off until tomorrow, seize the moment and create good art because you love it. Afterwards, you can tell us all about it! :D

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    1. I have also learned a lot from blogging and reading all the writers in the community. You all have changed my writing style for the better but you've nailed it. It's absorbing too. I'm thinking on time limits.

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  26. I often times depend too much on tomorrow, not taking full advantage of the NOW I have at my disposal. I'm trying to do better, but it's a process. Dragons are so much wiser than us mere humans. :)

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    1. The good point is that you realized about your now, that's half the job.

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  27. It looks like I'm not the only one worrying about time today. Keep at it, and you will get there, a proud dragon with a finished book in his hands, and a gorgeous sculpture before him.

    Shannon at The Warrior Muse

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    1. That's right, Shannon. Common concern. Let's try to make the best of our time. :D

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  28. I spent a long time always saying I was going to do things tomorrow or eventually or whenever the perfect moment arrived. It took me a long time to realize that now was all I have and it was up to me to start taking advantage of that, as the perfect moment was never going to be here, I would always be waiting for some other piece to fall into place before actually doing something.
    Like others, I'm always inspired by your Dragon words! :)

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    1. I found this great advice. Don't wait for the perfect moment. Make it happen. :)

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  29. Sharing joys, sorrows, and passions help each of us become more than just our smallest selves. I appreciate your time and your words, Al. I hope that you continue to share. At the same time (ha), I hope that you have the "now" to work on your own novel and art with joy and creativity.
    Best wishes for the now!

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    1. :) I appreciate also your words, time and wishes very much.

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  30. Hi, Father Dragon....

    First let me say we ALL would LOVE to read what you have to write. You have such a sense of soul and heart. I can SO relate about the time factor and how SO many people I know don't consider MY TIME valuable. It is a horrible sense of unworthiness. What makes THEIR time more valuable than ours.

    Now, that sculpture is AMAZING. Is this one of your creations? It looks like something guilt from a by gone age. It is MAGNIFICENT!!!!I

    Do you sell your work? If so, I would love to know more about perhaps acquiring such a special piece.

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    1. Well Michael, now I know one who will buy my book, hahaha.
      Sorry to say but that dragon clock is just for illustration purposes. On April 6th you'll see one of my creations. :)

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  31. I'll buy your book. :) Michael is absolutely right, you do have a depth of soul and heart that shines through each word you write. too often we take advantage of time, a lazy day, too much time a project when there needs to be work done on another. Even procrastinating. Time is a gift that we must learn to use wisely while we're here.

    Thank you so very much for the follow and I can't wait to see your sculpture on the 6th.

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  32. I think 'there's always tomorrow' is REALLY useful for things that aren't in our control. But I totally agree we should LIVE LIKE there really isn't--get it done, tap into what we can. Big projects put off until tomorrow just never get done.

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  33. Well said, sir.

    Also, I dearly hope you will soon post step-by-step instructions for dancing the dragon mamushka, as I'm familiar only with the Addams' version. :-)

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  34. A thoughtful post.

    In the past few years I've become more strict on myself with time management. I'm careful how I spend my time and who with. I realized that in order to fulfill my goals, I need to do things now.

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