This is a guest post written by Lance at the Jungle of Life. Visit him at www.jungleoflife.com, join his fan page on Facebook or follow him on Twitter. He writes from the heart about reaching your true peak.
“If one advances confidently in the direction of one’s dreams, and endeavors to live the life which one has imagined, one will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.” ~ Henry David Thoreau
“It’s the wrong time.”
“It costs too much.”
“There’s another commitment I have.”
“I’ll do it when I retire.”
Have you ever said a statement like this to yourself before? A statement to give yourself permission to put off doing something?
Goals. Dreams. Aspirations. They live in you. They live in me.
Still…have you ever let those dreams, those big audacious goals slip?
I have. Maybe you have, too.
I started to think about this recently.
“It’s too cold outside today.”
A cold Wisconsin day, although warmer than we’d had in weeks. Twenty degrees (Fahrenheit) outside. Supposed to have been nearly twice that. Should I go outside running? Or should I just skip it? After all, there would be warmer days soon. And if I skip it, then I could watch a little more of the football game.
What motivates us to keep on forging forward?
Deep down, I have a real desire to live a healthy lifestyle. It’s a big goal, one that on some days I really “get”, and then on other days, I don’t. Maybe you have experienced that with some of your own goals and dreams, too. Moments where it all comes together beautifully, and others where you take a few steps away from these dreams you have.
All of this bounced around in my head. I have choices.
I put on a sweatshirt and wind pants, and headed out.
What do you do, even when it’s not the “ideal” conditions? And is it ever perfectly “ideal”?
A cold and gray afternoon. And I ran. It wasn’t long until I was rolling the sleeves up on my sweatshirt. I warmed up and really settled into my stride. The crisp air heightened my senses – I noticed everything around me. I arrived home, not tired and cold. I arrived home refreshed and renewed! What a great feeling to have been out there, especially when I first had thoughts of skipping it, and to have come back home with that feeling of bursting excitement over it all.
Those things that matter, those things that speak to our heart, those big audacious dreams…
They are so worth rolling our sleeves up for.
They are so worth going after, even in less than ideal circumstances.
Life is in the choices we make.
Choose to give your dreams wings…
(Note from Stacey: When you choose to give your dreams wings, no matter the outcome, that is feel-good living. Thanks, Lance for sharing your message here today.)
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Couldn’t have said it any better my friend. You are so right, life IS the choices we make. Thank you for spreading this most important message, sometimes I need reminding
Blessings dearest! xo
Today is a day to take it by the hand and make the most of it!!
Love this post!!
I love that quote, Lance. Thanks for featuring him here, Stacey.
The only “ideal” situation for pursuing our dreams is “now”. I always tell myself, what have I got to lose by going for those dreams? And then I weigh those against what I would gain. Sometimes a no-brainer
Hi Lance
What a beautiful post! I love when we talk about and act on following our dreams. There is such a great feeling to that. And I love the added note from Stacey and the quote you have also on your site. Together it just makes for such a powerful and uplifting message.
In the end there really are no excuses. The time is now and it is right if we want it to be.
What an awesome, awesome post that inspires me on my “gray” days to do just what you did, Lance: get out there and make my dreams happen. Sometimes all it takes is agreeing NOT to give in to whatever little shoulder devils are trying to demotivate us. Sometimes a baby step or two can turn into – as you so brilliantly pointed out – long strides that FEEL GOOD!
Wow, I loved this post. Resonates in many ways, and sang to my soul.
Thank you, Lance & Stacey, for teaming up today to share this message with me.
Hi Stacy and Lance! That quote is one of my favorites! And Lance, you are so right! It’s that one little step out of the door, making the commitment to JUST DO IT, that gives us such a wonderful return for our effort. I’ll bet you felt good ALL day! We can be such masters of excuses and the justifications we can come up with for avoiding things is comical really. I had a sign on the fridge when the kids were teens:
“Any excuse you give me is fine with me – the question is – is it really fine with YOU?”
That gave them pause!
Thanks for your Upness! LOVE it!
Hugs
suzen
Hi Stacey! Hi Lance!
This is a great point, and one that is illustrated so well by exercise. We all know that feeling of not wanting to exercise but then doing it anyway and experiencing that awesome feeling of payoff. Our goals are like that, too! I have never regretted pursuing a goal that I had put on the back burner. There is always a payoff for going for it!
