myHK: What a Tricky Scenario!
I don’t know if I’m going through a mid life crisis, or if I’m finally waking up. But I’ve got this reoccurring thought running through my head these days.
“You only live once!”
What a depressing thought to have everyday! And it may or may not even be a true statement!
However, one thing is for certain, I am aging and this enlightenment or realization or whatever you want to call it, has given me a kick in the butt, because it’s pushing me towards setting new goals and ambitions rather than falling into complacency and routine.
At the same time, this lack of satisfaction in what I’m doing now, has basically destroyed my new year’s resolution, which you can read ‘here‘.
It’s not easy looking at yourself from an outside perspective and asking, “If you only had one life to live, is this how you’d like to live it?”
But what’s even more difficult is doing something about it.
I don’t want to fall into a controlled path towards retirement. As a teacher I preach improvement and that’s exactly what I need to do.
A lot of people like to say they have no regrets.
I’m not sure how that’s possible. Perhaps they’re just extremely stubborn.
I have regrets. I have tons of them! Saying that I don’t have regrets is like saying that I’ve done everything perfectly.
I’ve made some massive mistakes in my life!
However, my hand is what it is, and I now have to make the most of it.
I can pull the wool over my eyes by limiting my expectations of what I can accomplish in this world, or I can expand my ambitions.
And the things that I want to accomplish are miles away from my reality. But it seems like it’s now or never to start taking the steps towards getting there.
At the same time, if I spend my days obsessing over what I haven’t accomplished, or the future, I’ll never truly enjoy the moment that I’m in.
Oh, what a tricky scenario…
Thanks for listening to my ramblings.
Am I alone in this struggle?
I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
Cheers,
MrJ
The Guest Room 
You are most definitely not alone. I too, have become preoccupied with these thoughts. Perhaps, being ambitious is essential for some to get though the mundane every day. Maybe enjoying the journey, is as important as enjoying the goal.
Thanks Shauna,
Glad to know I’m not alone! š
Ambition is definitely a good thing, but not as important as the present moment.
Thanks for reading and commenting!
Mr.J
Hey Mr J,
Surely you can live in the moment whilst having the #yolo mentality! I don’t think they necessarily conflict one and other. I am all about adrenaline rush and I do adventurous things to make me feel alive. I am living the moment. I do create and look for opportunities to enjoy the ‘You Only Live Once’ mindset, but that doesn’t mean I am not letting things be. Life is what we make it. Enjoy it however way you want. There shouldn’t be limitation to how you live. To me, new year resolution is a silly concept. If one’s going to quit taking drugs, then they would stop taking drugs. You don’t need to wait for the start of the year to do it. Goal setting is good, but I don’t think you should be limited to the wish you made at the beginning of the year!
Well…however, I don’t suggest killing someone just because you only live once. I have many Dexter scenarios in my head all the times but I don’t want to get locked up š
Cheers,
Cali
Hey Cali,
Im a believer in the New Year’s Resolution!! Whether it works for a year, month or even as little as a day, it’s a positive. it’s the process of setting a goal. At least it shows that we want to improve.
I get your point that it shouldn’t have to happen on New Year’s Day, and that if you want to change, “Go ahead and change already!” But, sometimes it takes a day like that to spur on change. Similarly to how a massive hangover can make you stop drinking for a month. š
A wise woman i follow on twitter told me, “If you feel scared and excited, chances are you’re doing the right thing!”
I think that’s pretty good advice for me. The last thing i want to do is coast.
Thanks as always for reading and commenting!
cheers
Mr.J
LOL.. one time I was doing something that made me feel scared and excited at the same time, it was the 2nd biggest mistake of my life. I will regret my action for a long time but at least I won’t commit to that behaviour again.
What do you regret not doing?
I regret not getting a motorbike license, not studying harder and not being better cook.
But, having not passed 42, if I wish to, I have a lot time to rectify these missed opportunities.
Hey Neil,
It’s not that I have regrets for what I haven’t done. I’ve done a lot in my days!
I do regret some bonehead moves, mainly surrounding my university days….:)
but, im alive, amazingly, and my main goal is now focussing on change and growth.
i have had the experience in seeing your cooking… Good luck with that!
(You’ll need it!)
Looking at the three things you mentioned above, is that enough for you to be happy and content in your life? Or are there bigger things in your sights?
Mr.J
Ha Cali!
I find myself guessing at your mistake…
but, at least youre not one of those, “I HAVE NO REGRETS!” people… š
cheers
MrJ