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Are you among the vast majority of humans who find yourself frequently saying ‘someday’? You have a mental or perhaps even a written list of all the things you want to do and experience, but you relegate them to some unspecified future time? Or maybe you’re a little older, and you’ve now begun a bucket list, most of which remains to be completed. News flash: You are not getting any younger.
In the blink of an eye, all the time that you imagined you have ahead of you is gone, and will be unrecoverably behind you. Whether it’s travel, relationships, adventures, or creative expressions, the time to experience them is now, because the present moment is all that you own. Here’s twelve reasons why you should shake off the habit of relegating all your dreams to ‘someday’.
Life is Unpredictable
The future is uncertain. Waiting for the “perfect” time might mean missing the opportunity altogether. Embrace the present because tomorrow is not guaranteed. Common wisdom says have a plan: This month, next year, five years, ten years . . .But who is to say that you will be here in any given future moment? Plans are important, surely. It’s also important to remember to live, and enjoy the journey.
Health is Wealth
Your health is a precious asset that cannot be taken for granted. The younger and healthier you are, the more you can physically and mentally enjoy new experiences. While unexpected illness or injury is a fact of human life, taking care of one’s health is the easiest way to pay yourself with extended years. And, that they’ll be healthy years, affording you the ability to engage in more of life’s adventures and opportunities.
Personal Growth
Stepping out of your comfort zone and pursuing your dreams now will lead to personal growth. Each new experience teaches you something valuable and shapes who you are. Learn a new language. Take classes on yoga, or painting, or pursue a new degree in a completely different field of study. Dismiss the common notion that focused expertise is the best path. Broad knowledge and experience accumulates a store of mental wealth for which there is no substitute.
Build Relationships
Relationships thrive on shared experiences. Don’t wait to make memories with loved ones. Strengthen bonds by embarking on adventures together now. Remember that it is not the quantity of relationships that you have, it is the quality. Passing acquaintances are . . . ‘nice’ . . . heart connections are priceless.
Reduce Regrets
Avoid the heartache of “what if” and “I wish I had.” Acting on your desires now minimizes future regrets and fills your life with satisfaction and contentment. Do it. Just do it. DO IT! The last smiles you have at the end of life will be the reflections of all your adventures.
Cultivate Happiness
Happiness is not a destination; it’s a journey. Engaging in activities you love boosts your mood and overall well-being. Don’t postpone joy. Do what makes you smile, for smiles are contagious, and magnify and bounce back a thousand times. Happiness is an energy of its own creation, the true secret of healing, satisfaction, and connection.
Inspire Others
Living your life fully can inspire those around you to do the same. Your actions can motivate friends and family to pursue their own passions and dreams. No matter your current age, you have the current moment choice to live a life that is an example . . . or a warning. Be the example. Be the inspiration.
Financial Planning
While some dreams require financial resources, starting now allows you to plan and allocate funds better. Gradual investments in your goals can make them more achievable. Still, remember that dreams and happiness do not depend on wealth. True wealth comes from within, with the contentment that grows as part of the well-cultivated garden called ‘you’.
Embrace Change
Life is constantly changing. What you want today might not be what you want tomorrow. Pursuing your dreams now ensures you enjoy them while they still resonate with you. And tomorrow? Simply allow yourself the freedom to consider every option with which you are presented.
Creative Expression
Whether it’s art, writing, or another creative endeavor, expressing yourself now can lead to unexpected opportunities and self-discovery. Do not listen to those who offer only criticism, limiting beliefs, and the constant insistence that you must color within the lines. Color outside the lines. Better, ERASE THE LINES!
Experience Makes You Richer
Again, wealth isn’t just about money; it’s about experiences. Travel, learning new skills, and meeting diverse people enrich your life in ways material possessions cannot.
Mindfulness and Presence
Focusing on the present cultivates mindfulness. It allows you to savor each moment, enhancing your appreciation of life and grounding you in the now. Connect to the souls of those you love, savor the beauty in nature. Experience yourself as a miraculous little part of our magnificent universe.
Wisdom from The Ages and Sages
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do.” — Mark Twain
“The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience.” — Eleanor Roosevelt
“Life is short, and it is up to you to make it sweet.” — Sarah Louise Delany
“Don’t wait. The time will never be just right.” — Napoleon Hill
“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” — C.S. Lewis
“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you’ve imagined.” — Henry David Thoreau
Stop postponing your dreams for an elusive “someday.” The life you want to live is within your reach today. Embrace it, explore it, and enjoy it. The clock is ticking, and every second is a chance to make the most of the time you have. So, what are you waiting for? Start living your best life now.