After one of my best friends got married and had a kid, I decided to put together some gifts for him, his wife, and their newborn daughter. I also meant to include a card to the couple and a letter to him. The latter used to be a tradition.
For every birthday, one would write the other a letter, sometimes referencing the last one, usually simply expressing their congratulations, appreciation, and, on occasion, some deeper thoughts. Alas, life eventually caught up with both of us, and now, said tradition had remained dormant for a while. I think that’s why I procrastinated on writing the letter.
For a few weeks, I told myself I was waiting for logistical reasons—my friend not being at home to receive the package—and that I’d think of something clever for my letter if I waited a bit more. That last one was definitely a distraction. I should have known better. For years, I’ve realized that the only way to write a meaningful birthday card is to sit down, be present, and write the best birthday card you can write in the moment. For some reason, it took a bit longer to click this time.
Thankfully, my friend ended up visiting our house. It was a short-notice but welcome trip, and so I was out of options. I wasn’t going to hide the package only to mail it to them later. They arrived with a car, so they were perfectly able to take everything home. So, with two days left to, I finally sat down. I wrote the best letter I could write. And the best card I could write. And it took all of 30 minutes.
Some projects really benefit from a later release. But the delay must be active. A period of thought, reflection, and refinement. Gestation, at the very least. Most tasks in this life, however, are simply standing by, ready for you to show up anytime. Words, ideas, thoughts, creativity, action—life rarely gets better the longer you wait.
