For most of us, we’ve settled into 2017. Maybe we’re so ‘settled’ that the ubiquitous goals to lose weight or organize our homes have already gone by the wayside.
And that’s ok.
Yes, it’s wonderful to have an organized home. But having an alphabetized spice rack isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.
It’s great to have goals to get the little things done that make our lives better, and if you get them done, kudos to you. But if you get sidetracked along the way, it’s ok.
But you know what isn’t ok? Letting your life drift by you uneventfully. Letting the important things go undone. Taking for granted the finite time we have above ground and pushing our dreams aside for a variety of reasons (or more likely, excuses).
I wouldn’t characterize my life as adventurous, yet many people disagree and tell me they wish they could do what we’re doing with BAM. This puzzles me, because getting an RV doesn’t have to be expensive or difficult. I know BAM wasn’t, and it has a pretty short learning curve when it comes to driving it.
It boils downs to priorities. The trouble is most people don’t realize their priorities are mixed up until it’s too late. We’re all guilty of that.
And that’s sad.
I’m guessing many of you have a bucket list, a list of some crazy and not so crazy things you’d like to do before you take that dirt nap. Now let’s issue a challenge to each other…
STOP THINKING AND START DOING!
Let’s DECIDE we want to live a fun, adventurous life. If we knew the world would end in 12 months, what would we do now? Let’s make the choice and say out loud “I want to live an extraordinary, adventure filled life”.
Like most worthwhile endeavors, it’s easier said than done, but far from impossible. Here’s a few strategies to help you (and me!) turn your dreams into realities:
- Get rid of the ties that bind as much as possible. Is too much debt dragging you down? Maybe you can do without two cars, or perhaps you can downsize. Too drastic for you? How about finding ways to save a little with not much effort? Do you really need that designer bag or $6 coffee every day?
- Write a list of all the things you want to do before you die. Writing them down makes a difference. It’s something tangible and besides, it feels good to cross things off. You can make it a crazy list β no one has to see it but you. Feel free to be a little outrageous. List all the places you want to go, the experiences you want to have, list the things you want to learn how to do. Bungee jump (no thanks!), go on an Alaskan cruise, learn to play chess, everything and anything. Nothing is too insignificant.
- Now here’s where your age comes into play. Approximately how long do you think you’ll live? If you’re 70 and a physically challenging activity is on the list, you may want to make that a priority over learning chess.
- Now, pick something off your list that is remotely feasible to accomplish by the end of this year.
- Just do one thing today that gets you a little bit closer to your goal. Want to buy that RV? Go read up about the different kinds that are out there. Compare used vs. new, motorhome vs. trailer, etc. Want to take a bike tour of Italy? Check out tour companies/Trip Advisor for ideas. The information is out there to get your started. The point is to define what you want/need so you can get to the next step. It’s all about momentum.
- You know those excuses that just popped into your head? Get rid of them. You don’t have any time for a long term vacation this year? Then maybe this is the year to cross ‘learn to knit’ off your list because you can probably do that a little at a time. The point is, thereβs something on that list you can do this year.
Like you, I’m just making things up as I go along on this path called life and I donβt pretend to have all the answers. I only know in the end, life is about the memories we’ve created, and sitting in my recliner, however much I enjoy it, isn’t gonna cut it and the clock is ticking.
These are the exact words my friend said a few years ago when I told her we were thinking of getting an RV and exploring the country…
Now I invite you to dig deep. Remember the dreams you had as a child? Sometimes our dreams evolve according to our circumstances. Maybe you imagined you would be acting on Broadway, but that’s no longer of interest to you. But I bet you would have a blast volunteering for your local community theatre. Maybe you can snag a part in a play one day! Dreams and goals are meant to progress. WE are meant to progress. It’s ok to let old dreams go. It might hurt a bit. Most endings do. But there’s wonderful and beautiful experiences waiting for you. You just need to be open to them.
Maybe you think if your goals aren’t ‘lofty’, they’re not worth pursuing. But they are. And they’re resting and waiting for you. Like flowers beneath a snow covered field, they’re waiting to be uncovered and to discover there’s still space and light and room for them to grow. They only have to surface their pretty faces to find out, and maybe when they do, they’ll be stronger and better than ever.
In fact, I’m betting on it.
In other news…
I wrote this post a couple of months ago, before we hit the road. Now that we’re down in Venice, I’m thinking I need to start practicing what I preach. We initially thought we’d use BAM to travel the country, but the truth is she’s a little too big and a little too old. We should probably get new tires for her, but spending a few thousand to do that may or may not be a good decision.
