Day 112: Bad Timing or Just Not Enough Time?

"They" say that in life, things are all a matter of timing. Either you have good timing or you have bad timing. I never thought much about this, but, when I did, I always thought it was a bunch of b.s.

But, as I have gotten older and started reflecting on my life, and the things I either missed out on (some of which I am still missing out on), or, that I wish I would have done when I had the chance, I am starting to think that maybe "they" had a point.

I recently read something that somebody (about my age) wrote to themselves as a 15-year-old, a reflection of life's lessons that they learned, and wished that they had learned earlier. This got me to thinking about what I would say to my 15-year-old self. Not surprisingly, the list is long, and I haven't really fleshed it all out. I have been thinking of doing it for my actual birthday. We shall see if that actually happens or not.

But, one of the biggest things on that list is to remember that this time is the only time we have, and this life, is the only one we have. I know, such a cliche and such a "duh" bit of philosophy. But, I really, really don't think we get that when we are young.

At least I didn't. I always thought there would be another chance to do the things I was either too scared of doing, too busy to do, or just too young and stupid to do. I didn't realize what I was missing out on, or how much I would regret not doing things when I had the chance to, because rarely (if ever) does that chance present itself again.

I would also tell my 15-year-old self that this really applies to the people in our lives. They are only in our lives for a short time. If you think you will have time later to spend with them, you won't. And, if you think you will have time to tell them how you feel later, you won't. Or, if you do, it's the wrong time.

Tell them how much they mean to you, tell them how you feel. Do not worry about being rebuffed, or, that they may not respond in the same way as you do, or even feel the same way you do. You will regret never saying anything much more than you will regret saying how you feel. There is nothing worse than always wondering what if. Or, wishing you had told someone how much they mean to you when they are gone and it is too late.

So, as Robin Williams says in the movie "Dead Poet's Society," "Carpe Diem" or "Seize the Day.