If Not Now When?
In the past week, we have had several friends who have been afflicted with the most random and debilitating things, everything from falling off a step and breaking an ankle to a nasty cancer diagnosis.
The HOTY (Husband Of The Year) and I have been discussing some big dreams lately – involving things that we have always wanted to do and places we have always wanted to see. These circumstances (and our own!) have led us to ask ourselves a big question: If Not Now, When?
The philosophy that is guiding my post-FBC (f-bomb breast cancer for new readers) life is: Carpe Diem, seize each and every day. This phrase is so NOT a cliché with me. After all, a cancer diagnosis rocked my sense of (im)mortality. Though I worked in hospice and cared for people who were dying, the truth is that I had never been really sick prior to my diagnosis. Even though I was aware of the fact that I was going to die, I just never saw myself in that hospital bed…until I was diagnosed.
What I now know all too well after my professional and now personal experiences is that I don’t know how much time I have. I hope lots, but the thing is, we don’t know. None of us does. Our time is precious, not to be wasted. What I know for sure is that it is not helpful to catastrophize and worry about the future. As a result, I take the action I can now, and I live fully now.
In Randy Pausch’s Last Lecture he shared his words of wisdom about why we need to use our time wisely. He wrote, “Time is all you have. And you may find one day that you have less than you think.” No truer words have been said.
So, my dear readers, I ask you: If Not Now, When?
PS – By the way, have you seen the video or read the book? If not, please do! It will be an incredible gift in your life!
Beautifully written, (sorry I don't know your name love, and inspiring. Thank you for being such an open and, clearly, loving person. I'll be chanting for you every day!
Thank you so much for your kind note, Susan! Best wishes to you!
You are so right. I am such a dreamer and to make the dreams come true is the most lovely thing. I once made a dream collage of pictures and forgot the whole thing – when I found it two years later I was amazed how many my dear small and big dreams had come true. Keep on dreaming – now, not later 🙂
What a wonderful story, Inni! Thank you fro sharing!
One day, during chemo for FBC, my husband and I hatched a plan to visit all 50 states by motorcycle. Three years later we only have a handful of states left – and it's been the most amazing journey. I don't know if we would have done this if we hadn't been 'seizing the day' with all kinds of gusto!
FANTASTIC, Anne! I love it! Thank you so much for sharing. Any favorite parts of the trip.