Several months ago, Mary and I were in Santiago Chili, where we met an intriguing middle-aged woman at dinner. She had just hiked through the Atacama Desert (a barren, desert plateau located off the Pacific coast of South America). She had a local guide for much of the excursion, but at times she was alone.
We were intrigued by her courage and zest for life. She has climbed mountains in Nepal, trekked through the Amazon Rain Forest, and crossed the Sahara. Every year, she uses her vacation time to explore exotic areas of the world.
When asked why she so aggressively pursues remarkable and difficult goals, she replied “Someday, I won’t be able to do things like this. But today is not that day.”
What a great thought. What a great attitude that prompts us to live an aggressive, fulfilling, and engaged life. This phrase is now etched in my mind and motivates me to carry on and keep my hand on the plow.
We’ve all heard cliches like “you only live once” or “your life is not a dress rehearsal so live it to the fullest.” They may be tired, overused phrases, but they’re true and should motivate us to live life to its fullest.
Every day we’re getting older and one day we will die. So squeeze everything you can from each day. Identify those things you’ve always longed to do and do them.
This couple waited too long 🙂
Absolutely agree! Virg and I did most of our traveling when we were in our forties. We are now in our 80s and each day we thank God for allowing us do those things at a time in our lives when we were younger.
Ed, thanks for responding you and Virg are great role models of keeping going. Don
Love this and so true!
Thanks, Charlene, for taking the time to write. Don
This is so very true. For those seniors among us this does not just apply to vacations. How many Christmas cards from old friends say things like “We must get together.” ……….but then another year passes and no meeting occurs. Next thing you know, you are being invited to your friend’s funeral. If you can still travel, call that friend and arrange a dinner. We have never had such good communication channels and yet we fail to use them. Seize the day!
Angela,
You personify the message of this post. You stay busy and engaged. Thanks for responding.
Don