
Are You Dying Without Having Lived?
Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sail. Explore. Dream. Discover. ~ H. Jackson Brown Jr.
There is something to be said for taking risks and living life on the edge. Now, don’t get me wrong, I do value the consistencies of life as well. I just believe that life can be rewarding when you do some of the things that you want. The joy that comes with knowing you are willing to bet on yourself and do things your way is unexplainable. I have found that win or lose I am worth the bet and more than likely – I win.
The satisfaction of looking back over your life and seeing that when others would have been fearful, you displayed courage is fulfilling. What you learn about yourself and what you discover along the way about who you are and what you can achieve when you are willing to take risks is paramount to what you receive with a life full of regrets.
Years ago, I wanted to relocate to a different city and delve into another profession. So, many people had something to say about my decision to relocate to a city as a single woman with no family, friends, or support system. The decision to relocate was one of the best decisions I ever made. I have found out how to be self-reliant, resilient, brave, embrace change, and how to live by both instinct and faith. This challenge was out of my comfort zone. It was different for me, scary and exciting at the same time. I have been able to meet different people, explore other passions, and awaken other dreams and desires that I didn’t know that I had. I have discovered things about myself that I didn’t know were there and embraced other opportunities because I chose not to play it safe. I feel alive and determined to not die without having lived. When I look back over my life, I want to know beyond a doubt that I lived. I didn’t always play it safe. My greatest fear is dying without having lived.
Question: What are you waiting for? What is the dream that is in the bottom of your heart? If death knocked on your door tomorrow, what do you wish you would have done?
