This weekend I had a few days of humanity. It’s quite funny to think about in actuality. In shirking my responsibilities and having far too much time to think it was possible for me to become briefly closer to the aspects of life that I treasure most. There was art, conversation, family, nature, laughter, walking, books, new possibilities, and stories told. I took a few breaths and was satisfied that I was present enough in the present to be grateful for the air entering my lungs.

This weekend was a practice in accepting that time spent on something else other than pressing obligations is not wasted time. Time spent wandering through museums and neighborhood streets is important too. I was forced to re-learn that not every moment must be spent furthering some grand goal towards enlightenment or future success to be important. Goals are still important but they are not the only importance.

It is the idea of putting success on the line that gets me. I crave the security of an attainable goal or an action that can be checked off a mile long to-do list. This craving gets me twisted up, because sometimes it seems that from this adolescent standpoint there is more of a focus put on making that mile long list than actually becoming the type of person who will get all of those actions done without turning back to see if anyone is watching.

Essentially, I wish to present an argument in favor of the actions completed when other things were meant to be done, or an argument for creative procrastination. And not the classic procrastination of flipping from one social media platform to another interspersed with small journeys to the fridge or the sofa.

I mean the kind of procrastination that lends to meandering thoughts and long conversations with someone new, or someone old. I mean the type of procrastination that will leave not the taste of regret but rather the sweetness of fond memories. I mean the discovery of a new favorite novel and the dedication of a few hours to a much neglected hobby.

There is a big difference between waiting for intention to strike and going out into the world to gather bright moments and memories that will make the day stand out as a meaningful one. I used to be an active procrastinator. I read books, attended free functions, and went on long walks with my mom. Somewhere along the way I fell away from being an active procrastinator and instead became the type to not use my time at all, simply letting the minutes and days tick by without living them at all.

But a few bright fall days and a quote from Buddha made me turn back and find solace in all the ‘wasted’ time. If the time lost to other endeavors leaves a greater impact on me as a person, then it can not be called wasted at all.

“Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.”-- Buddha