Trying Or Doing?

"I really don't think life is about the I-could-have-beens. Life is only about the I-tried-to-do. I don't mind the failure, but I can't imagine that I'd forgive myself if I didn't try." - Nikki Giovanni, poet, essayist, and lecturer

I know this quote is about making an effort no matter what. I realize that life is about our actions, not just about the decisions we make. However, I've had to stop saying "try" and begin saying "do". It's a change I simply had to make in my life.

I used to constantly get caught up in feeling sorry for myself much of the time. I lived like a victim and I made up a lot of excuses as to why I couldn't take care of my responsibilities. My favorite saying was "but I tried" in a whiny voice. I used to believe that "trying" was enough. If I told people I had given some sort of effort, then that should be enough for their approval.

Today it's not enough for me to "try". Today it's about "doing" - making every effort to do what is right. These days I don't "try" to make an appointment - I'm there on time and I'm prepared. I don't "try" to get along with others - I'm polite to everyone and I show respect to all. If I don't think I can complete a project, I ask for help - I don't just give up and say "I tried" with a sad face.

The bottom line is this - my life is not about the I-tried-to-dos. My life is about what I've actually done and what I am doing now. It's been a hard lesson to learn and it is a personal decision. This switch from "try" to "do" may not work for everyone. But it has made a world of difference in my life.

Today I will "do" the next right thing and I will enjoy it. I am sure of that.