So many times I have heard people talk about the things they are going to do someday ………… perhaps tomorrow? The most disgruntled individuals tend to be those individuals who were going to do (whatever) someday, but now they no longer have that option. They are left thinking …….
“If only I had …” or “I should have …” or “I wonder if I could have …”
In our “earlier years” it is so easy to decide to do something “Later”, because “Later” is always an option ……………… right? Of course we could not possibly plan for that accident which limited certain future activities, or for that medical procedure that saved our life but had long term consequences. We could certainly not have planned for the “natural order of things” ……….. being the body and all its functions slowly breaking down as the aging process continues. Somebody once said …
“There is only one guarantee in life … that you will never get out of it alive!”
If there is something you have always wanted to do, then the best time to start the journey to achieving that goal is today, because none of us have any guarantees about tomorrow.
“There are only seven days in the week, and “Someday” is not one of them.”
Just imagine that, since your childhood, you have always wanted to (whatever). Then a formal education followed by a necessity to work got in the way; perhaps a few failed relationships; need for a career change; raising a family; rehabilitation after a traffic accident, and perhaps a number of other medical challenges. It is so practical to just keep adapting to the various challenges that life presents but, in that adaptation, we lose sight of those original dreams.
“Yesterday cannot be changed. Tomorrow has not come yet. You only have today so use it wisely.”
This topic can go on forever, and Nike even captured the essence of motivation with their “Do It Now” slogan … but this Post is about you and not Nike!
Whatever is on your “Dream list”, make “Today” your starting point and, once you have started on that road, keep moving forward. In a very short time you will be able to look back with satisfaction that you have at least started on a journey of self-discovery!
When you get into your later years, just imagine being able to reflect back with satisfaction and pride that the items on your Dream List were all checked off! Will you be able to achieve all your goals? Perhaps not, but at least you will have tried and so can look back knowing you gave it your best ……………….. in contrast with looking back and thinking ….
“If only I had …” or “I should have …” or “I wonder if I could have …”
It’s your life! Use it wisely as there is no re-run option!
A New Direction Perhaps? 
Quite an idyllic perspective, which I love. But for some it’s not that easy. We could argue that one could make changes, change priorities, “go for it”, but for some not so simple. As we get older we, hopefully get wiser, and look back with emotion and thoughts of what we could have done differently. And so,stokes it is just what it is and we crept it and choose to be happy. P.s.great to see a post from you!
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Hi Michael – Yes of course it is not always that simple, and we could always fail. My point is to at least try rather than procrastinate. I would much prefer to reflect back and know that I tried, rather than reflect back and wonder “What if?”
My personal history is filled with endeavours that did not go as planned, but every one of them was a learning experience. Every one was a result of my taking up a challenge and “running with it”. Every one makes me look back with contentment as I know I did my best at that time.
The difference is looking back with a sense of satisfaction at what was achieved vs looking back with a sense of disappointment of what was never attempted.
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Well said, my friend! 🙂
Odessa would agree and Dewey”s life goals are taking more naps. LOL!
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Ah yes ………… Odessa and Dewey. Two quite different characters!
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Extremely!
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Good to see a post from you Colin. Trust you and Carol are well? Treats to Nigel by proxy. Maya knows all about being spoilt……. the local carvery practically gives her her own dish with meat scraps when we visit!
I am glad I went to see Bro in NZ in 2010, something I had been putting off until my BIL passed away in the February which made me realise life is too short and you don’t know what’s round the corner.
Long time ago but there is no way I could manage the journey now and he cannot come to the UK for health reasons either, so it makes those memories even more precious.
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Absolutely agree with you Di. It is so easy to put things off until “tomorrow”, and suddenly “tomorrow” is too late.
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🙂
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I’m sure glad I read this post today. I was considering putting it off until tomorrow.
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Yeh ……………… but you know you would regret it!
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Hell, I might not even be alive tomorrow.
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Well that is, of course, a possibility. If that does happen, would you mind letting know? Thx.
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Sure, but you may not like the manner in which I let you know.
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Today I had a “last time” event. I’m wallpapering a wall. Small job really but 9′ ceilings requiring the big heavy ladder. My body, energy and balance are too worn for this kind of work. Most people don’t think of wallpapering as a “looking forward to” event but for me this will make a visual change that I enjoy every day. I did most of my “wants” in my younger days. Good thing too! I hadn’t envisioned how lower energy levels would impact my life and not in a good way. Great to see around!
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Well that’s “the thing” isn’t it! We can go through life full of energy, but one day it is going to catch up with us and things become more complicated. A basic law of nature I guess!
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Great advice (and a great reminder), Colin. Thanks! P.S. Please give dear Nigel a good ear rub from me.
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Thanks Monika. Nigel will a good ear rub on your behalf (he is so spoiled … and loves every moment of it!)
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Of course he does. He’s a poodle! 😄
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Yes he most certainly is, and that hereditary sense of entitlement is tough to ignore!
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Poodles are such sweet dogs but they definitely have agendas. It goes with the entitlement of having a staff. LOL
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