So we have to think about where we go from here. Do we buy something more suitable for long term travel, or do we put our money into possibly a seasonal home somewhere in Florida or perhaps the Carolina’s? As much as I’d love to see the country, the islands of Greece are calling my name, as are the rocky cliffs of western Italy. So much to see, so much to do, but since an unlimited budget doesn’t exist, some compromises are in order.
In the meantime, we’re down in the sunshine state thoroughly enjoying the gorgeous weather. Pickleball took a back seat this week as I twisted my ankle on Monday pretty badly, but I’m on the mend. This morning we took an 8 mile bike trip through Englewood near the water with 25 other die hards, then had a late morning breakfast. There’s lots to see and do here, and no excuse to ever be bored.
There is no free internet here, so forgive my infrequent visits. I may also not be able to post every week for our entire stay, but I’ll do my best and of course, there’s always IG. π
Amy says
Great post, Doreen, and food for thought! I actually did write a bucket list awhile back…now I just have to look at it, and do something! I like that you said there’s something on your list you can do now. That’s a great way to approach it. Sorry to hear about your ankle – glad you’re mending! Enjoy that sunshine! It’s cold up here!
Rita C at Panoply says
I love that you’re enjoying yourself, Doreen, and merely making adjustments as you find yourself limited (so sorry about the twisted ankle). Life is short, and I’m doing my best to stay active and keep my hubbie the same. Have a great weekend.
Karen says
Your words give us a lot to think about Doreen. I am currently going back into doing something I always wanted to. School is included in that. I don’t want to be at the end of my life and wonder “what if”. Hope your ankle heals quickly. HUGS βΊ
Kim says
I think I must be very boring! I have no wanderlust at all. I am truly content in my little home by the sea. I would like to be able to put my toes in the sand a little more often and just sit and stare at the ocean, but it’s cold right now and I have kids to cart to and fro. I would like to write a book though, not very exciting, but a goal nevertheless…hope that ankle feels better soon! Enjoy that warm weather. π
Emily McGriff says
Certainly seeing words of wisdom and food for thought here! Sorry about your ankle, hope it heals quickly with all you are wanting to do. Your trip sounds delightful. With all the choices you have I have to say all your options are exciting. Good luck making that decision.
Safe travels and write when you can. Hugs……….
sandy says
I so agree with this post. I am ten months away from retirement. Then, my husband and I had planned to travel Florida for a couple of years before deciding where to “put down roots” for the Winter months. We waited too long. He has Stage IV Lung Cancer and very, very ill. Now we have woulda, coulda, shoulda conversations.
Kris @ Junk Chic Cottage says
Great words to live by. I love that your let your free spirit enjoy life and you travel. I think buying a place is wonderful but it does limit you to where you can go each winter. That is a hard decision. With how much you love to travel and see different areas maybe investing in a new traveler would be the answer. Wooo this is a hard one.
You will figure it out and I know do what will be the best for you guys with your adventurous hearts.
Happy Saturday.
Hugs,
Kris
Brenda Pruitt says
I love that you two are so adventurous!
Brenda
Judy says
Doreen, hope your ankle is doing better, and I hope you are enjoying some warm weather. I had missed your post about your motorhome so I went back to it. That is a really nice one. As I have said we have one also and really don’t enjoy it as much as we should. A lot of people would love to be in our position but we are thinking of selling it. Although I love traveling, I am getting to be such a home body and love that we are almost finished “sprucing up” the place. But would we regret not having the motorhome? I think we might so in keeping with the subject of your post we are planning on taking it short runs so that we are not away from home too long and see how that fits in as our ‘adventurous’spirit. Happy Travels..Judy
Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow says
LOL I am thinking what a great post this was but my extraordinary life today? The parts that I most enjoyed? Playing legos with two grandsons and throwing ice cubes across the floor for the young dog down there…we had a blast π
Hope the ankle heals up quickly ! π
Marsha says
Such truth to all of what you said, especially when the “golden years” come around. Of course, physical restraints and limited budgets might put a kink in things, but even the smallest goals and experiences can be so encouraging and inspiring. I hope your ankle is better and you are able to fully enjoy all of your fun and experiences in Florida. Have fun!
Jane says
Your post made me think, Doreen…I love when that happens. Not that I never think, it’s just nice to focus on the future once in a while. It’s okay to have a dream, get it (as in BAM) and then find another dream. I could see you living in Europe, that’s just my impression of you. Keep us posted.