Have a great week!! Jodi
Hi Lance and Stacey – I so agree .. my mother told me ‘the other day’ not to put off doing what I could today til tomorrow; and that she hoped I’d start to fulfil my dreams before I’m 80 – as she had done, when it was too late.
They are there all the time .. and you can’t put off things .. you’ll benefit from later on. Wet and cold – on your return you’ll feel so exhilarated .. and ready for the next endeavour, or action towards that goal.
Stimulate and motivate ourselves on – it’s worse not doing and regretting, than braving the cold, or challenges and moving on .. run on I reckon … run on –
Great thoughts – Hilary
@Jacqueline – Hi Jacq!! Choice. Something we all have, right. And it’s in the making of those choices, that really does determine the directions that we go. Much like YOU, getting up at what seems like crazy hours, to get a workout in – so impressive! And also, it just really shows dedication to what choosing healthy…and what a great choice that is!
@Trish – Hey Trish! Yes, today is what we have…and it is up to each of us how we will choose to use those hours we have. Thanks much!!
@Jewel – Hi Jewel. What I really love about that Thoreau quote is the reminder that even when it seems like we are maybe not making the progress we had hoped for, or things just aren’t ideal…if we are following our heart, then it’s still the right thing to do…and success will be there. And that is good news indeed! And really…what else do we have but NOW. Thinking about it that way, it really is a no-brainer…
@Evita – Hi Evita! Thanks so much. It starts with a thought, and when we take that thought to the next step…and choose to act upon it – that IS when the real magic starts to happen. It’s not magic at all, though. It’s really our thoughts being followed up with the doing. And that is about taking some chances with our dreams, and really giving them the opportunity to fly! And maybe not all of them will. We’ll never know, though, if we don’t give it a shot…and that’s a conscious choice on our part – to get out there and really let those dreams become reality! And Stacey said it so well, when she pegged this as “feel good living”! It really is, when we are in our zone…
@Megan – Hi Megan. Those gray days…we all have them. Days when we might not be all that inspired to get out there and do what is really the song in our heart. When we have those moments, though, and push beyond them…sometimes these moments can be real turning points in seeing these “dreams” of ours become reality. And when those moments happen – it can be a real lift! Or like making great strides (grin)!! Megan, thanks so much for your enthusiastically uplifting comment! (…I have this sudden urge to head out the door and go for a run…in the snow!!)
@Jodi – Hi Jodi! You know, health and fitness really have become like a metaphor for life, for me. In so many ways, I can draw parallels to how fitness relates to life. Not to mention, exercise has also provided many moments of clarity into life direction for me, too. (which is all a great reason to keep on exercising….along with the health benefits!) Yes, there is always a payoff. We may not see that payoff right away, and we may not even have the payoff be related to what it was intended. But it is there, good that comes from doing those things that really speak to us. Love the comparisons here Jodi!
Stacey – thanks for having Lance over here.
Lance: I sooooo totally get what you are saying (and you know I do). I have been in the exact same spot, dithering whether to go run outside or skip it for some painting/reading/lazy activity… And it’s so worth running
I went for a run outside over lunch (we work in the middle of the woods) and it was wonderful.
And it so links in with your Sunday thought as well.
Lance: I get you.
M
It is easy to make excuses sometimes, isn’t it?? Arrg, I say to me.
That Thoreau quote is amazingly true! When we are in the day-to-day putting one foot in front of the other mode to get where we want to go, we often forget that all the little steps add up. And sometimes it’s not until these little fragments are all pieced together that we see just how much we have accomplished. We need to keep going and not give up! Of course it helps to have a goal in mind too, something specific we are working towards.
Great stuff!! I am inspired to follow-up on a couple things today for part of my dreams. Thanks Lance. And Stacey for hosting!
Very inspirational as always Lance! I really enjoy your personal stories of inspiration the best I think.
Half the battle is showing up, actually on a cold day like that, even setting foot outside, and you’ve won! Thanks Lance and keep on running!
Those who wait for perfect conditions will have a very long wait!
Hi Lance and Stacey!
So true Lance. I started my Daisy List as a way to stop putting off my dreams and get them happening. It blows my mind how effective such a simple thing has been. I know that without it, it’s unlikely I would have achieved the things I have.
