Think and Do; Don't Think, Just Do

Reflection

Photo by Peter Nelson on Unsplash

The summer is going fast, but we’re still having warm weather and sometimes hot days in Jersey.

I wanted to talk about a quote or rather a line from Top Gun: Maverick movie, “don’t think, just do”, which has a ring to it that I often forget or ignore. In kindergarten, our class spent much time in a Think and Do book which implies the opposite of the movie line. It’s important that we can decipher when to do both, whether it requires more thinking and when it doesn’t. Thinking is for solving problems and completing tasks, works, or actions, and most times before we speak. First, when it's necessary to listen, then second, letting it settle in because you’re actually hearing what they’re saying, and third, then respond, if necessary. Another hard thing to do, but doable. We may be excited or rather want to talk than listen, meaning me, of course, sometimes.

Don’t think, just do is when it’s an imperative situation or decision or something you want to overcome and one might spend too much time thinking about it, so nothing good changes or happens. Possibly, fear stands in the way. Life is risky business. It’s vital to know when to play it safe and when not to because not doing something could turn out worse.

I like these words because it reminds me to be smart about things and decisions in both of the ways that these words propose. Words that loudly resound to be diligent, frugal, and aware.

We can spend a whole lot of time second guessing ourselves, doubting that we can do something or doubt that we’re any good at something or good at all. Our confidence drifts, the ground becomes unsteady, and our minds and hearts tremble when we tell ourselves that we don’t matter or that we’re not good enough to accomplish anything or be successful.

I’m not always one to change things until it becomes absolutely necessary or big enough that something must be done, hence it took me a very long time to get out of relationships or see and admit that things weren’t working (letting go) and having children made it even harder to decide.

Faith in myself has been restored, but it’s taken a long time to get there, and it’s always a work in progress or more a process that unfolds gradually.

On the lighter side of diligence, setting several alarms in the morning helps my brain to realize what time it is and eventually sinks in that it’s time to get moving. I try not to be too hard on myself, especially when doing writing projects until the wee hours. My faith rallies around me then and I keep moving forward taking the time I need to write plus making sure to get enough rest too.

Relationships are tough and a lot of work. But if you feel you’ve done everything possible to make one work, then tell yourself to back off on criticizing yourself or feeling guilty. Because guilt doesn’t get you through the process quicker or minimize stress. You have to know in your heart that you did all you could, and if that’s true, then you can rest assured because of that knowledge and move forward. If you can do more, then try again to find a way to mend, remembering that you tried when all else has failed.

I believe we must have courage, no matter what, to brave the ups and downs, bringing your fortitude to the forefront with your head up and heart always in the right place showing its mighty core, facing whatever comes your way, and never denying the truth. It’s important to be honest with yourself and with those you can trust and are close to.

So, let’s think and do often letting that line tap you on the shoulder telling you to do so, and don’t think, just do when it’s imminent or when you wish to make a change on the spot, getting over a fear, or needing to take the plunge.

You have the courage, you are mighty, and you are enough, making all things possible, doable, and workable. I’m always rooting for you. Wishing you the best always, Giulietta

Visit my website every first of the month for new news, new book/author recommendations, and new writing prompts, where you can also purchase my poem collection, Heart Like a Wheel, and sign up for my email list - https://www.gpassarelli.com.