An 8 mile bike ride? There’s no hope for me!!
jane x
Cecilia says
When my mom passed away (15 yrs ago), I realized I needed to start doing some of those things I always dreamed of doing. So I made up a list and started pursuing some dreams. I took horseback riding lessons, art lessons, went to England, New York, Boston and New England in the Fall, Virginia, and we bought our farm! I think it might be time to update my list.
8 miles? That would be so much fun. I love to ride my bike. Enjoy!
Cindy says
Doreen, love this post and very true. Not a downer but John and I put many things on the we have time. With my health the way it is many things aren’t possible. It’s very hard for me to explain but I have not wanted to get scooter to be able to go for a walk with John and the pups. It’s hard to wrap my brain around but I’m doing it. I told him, this spring is the year I go for a walk around the neighborhood with my family, sappy I know. Enjoy your time
Cindy
Cindy says
Just realized I had the wrong email address on the bottom
Mary-the boondocks blog says
Doreen you are such an inspiration. We all need to get off our bottoms and live life to the fullest. After we become empty nesters there is really no reason not to. Of course I don’t see becoming an empty nester for a long time yet but that has not held me back from realizing my dream of starting a blog and embarking on the most extraordinary journey at an age when I thought it was time to wind down. I hope you come to Greece one day, you will not regret it at all and it is getting more and more affordable by the minute. And feel better with your ankle!
AnnMarie says
I don’t really have a bucket list, just living day to day right now. We still have a child home (18) and when he is off on his own, my husband wants to travel. So for me any adventures are still off in the future. Not sure where to go….maybe Puerto Rico? Hubby used to visit there a lot in his single days. Just following my heart and direction from above for now. That doesn’t mean that I am not totally envious of you being in sunny Florida while we have temps in the 20’s!!
Poppy says
Well, my globe travelling girlfriend, you definitely practice what you preach! Glad you are having great fun in Florida; you deserve it!
I know many people who were skeptical about my returning to Crete, especially with regards to Greece’s tragic economic state, and I know that they are concerned for my future and well-being, but I have always followed my heart – when I left for Canada a year and a half ago, and when I returned to Crete now. It beats louder than the confusing signals in my brain, making it easier to hear and ultimately to listen to!
Hope your ankle is healing nicely so that you can get back to your active adventures in the land of oranges and sunshine!
XX
Poppy
Gena says
Hey Doreen! Great post! Hope your ankle is mending quickly for you! Missing you over here in Naples and hope to hear more about your Venice area. I need to work on a bucket list, I suppose…in the meantime, my husband keeps us pretty active! π
Dewena says
Oh dear, Doreen. Here’s where I admit that I am the least adventurous soul ever. If I had lived during the settling of the U.S. West, I’d have told my husband, “Westward ho, young man, I’ll pack your lunch for you and brush your buckskins.” And I’d have waved goodbye to him from our front door in Philadelphia. Or honestly, I’d never left merrie old England.
But more power to you!
Love from your happy homebody friend,
Dewena
kelly says
I’m glad that you’re having a good time in FL. I haven’t been to Englewood beach since I was a young teenager! I remember it being beautiful.
Karen (Back Road Journal) says
Such a good post and one we should all think about. When we moved from New England to Florida, we thought about much that you have written. We downsized and are very happy with our decision. We have time to do what we love without the responsibilities of a 1730 house and orchard to take care of. Enjoy your time here in Florida, the weather has been absolutely perfect. π
Feral Turtle says
Well said Doreen! Hope that ankle heals quickly!
Melanie says
Lots to think about in this post! I’m at a crossroads with myself: there are lots of places I’d like to see, yet I don’t like to travel. I’m more of a homebody. Sorry to hear you twisted your ankle. I hope you’re on the mend!
Benita says
I love this list and thank you for reminding me! I know these things and keep them tucked in the back of my head somewhere, but I get caught up in “all the stuff” and forget to remind myself of what is truly important!! Hope your ankle heals well, stay off it and stop wearing those “hooker” heels when you are playing pickleball! π Greece, Italy…YES…both on my list of places I want to go! Love and hugs to you sweet friend!!
Julie says
Hi Doreen, I love this post and yes it’s nice to try and to things that you have always wanted for to make a list of things you want to accomplish!
It sounds so nice where you are and glad you are enjoying yourself.
I hope you have a wonderful weekend.
Julie