“I’ve always wanted to go to Glacier National Park,” the old man said.
It was two years after my wife and I got married and we had just taken a trip across the country. We drove from our home in Florida to Seattle, camping, biking, kayaking, and exploring our way across America. One of the highlights was visiting Glacier National Park in Montana where we bought matching t-shirts. Shortly after we returned, I walked into a store wearing the t-shirt. I was stopped by the owner of the store who told me one day he hoped to visit Glacier. He said he had always wanted to go there.
He appeared to be a few years past retirement age and I was in my early 30’s. I’ve thought about him a few times over the years as I have traveled somewhere particularly interesting and beautiful. Did he ever make it to Glacier? I’ll never know.
None of us have unlimited days.
I was reminded of this again last week as on the same day, I lost my first cousin Melinda and an early professional speaking mentor, Bob Pike CSP, CPAE, CPTD Fellow. Did they have dreams and desires that went unfulfilled?They were both accomplished people. My mentor had influenced hundreds of thousands of training professionals all over the world. My cousin had impacted young people in various roles she had in teaching and mentoring young women. Both lived full lives and made a difference to many. Both had been given awards for their work. Both loved what they did.
What about you?
Are you living a full life?
Are you making a difference?
Are you passionate about your work?
Maybe you subscribe to the someday plan.
Someday you’ll find time to take that trip you always wanted to take.
Someday you will go back to school to finish your degree.
Someday you will start volunteering or giving back to your community.
Someday you will take art lessons, learn to dance, play the piano, become a gourmet cook, start a garden, write a book, run for office, start your own business, or visit Glacier National Park.
Remember none of us have unlimited days. The best SOMEDAY is TODAY and the best time is right now.
