Recently, I asked myself the following question: “When was the last time you did something for the first time?” It actually took me only a few moments, thanks to the upheaval of routine in 2020, to come up with several new things. That had me grinning from ear to ear.
Being in a rut, locked into the same old routine, and passing on new experiences can rob one of the joy and delight to be found in each day. Yes, we are busy—we have obligations, responsibilities, duties and schedules, but we also need to stay in touch with the power of freedom of choice.
When I first began my weight-loss journey as a young girl, there were many people who filled my head with all the things I could NOT enjoy. I was told by well-intended adults that certain foods were off-limits, certain clothing was not advised, certain activities were not appropriate … all because of my size. Had I listened to them, my life would have become more constricted with each passing year.
Fortunately, there were other key players whose judgment I valued and respected who overrode the naysayers with their encouragement. I am so grateful I listened to them and learned from their examples. Do not put living your best life on hold until… Focus on living your best life every day in all ways.
My challenge for you is to decide to:
• Embrace adventure.
• Try something new.
• Fail and learn from it.
• Do something different.
• Expand your horizons.
• Make your journey joyful.
I am eager for you to share your excitement with me.
Our time is like water in a sieve. No matter how hard we try, the droplets will eventually be gone. Let’s touch all we can and nourish the lives we touch so that they will blossom and, in turn, nourish others. Live life fully until every drop is used.
Paraphrasing Tim McGraw in “Live Like You Were Dying”: Love deeply, speak kindly, treat tomorrow as an unopened gift, and appreciate today as the present it is.
I Care, Barb
By Janice Doppler March 31, 2021
I’m going to join a group virtually walking the 320 mile Tokaido Trail in Japan. Along the way will be stations to learn about Japanese culture (current and past). Group will use “My Virtual Mission” app (something TOPS might want to use). I’ll need to average 3 miles daily in June – August. I have April and May to build to be able to do that.
By Anne MacPherson March 31, 2021
Thank-you Barb
By Sandy Exelby March 30, 2021
I treated my grands to a delayed graduation dinner. This meant 2 flights and months of planning, a joy to behold.
By Heather McLean March 30, 2021
Love your Blogs Barb, Keep them coming ……
By Tamson Darland March 30, 2021
Thank you Barb.
By Eilleen March 29, 2021
This was particularly appropriate for me as I am about to try something I’ve longed to do my whole life and never had an opportunity. That being, learn to horseback ride!
I feel it’s never too late to try something new! I’m almost 70 years old and I feel like a kid again
By Gina March 29, 2021
Great message. Each day is a gift (the present). Untie the ribbon even if it has a knot in it. Life is short. Live it to its fullest. Your day proceeds the same way your mouth is turned. Enjoy.
By Barb Maas March 29, 2021
Accurate, insightful perspective. Water droplet analogy speaks volumes. Aging could easily fit here as well. Another excellent blog to print & keep with my notes for frequent reminder. In May, I’m packing my car & driving down to the Nashville area for a 3 week stay at a lovely marina for a new perspective & expand my horizons after this past year of confinement despite comments about a ‘senior’ driving such a distance. I’m in good health & I want the fresh air coming in my car, music playing, & a relaxing drive. (1 overnite stop) Sometimes we DO need to put aside welt meant categorizing by others. Thanks for the reminder. 🙂
By Sarah Rosser March 30, 2021
Best advice I have read all year. Thank you for caring, and sharing. Sarah
By Patty Taylor March 30, 2021
You go, from Alaska!!!
By Carol Ann McTigue March 29, 2021
Excellent advice and a wonderful reminder to step out of the ‘ol comfort zone and try new things. I think a trip to Michael’s is in order to find a fun project and enjoy the process no matter what the result.
By Michelle March 29, 2021
I just love this article! It really made me stop and evaluate my recent choices. I’m definitely in a rut! My hubby and I are branching out and trying new things, and we are making healthier choices. We are doing our first 5k, and we are saving for a canoe. We are 50 years old, and we are both disabled physically. We don’t let that stop us from trying to be as active and healthy as we possibly can be even if we have to pay for it with pain.