It's never too late, unless you never do it.

Last week was a bit of a crazy one for me.  For anyone who isn't aware, the amazing Stephen Fry tweeted about my "What's going on in there?" blog post; and I was then utterly humbled by the amount of people who responded to the tweet, to the post, and even sent me personal emails.  

The ironic thing was that so many people were thanking me, and probably were't aware of the fact they were helping me just as much as I was them.  It just so happens that my post resonated with them, but I am still just "me".  I still have the anxiety obstacles.  In fact only 4 days before the post was published I had been given new tablets to take on top of my others, as I was struggling so much. Another secret is that I also have a file filled with blog posts that I've written, but never felt brave enough to publish.  

Today, thanks to everyone who communicated with me after Monday, I am publishing one of those blog posts.  Ironically it is about how it's never too late... I hope you enjoy it. xx

A while ago I had an afternoon for some of my closest friends to thank them for their support.  We had afternoon tea and a good old fashioned natter.  One thing I recall was how often I was asked "How have you only just discovered Dexter?!"  and "The West Wing? Of course I've seen it Liz. Who hasn't?"

I'm used to coming to things slightly late - maybe it's being a July birthday, I seem to just hit deadlines with the smallest amount of safety buffer remaining.  Take coming into cake decorating at 31 years old; it was never a chosen career yet events seem to have brought me on this clear trajectory.  Or watching box sets of popular tv series' - at least they're cheap when I buy them!

Although I can leave things a little late in the day, I will never ever compromise on quality.  I seem to sharpen my mojo through the instinct that comes with pressure. I overthink things a lot and I guess my deep rooted focus when under pressure brings out a natural flow from me - I believe this adds a real touch of "lizbu" to my work. I like that fact.  Ownership of my work is so important to me, I think it's what people want when they are paying for a bespoke cake - it shouldn't be able to be copied too easily.

After reading the above it may surprise you to know I'm actually incredibly anal about never being late. If I tell you I'll drop a cake to you at 10am you can pretty much guarantee that at 9.50 I'll be sat outside watching the minutes pass by.  I'd never knock at your door 10 minutes early though - you may not want to be an unexpected visitor... (See my point about over thinking...?!)

I guess there are certain things that we can put off in life; and then others that we really shouldn't, but do.

Coming to things after others isn't a bad thing. It's like having it tried and tested I guess. Maybe like being a little sister? No doubt there was a bit of me growing up who hoped my brother would be push (and therefore identify) my folks' boundarys for me?

The important thing is that we don't avoid doing something through convincing ourselves it's too late. If there's a holiday you want to take but never did, then start saving.  

Maybe it will take you 10 years to save for it, but that time is going to pass anyway.

Do you want to lose weight/ get fit, but figure you've always been big and so that's just the way it is? You're wrong. I lost my big chunk of weight a few years ago, and at the time I thought I'd left it too late. How ridiculous? How can it ever be too late to add healthier days to your life? 

Maybe it will take you months or years to lose it, but that time is going to pass anyway.

Do you sometimes think of someone and think "I must call them" for a catch up?" Do it. You never ever know what's around the corner. Maybe you only have 10 seconds to spare right now? Pick up your phone, text them, call them and just tell them you don't have time to talk but wanted them to know you love them - just do something. 

Their time is passing too, and wouldn't it be nicer for them to have it pass knowing they're loved?

To summarise, there are deadlines we have to hit for others, then there are those we need to impose on ourselves. We need to work out what's important to us and make sure it takes priority sometimes. That's how we make our lives " ours".  That's how we add the touch of "us" to our lives.

I'll leave you with a quote I heard from Leo Mcgarry. (For those who don't know, Leo is a key member of the president's staff in The West Wing.).

To set the scene, it's a late night meeting after the first day of their last year in office.  All focus that day has been about the fact their time in power is coming to an end.

Leo rubs out the number 365 on his while board and replaces it with 364.  He then says

"364 days left, and we can effect more change in any one of them than in a lifetime after leaving the White House forever."

It's never too late to do something, it will only be too late if you don't do it.

Of you go, do it! 
Bu
xx

BuBakes is committed to reducing the stigma attached to Mental Health, and personally donates 25p for every order received to MIND.  This is kindly matched by three generous supporters, meaning a £1 donation is made per order.  If you would like to find out more about MIND, or make a donation you can do so here. 

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