Great post, thanks!
Wow. I love running; my perfect little spot is a stretch of beach I absolutely love. I love the sunshine as it hits the water, reflects off the hills, warms my skin. Talk about less than ideal–there used to be a time I would most prefer to run on those golden days. Now I’ve learned each day has its own beauty; the rain cleans it all up, drops on my skin are refreshing, I have the beach to myself. The cold mornings inspire me to run harder and faster than normal, have a crispness that I enjoy. If it snowed we’d be in trouble–LOL it is So CA but there would be something in it to appreciate I’m sure.
That’s how I approach life though. The ideal conditions might never manifeset so I do the best with what I am given in that moment; makes life most adventuresome and fun, and never ever boring. Indeed!
Lance – Thank you for sharing your thoughts here today. As a fellow runner, I can appreciate the metaphor! Things worthwhile in this life do not necessarily come easy!
Mama Zen – I love that line. Those waiting for perfection will wait a long time. Very true!
Hilary – I was told once “it’s better to regret something you’ve done than something you haven’t done.” Your comment brought that back into my mind. Thank you.
To everyone who commented – everyone seems to agree – the time is NOW to go for your dreams/goals no matter how big or small. Baby steps all the way. They never seem like much which is why, I think we often hear about the “sudden stardom” when in reality, every step along the way is practice. Patience and a never give up attitude are key! May all your dreams come true or may you at least have a lot of fun trying!
@Suzen – Hi Suzen. There is so much wisdom in the words of Thoreau. And yes, it was a great feeling. In fact, I was out again this weekend, and once again I debated whether I should go…only to come back once again refreshed and alive! Nike is really onto something with their JUST DO IT campaign!! And what a great sign you kept on the refrigerator – are the excuses we make for who, right!
@Hilary – Hi Hilary. There is much wisdom that comes with age, and your mother is wonderful for passing on to you what she has learned. NOW is what we have…and some things will work out, and other won’t. We’ll never know, though, if we don’t try…
@Mimi – Hi Mimi. Yes…I do know that you get this. And it’s not so much that painting or reading or whatever are “bad” activities, because they definitely are not – if they come from our heart. And I know also that you very much have a beautiful creative side that is shining through also. So, it’s really about listening to your heart, and getting “out there” (whatever that is for you). All of that said…I know that you know this all so well, Mimi. What I love is that you are getting out there, when you can, and even when you might not always even feel like it to start. It really is about living out that life you desire (which fits so well to the Gabrielle story that you shared as well). Mimi, thank YOU for being here. And for really being “here” as much as you are…you are an inspiration…
@Jannie – Hmmm…yes IT IS easy sometimes…to make those excuses! Arghh!! Are we trying to reason with ourselves why it’s okay that we are not doing that big hairy goal? And yes, even little steps keep us moving in the direction of these big hairy dreams (do I like the word “hairy”, or what???). So…how did it feel, Jannie, to follow up on some of those dreams of yours? (and…I would be remiss in not asking…are they big hairy dreams???) (feel free to ignore that…) Speaking of hairy, I’m due for a haircut pretty soon…that should be loads of fun (but doesn’t qualify as a big hairy dream of mine).
@Audra – Hey Audra. And really, telling personal stories is something that is really pretty fun to do (hmmm….maybe I should do more of that??). I love it!! The part about “half the battle is showing up”! so true! Once we are “there”, the actual doing can really be lots of fun! And speaking of doing…I should really be out there right now, huh!!! See ya!
@Mama Zen – Right! “Perfect” conditions are something that really never fully exist.
@Sami – Hey Sami! There is definitely something to writing down things, and how that can make them even more likely to happen. And you’ve taken it even a step further, to writing it down and sharing this list publicly. There’s a certain accountability factor in that, and one that does motivate us to do what we say we will (so publicly!). I think this Daisy List of yours is a magnificent idea, and seeing you check things off is so cool!
@Joy – Running at the beach sounds pretty awesome! Hmmm…not so easy where I’m at! And since you mentioned running in the rain…I have found this to be almost meditative for me…especially out in a list mist or sprinkle. Each day has its own set of opportunities when running…just like in life, and all we let our heart go after there. And it’s good. Deeply good, all of it. Let the adventures continue, Joy! It’s a great way to live…and that’s what I see so much in you…life being truly lived….
