Don’t Leave Your Dreams Until Tomorrow

 The idea that time accelerates as we age is accurate. We reach an age when we realize that the probable time we have left is equal to or less than the time we have lived, which brings a stark reality to mortality. We can count how many more holidays we may spend or how many weeks we will see certain friends who live far away. How long will our bodies allow us to continue the activities we love, or when is it appropriate to change our perspective on how we do things? It is also a time to fulfill our dreams.

Often, we picture aging based on the examples we have around us. I was fortunate to have a mother and grandmother full of grace and joie de vivre: life. Rarely did either one speak of aches or pains, which I am sure they had, nor did they blame age on the many changes that slowly became normal. It was simply part and parcel of a new phase of living. Both had a curiosity for people that kept them well-versed and youthful. Their dreams were fulfilled by living a tranquil, abundant, and healthy life.

Spending time with those actively living a vibrant life is crucial to living one yourself. If your circle of close friends or family does not possess those desires, seeking out others who enjoy the same adventures and activities we yearn for is natural. Surrounding yourself with people of all ages keeps our creative forces focused on our dreams. Dreams do not just happen. They take desire, intention, focus, and tenacity.

This year, I will be older than I have ever been and younger than I will ever be again.

I am preparing to compete in a 100-mile endurance race (think of an ultra-marathon on horseback). It is called the Tevis Cup, and it is referred to as the most challenging ride in the world. I have completed it three times before, yet the last time I was on the course was 17 years ago. Retiring from the sport for 12 years, I thought I had had my fill of competition and certainly would not do Tevis again. Yet, we know never to say, and now, a few years after beginning to train again, I am ready to take the starting line.

My nerves are still with me, as they always were, and my stomach is filled with butterflies each time I think about the course. My body is not what it was before, but it is the best it can be today. However, I also know that now is the time: if your horse is ready, don’t put it off until next year. It may result in it never happening.

When we put things off, thinking we will get to them later, we often don’t. We may lose interest, or many other reasons may arise as to why we cannot do it.

Paying off debts may yield an unfulfilled life. That is not to say that we must climb mountains or ride horses in long-distance events, but it suggests that we do what we always wanted to do: plant the garden, travel if we have the travel bug, call our first love, reminisce, get the puppy, or write the novel.

When we leave our dreams unattempted, we cut out a part of ourselves. Will I regret not doing Tevis again if I don’t go again? I never thought I would go, so I have had no regrets. It will be a bonus if I am fortunate enough to reach the starting line without mishap and finish on a sound and fit horse.

Several years ago, I failed to summit Mt Whitney due to altitude sickness. My intention has always been to attempt it again. Regret may creep in if I don’t give it another try, yet if an unforeseen event were to prevent it, I would understand that the mountain was not meant for me to climb, and I would focus on another dream.

We cannot accomplish everything. However, we can give it an excellent shot to explore the possibilities.

Doors open with opportunities, and we often fail to walk through them. We think the chance will reappear, but mostly, it doesn’t. Opportunities are fleeting. We live in a fragile balance of life unfolding before us, and once it unfolds, it will never be the same again.

Seize firmly onto the moments that spark your interest, tug at your heart, and get your blood flowing. Embrace them with your whole heart and soul, and an open attitude. Do not let the regret of waiting on the sidelines burden your spirit. Dare to say yes; why not give it a go?

 Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you’ve imagined. As you simplify your life, the laws of the universe will be simpler.

~ Henry David Thoreau