Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Betting On Later?

Taken at St. Thomas, USVI*

Time flies by and things have been a blur, but not much going on lately.  We're reluctantly in with the herd, going to work and doing the same thing day in and day out.  It reminds me of something I saw at "The Blue Man Group" show (excellent by the way).  During part of the show, there was this huge screen that showed a cartoon of people walking in a robotic state and funneling into a chute ... like a bunch of cattle.  They punched in at work and went through the day, just like the rest of the herd.  They didn't speak or show emotion, so they weren't questioning their life.  They just did what was expected.

I watched that cartoon years before thoughts of cruising, but I remember the impact it made on me.  It really put things into perspective, and I knew I didn't wanna be part of that herd my entire life.  I want to be that raging bull, busting through the cattle gate and running through the pasture!

When I look at the quote above, I think it explains why Ken and I get so impatient about cruising.  Our dream is taking longer than we anticipated, and there are too many reminders that life is short.  We understand that every day is a gift, and we know that we can't take them for granted.

When Ken and I were building our dream house in 1996, I remember dreaming of the day I woke up in our new home.  I also remember hoping that I'd live long enough to see that day.  I'm not paranoid or a hypochondriac ... I just know that I'm human like everyone else, and shit happens.  Needless to say, I lived to wake up in our dream home ... for many years.  I felt very lucky and grateful.

This quote also reminds me of those that are lucky enough to live a long life, but always think they have time to "do it later".  The months turn into years, which turn into decades.  The plans are never put into place, and then before they know it ... they're 80 years old with no possibility of living their dream.  Several of our relatives are a perfect example.  Three of the four people are in their seventies/eighties with no savings and lots of debt.  The fourth is healthy and financially comfortable, but the spouse has been in poor health for several years ... they're not able to do much of anything because of this.  "Later" didn't work out too well for these folks.
  
 I can't wait till Nirvana is our home, and I wake up in her bed.  Until I do, I feel like I'm rolling the dice ... and I don't play craps!  The best way to win this bet and see our next dream come true is to take action now, not later.  It's taking longer than we hoped, but everyday we remain focused and continue to make steps towards winning the bet and living the life we want ... are you?

Hasta luego ... until then.  Mid-Life Cruising!

*BTW, as I reviewed this post I noticed my spelling error in the picture above.  Oh well, I'm not gonna sweat the small stuff!

10 comments:

Emily said...

An excellent and thought-provoking post, Cheryl. You're so right that we never know what the future will bring, or how long we'll be around to enjoy the dreams we have for it. I just know your house will sell this winter or spring, though, and you and Ken will be on your way to living the life you've hoped for for so long. Hang in there!

Gladys Strickland said...

Like you, while I am grateful for what I have and where I am, I sometimes get frustrated that I can't go cruising TODAY. I am still working on the patience thing.

And...you ARE taking active steps toward the dream. You are not like most people who talk and never do much about it. It may not seem like it right now, but the Universe rewards consistent action. Keep moving forward!

Jan and David said...

Hi Cheryl -- I look back now on "when time seemed to stand still" ... the boat was waiting and we were still working... But it all worked out for us & it will for you. Before long you'll be like me, looking back and wishing for all the firsts all over again! Cheers -- Jan

Anonymous said...

Cheryl,
I have been following your journey for a little while now, best of luck to you both! We are working on our dream as well, and even though it seems like it's taking forever to sell, I am really trying to enjoy our days in this home. It look us a long time to get it the way we like it, we will miss it when it is sold. Appreciate each day and don't forget to smell the suburban flowers ;)
Mcgker

Erica said...

We are just gearing up the planning stages of our second cruise... Do it while you can!

Sandee said...

Hubby and I are living our dreams. I know you and Ken will too. Just go for it.

Have a great day. ☺

Jessica said...

I know it feels like forever, but trust me, that day WILL come! And when it does, the days start flying by and you'll wonder where they went. But don't worry, you will get there!!

Mark and CIndy - s/v Cream Puff said...

Amen! Well said.

Every day that passes until we set sail we feel the same way. There is a nagging feeling something bad is going to happen that will ruin a plan 20 years in the making.

It is so easy for people to say “do it now” or “do it while you can” or “just go”. Being a responsible can have drawbacks. Beside the fear of something terrible happening and not being able to go cruising, we had a secondary bigger fear of running out of money and living the last years of our lives in destitute poverty. Our secondary fear won out over the first.
Hope you find the path to where it is you want to go.

Mark and Cindy
s/v Cream Puff
www.creampuff.us

Dan said...

Nice post. I always looked at people who were out there doing what they enjoy doing instead of following the rat race. Money isn't everything. We could be gone in an instant.

Another reminder came earlier this week.

A guy from work, who is very smart and great at what he does got into a serious accident. Waiting at a traffic light, it turns green. He was first to go and as he pulled forward to make his turn, a semi truck ran a red light and t-boned him. The car was totaled and if it wasn't for side airbags, he wouldn't be with us now. He only got banged up and some minor scratches.

We don't know when our final moment will be or how it will happen. Do what you can before it's too late. Get rid of the stress and worries and go follow your happiness.

Good luck to you.

Sid Clark said...

Great post Cheryl!!

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