It’s funny how this stage of life has made me thoughtful and cognizant of time… the years past, the present, and those still ahead. I found some old journals recently and I realized that there are things in life that are really important to me that I haven’t done yet! I have to admit I was a little shocked. Well… when then? So I made a new list of experiences, adventures, dreams, passions, projects, things I would love to learn and immerse myself into heart and soul! It was so much fun to think about… really letting my imagination be free. Some people call this a ‘bucket list’ (as in things to do before they ‘kick the bucket’). I found it to be both light hearted play and a way to focus my attention on what has real meaning for me in my life now… what I would like to create for myself.
When you contemplate your own life… what haven’t you done, experienced, achieved or started that you know you will regret if you never do? What still has to live in your life that has deep meaning for you… that creates a brilliant spark within you of longing and desire… that you are passionate about? It could be as simple as planting a flower garden, or as complex as a trip around the world. The essence of the desire can be fulfilled in some way to give yourself the pleasure of it now… even if in a very small way. For instance… looking at flower catalogs and designing your garden, or viewing travel videos and planning your trip. Deciding to have or do what you desire is the key here. Believing that you can and will!
Another factor is getting in touch with anything that has prevented your dreams from becoming a reality. Most of the time it is because we have forgotten how to dream… we have simply not given our dreams any attention at all. Sometimes there is risk involved… sometimes judgment of creativity or fear of failure. Sometimes there is great responsibility or circumstances that may be in the way… and sometimes we simply have to slow down a bit and tune in to ourselves more.
But life is meant to be enjoyed. A commitment to happiness is vital to have our dreams… as well as awareness, attention and the guts and gumption to claim them! Yes!
So again… what hasn’t lived in your life yet? Have you made a new list? What will you create for yourself next?
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than the ones you did do. So throw off the bow lines, sail away from safe harbor, catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore! Dream! Discover!
….Mark Twain