A few weeks ago, 60 year old distance swimmer Diana Nyad completed a near lifelong dream to set a record by being the first person to swim from Cuba to Key West without the protection of a shark cage. She’d tried four times previously and, this time, was successful. She says that she wanted to do so to show everyone that you’re never too old to live your dreams and make them come true.
Earlier today, my not quite 50 year old friend opened up a fabulous studio that will inspire creativity and make a place for people to explore painting pottery, experimenting in glass fusion, learn to make jewelry, and try all manner of art endeavors. I personally plan to go in and try to throw a pot. (I think that’s the term for sitting at wheel, squishing molding clay in my hands to make something. These kinds of art projects are definitely not my forte, but I think that will be fun to at least try.
I was 54 when I finally had weight loss surgery. There are times when I now wonder, and castigate myself, for waiting so damned long, for living most of my life super obese.
Today, I choose to not look back with regret. I’m not going to punish myself emotionally or scold myself. I’m not going to consider the years wasted. There is no point to doing any of those things.
Every minute I might spend living in regret is a minute that I’m not living in the moment. I can’t take back the past, but I sure as hell can make sure not to squander another second of my present or my future.
I have so many things still on my Promise List; so many dreams. I’m going to hold fast to each one until I make them happen.
Hold fast to dreams
For if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird
That cannot fly.
Hold fast to dreams
For when dreams go
Life is a barren field
Frozen with snow.
Langston Hughes
Weighty Matters 