@Stacey – Hey Stacey!! Thanks so much for having me here today! Happy running, awesome friend!
Beautiful post and excellent analogy.
And I really want to simply comment on how beautiful you capture running. (Feeling simple today) Lance you have written about running before and both times it is like conjuring up memories of a dear and missed loved one for me. I miss running so much and you do such an amazing job of encapsulating what I loved most about it….and hmmm, maybe that IS my dream. To find a way to run again.
Wow….thank you. (ladies and gentleman I just had a total epiphany—of course it would be you Lance to help me with it!)
Thanks Stacey for bringing Lance on.
Lance!
This is the perfect message. So often, we get caught up in life that we put things we know we should do on the backburner. I’ve lost count of the number of clients who fail to do their exercise because they didn’t feel well or thought it was too cold/windy/hot.
You are right when you say just “ROLL UP YOUR SLEEVES”. I have not met ONE single person who has exercised and then regretted it later.
We all struggle and second guess ourselves at times. But if we just put on our shoes and take the steps, we can get there.
thank you lance!
Hi Lance and Stacey,
You’re bringing back all kinds of running winter memories for me. It’s funny the bad memories are the days I let the weather get to me not the days I ran through blizzards and ice. Being a morning person once outside the cold mornings were refreshingly wonderful.
And yes my dreams will have wings until the day they break and I die;)
Hi Lance and Stacey,
What a beautiful post!
Isn’t it amazing how we make dreams seem like far-fetched concepts yet so many things we have in our life are a result of someone’s else dream. The products we use, the clothes we wear and so on…are all the result of a dream that someone had. Dreams are meant to come true…we just get in our own way.
By the way, I loved how you went running in the cold. This past weekend, we were hit with 28 inches of snow. Since we had so much fun in the last blizzard, we jumped in the car and headed out. It was so beautiful and silent. Everyone thought we were crazy for going out in the middle of a blizzard but it was such a wonderful experience. As you said, we always have a choice!
@Katie – Hey Katie. And the real truth is…that sometimes it is beautiful and graceful and good all around. And then there are other days – when I have come home in pain, or my breathing is off, or I can’t get into a rhythm. That is life, though, too, isn’t it. Some days just come together really well…and then there are those others where that’s not quite the case. A “running” song I really like is “I Run For Life” by Melissa Etheridge. The song is really about breast cancer, yet – I just find real ties in it to life in general…and why I run… It is good for my soul….
@Tess – Hey runner friend! And right on…sometimes the “bad” memories are just our excuses we’ve made for not doing. Getting out there (in running, and in life) and doing that thing – is refreshing in so many ways! Keep on letting those dreams in your take flight…
Keep the lessons coming – exactly what I needed to read today! Thanks Lance and Stacey for this very timely article (having my own angst around the dream life I’m still creating!)
Blessings!
Peggy
@Angel – Hey Angel! It’s great seeing you here! In fact…just seeing your name here makes me think I should get myself back in that swimming pool – right! So – excuses – we, as a human race, can get pretty good at making them, can’t we. And where does that get us? No where closer at all toward where we really desire to be. I wonder if we happened to exercise together…would I regret a little pullup competition with you??? Yikes! (No, I wouldn’t regret it!! I might see some *ahem* room for improvement for myself, though!)
@Nadia – Hi Nadia. So really…whose dream do we really want to live? Our own, or someone else’s? It’s in letting those dreams out, and being vulnerable to what that might mean….knowing also that this is also the way toward really making our heart sing. And wow, Nadia!! That is a LOT of snow!! Good for you guys, getting out there and having some fun with what nature has given to you!
@Peggy – Hi Peggy. Dreams. They are there in us…really giving them wings, though, can take some courage to step beyond where we are currently at. Yet when we do…that really is when some amazing things can begin to happen!
A great reminder to get off my butt and stop procrastinating on my new exercise plan! I certainly enjoy the message of giving my dreams wings! Hope they will take off to a new high this year! All the best to you and Stacey!
Stacey, thx for having Lance!
Lance, your posts always speak to me! A great message for all!
