Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things 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
It’s a nice feeling to look back at something that you accomplished well. I can think of times when I have reached out to someone, did a kind (anonymous) deed, or tackled a difficult project. It feels good, not in an arrogant way, but in a way that makes me both proud and humble. But, as Mr. Twain says, there have been missed opportunities as well. Opportunities to set sail, to explore, to discover.
Follow the little birds who migrate or the caterpillar that climbs inside a dark cocoon only to emerge as a butterfly. Follow a dream. Maybe it’s a class that you’d like to take, dance, photography, creative writing… Perhaps it’s a trip to a place you’ve dreamed of visiting, Tuscany or Paris…. Or, it may be a change in yourself, probably the most difficult to accomplish…..
Today, as we continue our Lenten journey, think about giving yourself a ‘lenten gift’. Don’t miss an opportunity…..set a course and sail…..
Reflections on the Journey 
Always good advice. Sometimes it’s just taking that first step that’s hard, to really understand what we want to do, and know how to do it. Once we do, and begin living that dream, we find it’s a way of really knowing our selves.
I’ve always felt the most important thing is being “safe” and avoiding risks. But now I’m realizing that life is to be lived and enjoyed and explored, like this post says.
I like the quote by Twain. And for me? The change in myself is my journey right now. Ya know, after my recent head trauma and seeing how close I was to a much different outcome, I am embracing who I am in Christ. I am still me, a somewhat wild child trying to fit into Christian confines without losing the person God made me to be. It’s exciting–isn’t it, when we look at things with hopeful expectation?!
Blessings.
(thanks for stopping by my new place and for your kind words)
do something every day that scares you – someone said. It’s amazing how quite small things can scare you, especially if, like Jade and me, you remember when it was all about being ‘nice’.
I think I prefer how I am now – but it does get very scary.
Just the words “missed opportunity” are sad. But with each new day we have new opportunities to serve Him and others – and to enrich our own lives.
Andie…..I love it, a lenten gift! To look back and say, “I did it!” What a wonderful feeling and you never regret that….better yet, God and I did it together! Thank you for this. Lori