It seems that as a person wanders through their time on earth, straying from the beaten path is the secret to a more fulfilling, interesting, and unpredictable life. Did you ever notice how the people who live an average, 'normal' life, are usually the most boring and uninspiring to be around. 'Risk' is not in their vocabulary and 'chance' to them means buying a lottery ticket once a week.
After all, what is exciting about working day in and day out for 40 years so you can exist and one day retire and spend your remaining days wondering what could have been. Wondering about all the things you had thoughts of doing, but never did. Wondering about, if only you had taken the chance and bought your own dream business, but feared to try. After all, you would have had to give up the security and safety of your employers weekly pay check.
SPEND YOUR LIFE PLEASING OTHERS:
Did you go to College or University to become a lawyer or a doctor or anything else for that matter, because you knew others expected it of you?
Maybe you come from a long line of professionals and were expected to uphold the family tradition? Yet deep in your heart you wanted to be an artist. You wanted to create paintings that would be a window to your soul. That would inspire others and bring pleasure. That in your mind, would give your life meaning and and let your inner feelings blossom. But somehow, your dream was lost in the expectations of others.
LOST LOVE:
Or maybe you wonder about that person you knew so many years ago that you let slip away. The one you truly loved, yet hesitated and in a heartbeat, lost the chance forever. The same one you reserve a small corner of your mind and heart for. Even as you marry another and watch your children grow and accept the cards dealt to you, few weeks go by that you do not think of the missed opportunity. Of love lost. Of the true happiness you denied yourself for fear of taking a chance and being rejected.
LOST DREAMS:
For years you promised yourself you would gaze on the Eiffel Tower or stand next to the great pyramids. Or that one day you would visit the Amazon or go on a world cruise. Or perhaps visit the great north and see a polar bear in its natural habitat. Maybe you always wondered what it would be like to sky-dive or fly a plane, go up in a hot air balloon or spend the day climbing a mountain. Did you ever wonder what it would be like to be in a bobsled and shoot down an icy course at breath taking speeds? What things have you dreamed of doing, but never did? You never risked. You found it safer to not stray from your safe, secure life.
Now, suddenly, the years have gone by so quickly. Age and your own mortality is catching up with you. So many opportunities lost. Or at least, so you are inclined to believe.
"My God," you think. "If only I could do it over again. I would do things so differently."
To have a few regrets is normal for anyone, but to live an entire life of regret is indeed, truly sad.
TODAY IS THE FIRST DAY OF THE REST OF YOUR LIFE:
Every morning when we wake up, we have it within our power to change our lives. To break out of the sameness that our day to day existence has become. Ultimately, our goal should not be to take care of others before all else. Not our wives or children. Not our friends or boss. Not our mothers and fathers. Ultimately, we must first look after our OWN well-being. That is the true road to happiness. Don't think for a moment that if you are unhappy with your life that others don't notice. When you think about it, your family is getting cheated. They are not getting the best of you. The best you can be. By looking after yourself first, everyone who you are important to will benefit from the "new" you. You will be happier, more fulfilled and more fun to be around. You are not doing anyone a real favor by placing the rest of the world first and neglecting your own personal growth. Make your own happiness the priority and everything will start to fall into place.
With all my heart I believe that anyone, at any age can salvage lost dreams if they put their minds to it.
So what if you are now retired and never had to chance to try your hand at art? Your true passion. Well, I'm sure there is an art supply store close by. You have still never taken that trip you dreamed of? Well the pyramids have been there a long time and are still waiting for you. Want to try skydiving? So. Take a course, pack your chute and jump! Excitement, heart pounding risk, and fun are not reserved for the young. All you have to do is set your mind to it and take that first step. It makes no difference if you are 40, 60 or 75. It is what is in your heart that counts.
As for that lost love. Well. It is never to late to find that person and tell them how you feel now, and how you felt so many years ago. It never hurts to tell someone how for years you have wondered about their well being and how their life was going. Or tell them they were always in a corner of your heart. That they never truly ever left your thoughts. I'm sure it would mean so much to them, and to you, to express your true feelings. Regardless of the passage of time.
And who knows. Maybe all this time they felt the same and chance and hesitation is all that kept you apart. Maybe circumstances will finally bring you together. It is never too late.
Especially if you are willing to take a chance and journey on the road less travelled.
