Thank you, Nike, for putting it so plainly.
Back in October, at the French consulate in LA (more like a corner office, NOT the glorious embassy I imagined), I met a retired couple who was going to move to France this spring. When I asked them what brought them to this decision, the woman said, "Because we didn't travel when we were young like you." I expressed that it was "better late than never," which is definitely a life truth.
But what that lady said reminded me yet again how fast the time goes and we must fill it when we have it - not when we hope we will.
I understand some people just aren't wired for change and jumping into the unknown, but I think I know more people who are wired for it, but hang back from the action because of fear, apathy, or the "I'll do it later" mentality.
Fear, apathy, and procrastination can ruin our lives, and they are only as powerful as WE let them become. But these things don't just ruin our lives - they steal it away from us.
Adventures in San Francisco |
It's all about finding your "spark." I have started using this term ever since I read a blog last week about the movie Dolphin Tale. I may never see this movie, but I really liked what Jared (the blog author) had to say about what he learned from it. Read Parenting, Dolphins, Sparks and that's pretty much it to see for yourself.
I am resolutely anti-apathy, which may explain why I never had problems finding sparks in my life. I have my energetic Mom and committed Dad to thank for this. I find life completely fascinating, and I am interested in so much of it! But my main sparks are Jesus Christ, laughing, playing sports, writing, action photography, dessert, and traveling.
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Victorious view of the castle in Salzburg |
However, I do understand that travel is not the spark for everyone. For some, like my whimsical sister, Lindsay, the spark of adventure is found in creating lovely things: songs, music, art on walls, food, cards, gifts. For others, like my beautiful friends, Jenn and Kevin, the dream is in their home life: parenting, raising a tall family, planting roots and watching them grow. And there are still those whose spark is found in fostering change, helping people, conquering the great outdoors, and thousands of other things.
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Scaring the locals in Oostende |
Stay fascinated, people! There's great stuff all around us!
Questions for the Comment Land below!
What's your spark?
What might be holding you back from it?
How can you share your spark in a positive way with the world?
Those were lovely thoughts! I'm touched :)
ReplyDeleteI love how you mention a spark of yours is "action photography" and I'd be tickled pink to hear your definition of that. I know it's pretty much summed up in the "Chugwater" picture I will always find hilarious! :)
Jesus Christ. Teaching. My kids. Those are the top three, all equal on the depth chart it seems like to me. (That rhymed.) I have lately LOVED getting back into shape. It seems like things are going great with you! It would be great to see you again sometime, and to finally meet your husband!
ReplyDeleteSee this is why were friends.
ReplyDeleteI'm so excited to let my spark for life light a new, albeit, temporary path, until I find the next nook or cranny to explore.
My spark for teaching and coaching has been fanned to flame lately in the form of the club volleyball teams I'm coaching- Yes, TWO of them! Nothing holds me back from this. All that restrains me in any other area is financial backing.
You saw that I'm working on an Australian adventure now also, along with the Spanish excursion?
23 days and counting.