In December, before I was inducted into the presidency of NAWBO Southern Nevada, I asked the immediate past president (Berna Rhodes-Ford) if the organization was ready for someone like me. Berna's response was “ready or not!”  I mention that because as we enter the summer months, I am reflecting on the first half of my term as president of this incredible group. In assessing the activities of NAWBO 2011 so far, I realize there is a hidden meaning implied in Berna's statement. That literary interpretation can be summed up in one simple old saying, ''If not now, when?”

Summer is generally not the time we look toward as a time to get things done unless those things involve vacations, beaches, pool parties, and fun. Life goes on, with or without you. During these months of leisure, remember it’s still important to have life going on with you in it. The commitments made in January and February need affirmation in June and July.  I always include having fun while I work.

There has been a lot of talk about coming events and the end of the Mayan calendar. I do not believe the world will end in December 2012.  However that prophecy places focus on the idea that if you knew the world was going to end, what would you do now? It may not be a bad idea to keep that sense of urgency about our goals and dreams; our commitments and responsibility. That urgency should lead us to cherish the time we have and maximize our efforts to accomplish a meaningful legacy.

That is the imperative we face every day. When is the right time to speak up or to act? When should I start being healthier? When do I have time to accomplish the goals that are dearest to my heart? The answer is always 'now.' To take the idea one step further on the importance of the ‘now,’ consider this: the only way you can change the past is in how you see it now and the only way you can affect the future is by what you do now. Consequently like it or not, ready or not the time is NOW!