Trust 30: Entry Fifteen

One Thing by Colin Wright
Do your work, and I shall know you. Do your work, and you shall reinforce yourself. – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Take a moment, step back from your concerns, and focus on one thing: You have one life to achieve everything you’ve ever wanted. Sounds simple, but when you really focus on it, let it seep into your consciousness, you realize you only have about 100 years to get every single thing you’ve ever wanted to do. No second chances. This is your only shot. Suddenly, this means you should have started yesterday. No more waiting for permission or resources to start. Today is the day you make the rest of your life happen. Write down one thing you’ve always wanted to do and how you will achieve that goal. Don’t be afraid to be very specific in how you’ll achieve it: once you start achieving, your goals will get bigger and your capability to meet them will grow.
(Author: Colin Wright)

It is strange, but at my age, a lot of the things I wanted to achieve I did and the things I did not don’t really matter all that much. Some of the the unconquered goals are still possible, but I am not sure I have the desire to burn the energy needed to make them happen. I am not necessarily tired, just content. I tend to derive a lot more pleasure from spending time with my wife and having adult conversations with my kids than holing up in a room trying to get 1000 words written before I sleep. I love sitting on the back porch with friends, maybe smoking a cigar and enjoying a drink, but mainly laughing and leisurely swapping wisdom. And I have discovered a healthy version of living vicariously through my kids, anticipating the great things they will accomplish and  thoroughly enjoying their journey as it plays out in front of me. Yes, there were missed targets and disappointments along the way, but I don’t look back with regret. Rather, I have an appreciation that it’s all turned out just fine.

#Trust30 is an online initiative and 30-day writing challenge that encourages you to look within and trust yourself. Find out more at http://ralphwaldoemerson.me