There are so many thoughts that come in and out of my mind every day. Sometimes I remember to act on them, if they are writing ideas or easy to access actionables. Other times, I push them swiftly to the back of my mind to get lost in the shuffle of information blocks jousting for attention so that their moment to shine comes sooner.

While there are many reasons for why a spark of inspiration or a task can get lost in the crowd, I am most curious about the ones with intentionality. I also find myself pondering on whether or not I know that I am allowing the distraction, procrastination, avoidance, and so on to be my excuse.

Reasons vs Excuses

As a lover of words and their nuanced differences, I frequently consider whether I am making excuses or giving a reason. Many use these two words interchangeably, yet their semantic differences express the undertones of the words.

In a nutshell, reason is a neutral word. Whereas, excuse leans toward the negative. Now, I am not one to determine the appropriateness of word usage based solely on their general and social meanings. Instead, I like to challenge how they are or can be used while still maintaining their distinct qualities of expression. Otherwise, why have two words when you can use one?

So, let me reiterate how I understand these words. There are lots of reasons for why we do or do not act. These reasons are usually fact-based, logical, grounded in the reality of a situation and, more importantly, expressed without an emotional judgement word attached. For example, “I lose track of time easily resulting in me not writing more on this blog.” See, neutral-ish.

On the other hand, while there are definitely as many or more excuses to be shared for why we do or do not act, these are usually attached to an emotional judgement. Let’s keep the previous example, but turn it into an excuse: “Time flies past so quickly that I’m just too tired to write more on this blog.” Seemingly the same, yet the emotional and subjective attachment to the expression makes this an excuse rather than a reason for why I do not write more on this blog. In meaning, both are absolutely true. The core aspect is that time is not made to write more. The why is up for reader and writer personal discretion as to whether or not it is a legitimate reason or a valid-seeking excuse.

And so…?

What’s my point? Lest you feel I have wasted your time reading this post, let me revert back to my focus of curiosity.

Let’s just say, keeping with my example, that I am intentionally allowing myself to lose track of time so that it flies by quickly leaving me with no time to write more. If it is intentional, then the exploration is not necessarily on the semantics of reason vs excuse, but rather on the WHY I am intentionally allowing this to happen.

Of course, this raises a lot more questions for me to investigate. Am I feeling afraid of what I want or need to write? If so, where is that fear stemming from? OR, am I avoiding some deeper feelings that need further exploration? Perhaps, a part of me feels guilty to sit and write rather than clean the house or do something that is seen as more contributive to the home/family unit?

In truth, I have no idea most of the time. Some people might think that it is not worth pondering or that I am complicating the thoughts. Some people might even know my WHY better than me. Whatever the case, what I do know is that I enjoy the act of wondering. I am often more content in observing the bouncing around of thought-blocks as they pop to the forefront, then fade back into the darker recesses of my mind. There is a sense of satisfaction in watching them juggle, joust, and jump around–I mean, what further proof do I need of my vitality?

Still, it can also be a little bit exhausting try to sort out where my thoughts want to go, how to categorize and prioritize, and then also take the required actions. That age-old elusive idea of balance comes to mind.

Then, there it goes again….

~T 🔥🐉♋️