TWENTY YEARS FROM NOW YOU WILL BE MORE
DISAPPOINTED BY THE THINGS THAT YOU DIDN'T DO
THAN BY THE ONES THAT YOU DID DO.
SO THROW OFF THE BOWLINES.
SAIL AWAY FROM THE SAFE HARBOR.
CATCH THE TRADE WINDS IN YOUR SAILS.
EXPLORE. DREAM. DISCOVER.
(Mark Twain)
Many years ago, my husband and I were returning from our first trip to Italy. We were standing on one of the airport lines when I spotted a woman farther ahead who looked vaguely familiar. I am almost certain it was author Frances Mayes. Why am I only "almost certain"? Because I did not approach her. I did not talk to her. I did not tell her how much I loved her book. Nothing. Why? Because I was - and still kinda am - a big chicken weenie.
As you can tell, the moment still haunts me. However, I absolutely learned from it. It was the memory of that day and the sour taste of regret, that later enabled me to suck it up and approach Stephen King in the bookstore. To this day, that is one of my favorite moments ever. I do sometimes wonder though if I would've gone up to him and gushed like a fangirl anyway or would I have skulked off, too afraid to approach one of my writing idols? (If you'd like to read more about that moment, check out The King of All Days Part I and Part II.)
So, to celebrate an upcoming big birthday I am trying something in the vein of saying "yes" rather than "no." (For anyone who guessed 30th birthday, I'd like to give you some chocolate. But, alas, no. It's my 40th.) My goal is to do at least 40 different things this year - different for me, anyway. It can be anything from trying a new restaurant or a new dish, going kayaking, trying a trapeze, taking a class in something new. It will also be about not doing something that's not so good for me. A "no" to one thing is a "yes" to something else. I'll do an occasional post recapping some of my "adventures."
What do you all think? Any suggestions? Has anyone tried something similar?
Excellent advice. And I love your idea of doing 40 new things. I look forward to reading about them.
ReplyDeleteHaven't tried it but it's a great idea. I'm guessing more travel is going to play a significant part? Go and see some wonder of the world you've never visited before?
ReplyDeleteLaurita - thanks! I just hope the things I do will be interesting enough to other people for me to write about. :)
ReplyDeleteSimon - not sure about the travel since I really don't like to fly but a few road trips might be a possibility. :)
Twain's quote is so very true.
ReplyDeleteGo someplace you've always wanted to go but just never got around to it.
What an excellent post. We all have those moments that we regret. Forty new things for the year of your 40th birthday is ambitious and amazing!
ReplyDeleteWish you all the best.
Alex - isn't it, though? Definitely something to keep in mind as we live our lives.
ReplyDeleteIsis - thank you! For someone who tends to like routine, this idea feels a bit overwhelming but it's definitely doable. :)
Love it!
ReplyDeleteElizabeth - I'm glad you enjoyed it! :)
ReplyDeleteStephen King seems very approachable to me. So does Neil Gaiman. I wouldn't hesitate to talk with either of them.
ReplyDeleteMichael - SK really was. And while he probably forgot about it a few minutes later, I didn't - and I haven't. :)
ReplyDeleteThat is an excellent birthday goal.
ReplyDeleteStephen King lives not far from me and I occasionally have run into him at the grocery store. I've never had the guts to say anything other than "excuse me" but oh, how I'd love to gush.
MJ - we'll see how it goes. :)
ReplyDeleteAnd use your judgement re saying something to SK. A quick hello, saying you're a big fan, probably wouldn't be a problem. If he had looked like he was in a hurry or in the middle of something when I saw him, I probably wouldn't have gone up to him. I think. :)
Write 40 short stories! =] I think you'll find all mannner of cool things to say YES to, Madeline -- just be sure to keep us in the loop as you embark on this new journey. Might make for a cool book someday...
ReplyDeleteWow, what a great story! I would have been a total chicken to go up to King!
ReplyDeleteAnd, a great idea for your 40th birthday. Good luck with it! I'm looking forward to reading about your adventures.
Love the quote as always. :)
Milo - oh, now that's a good idea! :) I'll keep you all in the loop, no worries.
ReplyDeleteJulie - thank you! And you're braver than you think you are. :)
Sounds like a great idea to me and it would definitely be cool fodder for your blog. I'll be around for the first one if I can get a time squeezed out of you. lol
ReplyDeleteJust think, when you're 75 you'll have to try 75 new things. Coolness.
Jeremy - I love the idea of 75 new things when I'm 75! :)
ReplyDeleteAs for the timing of the first new thing, well, I'm keeping it open and kinda loose on purpose - otherwise I feel too much pressure. :)