Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that 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 sails. Explore. Dream. Discover. - Mark Twain, American writer
Although I've never really read any of Mark Twain's books, I LOVE his quotes. He was such a brilliant man. Ahead of his time, really.
He is so right here. When my grandparents were alive, I often heard them say things like:
"I only wish I had....."
"I should have....."
"If I could only take back...."
and so on.
Even my parents talk that way today. They regret selling this house and moving to another place. They regret stopping one job and starting another. They are sorry that they did this with their money instead of that.
There is a song I absolutely love by a now retired Christian Band named Petra. The song is called WOULDA, SHOULDA, COULDA. It goes like this:
Woulda, Shoulda, Coulda Lyrics
Performed by- Petra
Album- Jekyll
Life is filled with many chances
Some you took, and you some you blew
Your path in life can turn ever so quickly
On everything you say
And change with everything you do
I know that was then
There's nothing I can do about what might have been
(Chorus)
Would'a, should'a, could'a done this and that
Don't wanna live life with another regret
Would'a, should'a, could'a made another choice
I can see more the older I get
Would'a, should'a, could'a said something more
But it's too late - there's a knock at the door
Would'a, should'a, could'a won't change a thing
The here and now is waiting
Would'a, should'a, could'a right now
We dig our pit, we make our bed
That's where we fall and where we lay
But we still have a shot to make things better
'Cause it ain't over yet
And we can get it right today
We can make the right choice
You know it's easy when you hear God's voice
(Chorus)
I want to live my life not only thinking of the past
The future tells me that my life has not been cast
I want to say I will, I did instead of could or should
Gonna believe in the promise It's all good
(Chorus)
I think that says pretty clearly what Mark Twain was saying. Forget about the past, move on with the present and never mind the future. Don't be afraid to take risks and move away from safe shores. If you don't do what you dream of now, when you are older, you will be less able to fill that dream. If you have a dream or dreams, start working on them by planning out the goals that will get you there.
Many people are working for and toward their dreams. For some it is weight loss, for others it is to have the money to retire comfortably, and others may still be in school heading toward their dream career. But whatever the reason, you are where you are because you have a dream!
But are you Working At Your Dream? Are you really putting your best foot forward? Are you leaving the safe shores and trying out things that will help you achieve your dream? If we don't get our foot wet, the water will never break. In other words, if you never put your thoughts and dreams into action, you will never see your dream come to life. If you don't lift your foot and move your leg, you will never walk.
And if you make a mistake along the way of fulfilling your dreams, which you will because you and I are both human, you are more likely to forget the mistake and remember what you didn't try. Don't keep your rope tied tightly to a post on the shore on the dock. Let the rope loose and step into the water to get the boat moving. Only by pushing ahead and DOING will you actually start on the road to achieving your dream(s).
Your boat is waiting for you. What is your next move?
Sheri Adams lives in Peterborough, Ontario Canada and enjoys doing a wide variety of crafts and hobbies along with her one cat. She uses her "Lived Experience" and love for writing as her inspiration. She enjoys crocheting, painting, scrap-booking, and beading just to name a few of the hobbies along with writing. Please note that this work is not a replacement or meant as counseling and Sheri recommends finding a doctor or therapist if you are having issues that you cannot deal with alone.