In my recent spring cleaning travels, I came across many things that I’ve been saving for just the right time. Orange hair spray, for example. And some really cool looking Ferrari totes and stickers. Waiting for just the right time.

What is the right time? I find that when I save things for just the right time, the right time never comes. The hair spray is too old to use now, and the Ferrari paraphernalia has been sitting in my closet for longer than I care to admit.

So long to the hair spray, so long to the Ferrari stickers.

A few times this winter, I met a friend for an early morning run in the park. We ran around the track until we were too tired to go on. And then we ended with a sprint back to the parking lot. Joe is in better shape than I, and when I would lag behind on our final sprint, he would shout, “What are you saving it for?” I would think of the energy I would need for the day ahead. But then I would “trust the process”, as we say, and give another final push.

We all have so much to give. Every day gives us new energy, new life that we can give back to the world.

What are you saving it for?

Talked my head off

Worked my tail off

Cried my eyes out

Walked my feet off

Sang my heart out

So you see,

There's really not much left of me.

 

-“Losing Pieces” by Shel Silverstein

Shimmy Feintuch, LCSW CASAC-G maintains a private practice in Brooklyn, NY, and Washington Heights, NYC, with specialties in addictions and anxiety. He is also an Adjunct Professor at the Wurzweiler School of Social Work at Yeshiva University. Contact: (530) 334-6882 or shimmyfeintuch@gmail.com. 

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