Written by Dennis Harvell
The End of Later
I’ve spent a lot of years telling myself “later.” I’ll take that trip later. I’ll write that book later. I’ll find my peace later, once everything else settles. It’s easy to treat “later” like it’s guaranteed, like time will always wait for us to be ready. But growing up in the Bronx taught me early that life doesn’t always follow our plans. Sometimes the green light has been shining the whole time — we just never stepped forward.
I’m learning that “later” can quietly turn into “never.” Not because we’re weak or afraid, but because we get used to putting ourselves last. We stay in situations long after they’ve stopped serving us. We wait for the perfect moment to change, not realizing that perfect moments rarely announce themselves.
As I move toward January, I’m choosing to let that word go. Not with anger, but with honesty. I don’t need to wait for permission to enjoy the time I have. Whether it’s picking up the pen, taking a small trip, or simply sitting somewhere peaceful without rushing, I’m learning to honor the present instead of postponing it.
I’m showing up differently now. I’m trading the idea of “later” for the reality of “now,” and life feels a little lighter when you stop delaying the things that make you feel alive.