Saturday, December 11, 2010

Don't Forget Your Passions


As you look back on your life, what things do you remember? Other than the usual biggies like your wedding and perhaps your births of your children and stuff like that, what are some of the highlights of your life?

Years ago Bill and I drove to Chicago to see THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA and we enjoyed it so much and I have never forgotten it. In fact, I can't stand to listen to a rendition of some of its most famous songs because then it lodges in my head for two weeks constantly playing over and over. And then we saw CATS and LES MISERABLES and they stand out in my memory too.



Bill took his mother to see OKLAHOMA once before we met and she never forgot that and would mention it with such fondness and I am sure it was one of the highlights of her life. We took Jewel to THE NUTCRACKER SUITE in Minneapolis once and Jon and Julie to hear the Golden Strings at the Radisson when they were too small to get in the lounge. But the orchestra director saw how they loved it so much and there was hardly anyone there so they let them in the foyer and left the doors open. They play the CD to this day.

Bill was always one to pass by special attractions as we traveled saying we would catch it later. Most times later never came. But once or twice we did catch something like the Field of Dreams in Iowa and also a genuine horse farm in Lexington, plus Churchill Downs. We also did go to the Washington D. C. area and there we did hit all the points of interest. I remember particularly seeing the capsule John Glenn rode into space and the Hope Diamond. At that time, you could still tour a goodly portion of the WHITE HOUSE . It is fun to see a TV reporter standing outside and think "I have been there" as I can at 10 Downing Street in London also.

You may all be wondering where this is going and my point is to stop and do the sometimes too expensive things. Though the cost at the time seems high, the value to the quality of your lives more than makes up for that. I feel my life has been so much richer because of these memories.
Perhaps the things that enrich your lives are entirely different. A camping trip, a ballgame, a ballet, a trip to someplace you always wanted to go, a concert --whatever.

But some time in your life while you still can, be extravagant, be impulsive, do something you really have a passion for and you will not have any regrets--nothing but joy that you did it. Don't wait for retirement or when you get too old to really enjoy the walking and sightseeing you want to do. Do it now while you are young. You will never rue the day.

14 comments:

Jenna @ Falling Letters said...

I certainly agree with this! Just a few months ago I went to go see Dracula the ballet with my aunt even though I was a bit strapped for cash (hooray for student discounts!) but it's definitely one of those performances I'm very glad I experienced.

Barb said...

Bernie, Very good advise which I regularly follow! Happy Birthday to you! Enjoy the Holidays.

yaya said...

The memories we've had with our kiddos on many cross country road trips are priceless. I've never regretted a day spent seeing something I've never seen before, learning something I didn't know, loving the people I've met and family that shared it with us. Life is short...cliche? Yes. True? Even a bigger YES. Thanks for the reminder Bernie!

Bernie said...

Wiser words have never been spoken my friend, memories are warm, loving and wonderful to look back on when we are alone. Hope you are well Bernie, think of you often.
....:-) Hugs

Wanda..... said...

You are so wise, Bernie. Memories of times with our loved ones are what's precious, so why not make some of them grand.
Enjoy the Holidays, Bernie!

Masia Mum said...

I had inherited from my parents a very cautious approach to overspending and "saving up" for special trips, purchases etc etc. But when a very close friend died tragically young at 52 I decided to take a more "live for the day" attitude. So we brought forward the dreamt of trips such as our visit to India, renovating our beloved Masia in Spain amongst many smaller special treats. Don't wait for retirement, who knows what could happen before you reach that time. Life should have as few as possible regrets.

The Book Nut said...

I agree wholeheartedly! We have taken two real vacations with our kids who are 9 and 11 now. On each, I planned extra driving time everywhere so we could stop impulsively wherever we wanted. We really couldn't afford to go but I knew the kids would love it! They were 4 and 6 on the first one and 7 and 9 on the second trip but they still talk about both of them. They were wonderful times.

My wife and I have decided that in spite of needing to pay off debt, we are going to use our entire tax refund next year to go on another trip before the kids are too old to enjoy hanging out with mom and dad!

Life is to short to miss the time with each other!

positive affirmation said...

There is no blame
I release the need to blame anyone, including myself. We all doing the best that we can with the understanding, knowledge and awareness we have.

June said...

One of the warmest moments of my life: My mother and I had taken a day trip to a botanical garden and afterward we drove around the area just looking. She wondered what was down a particular lane and I said, "Let's see," and turned in.
"That's what I like about you," she said. "You're willing to go see!"
There was nothing in particular down that lane, but it made Mom happy to just go see.

Donna said...

Memories with loved ones are moments that are gone all too fast...thanks for the reminder to savor every moment!!

Deb Shucka said...

Wonderful advice from a very wise woman. I hope you're still giving yourself the gift of everyday adventures and fun.

Frank said...

Truly great advice Bernice!

Anita said...

Such a good message to spread!
I couldn't agree with you more.
Over the years, I've had to resist the, "Oh, we'll do it later," because as you said, later never comes.
Planning and preparing is work, but I appreciate every place and event that I've been to. It's all been worth it.

commoncents said...

I'm glad I found your blog! Keep up the great work!

Steve
Common Cents
http://www.commoncts.blogspot.com

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