@Evelyn – You know what, Evelyn…it’s a good reminder for me too…on those days when I all too easily make up some excuse. It only takes away from helping me to become more healthy… And your dreams…Evelyn, I’m sure with your heart and soul behind them, an amazing year is ahead of you!
@Jody – Hi Jody! It’s great seeing you here…and…well, it’s time for me to run (as it hasn’t happened yet today…).
Feel good living – that is AWESOME! Thanks Stacey!
Lance- Life is the sum total of choices we make. We decide and no one else. The feeling of being in charge of your life is like a runner’s high. I enjoyed this post because I enjoying KNOWING my choices and I love running.
Finally seem to be getting back into it after a looooong break. It’s tough being a runner in Texas. I choose NOT to run in 90 degrees which is all but 3 months of the year.
Smelling the crisp air with ya my friend.
Hi Stacey and Lance,
Lance that was very motivating. I have been in that exact moment of choosing. I have made that choice in 12 degree weather and rain and yet some days I can’t seem to make it in sunny 75 degree weather! What made the difference? The goal at the end of the light. I was training for a marathon. My WHY was bigger then my EXCUSE.
I need to find my WHY again.
Thanks- great post.
Hi Wendi,
Wow, that is really an excellent point! What about those days when conditions are much closer to ideal…and we skip it ( a run, work on an important project, life goals, etc)? Knowing we are working toward something – a goal, dream, deep desire, etc – can make a big difference in us getting out there vs. not.
@Wendi, I was reading through these comments and thinking exactly what you put, it all matters why we choose to do these, not just that we choose them. As we focus our lives and shape ourselves on the why, the what would normally be excuses disappear, people look towards us and think, why would they do that? I want to inspire that question in others and I certainly can’t do it when I’m questioning myself. I get asked pretty much every single day why I ride my bike to work through our nasty winter here at 20 below zero. I’m happy to always respond, ‘Because I love it, it makes me smile and I just made you think about living a healthier life as well.’
Anyway, great points Lance and good example.
Mike,
As I sit here today, light snow flurries in the air….you story certainly does impress! What it really shows, too, is a commitment to something you love. And that is what it’s all about…those things that have deep meaning for you….you can find a way to do them. And when you do, what a great place to be at. Great example, Mike!!
This is great Lance!
This reminds me of my outing that I took yesterday afternoon and evening. For a while now I would look towards the river and it would be speaking to me. I knew I would float it again, but when. The opportunity presented its self. Stacey and her parents were going up stream to walk their dogs on the rivers shores. It was 4 pm and I knew that I would have to float into the night to get 17 miles down river going at six miles an hour. I wanted to float freely and soak in the nature that was presented to me. I saw 8 bald eagle nest trees and 100’s of birds of all kinds. The sun set continuously in my eyes till it was pitch dark when the beavers came out to play and slapped their tales to communicate their presence with me. I had no head lamp…there was only me feeling my way down the river of life. I was the lamp that lit up the night skies. I was in love with living where there were no more excuses not to listen to that which called my name.
I recently had a really firm kick in the butt from a successful business owner. He flatly told me that he had no time or use for someone who was talking but not acting. Yikes! I went home rubbing my sore behind, but he was right, and so are you! If we ‘wait’ until everything is ‘right’, we’ll be like Rip Van Winkle, waking up to find that many valuable years have passed us by.
@Bern – Hi Bern! What a moving experience. It’s about getting out there, and experiencing life. And this idea of “river of life” is so fitting…as to the actual river you floated down – and the experiences you had. Life, and it’s experiences…for each of us, are truly what we make them. And that is us, being the lamp that lights our skies. Bern, I wish you well on all the continued adventures that will come in your life. Be well, my friend…
@Steve – The old “all talk and no action…” concept. Now is what we have. And while we’ll not always get it right, and sometimes we’ll probably slip into that “inaction” stage…that’s okay – especially as we recognize that and make positive changes. And – you are, Steve. You are recognizing this, and personally stating here that the time is now. Very powerful…
There are so many dreams I have, I just don’t know how to make them come true. Sometimes I think I’m being punished for things I’ve done in the past and they are hindering my dreams of doing or becoming certain things. I never imagined things would be this difficult to accomplish, especially when others do it so easily.
Jenny,
Sometimes it’s just focusing on those dreams that touch you most deeply. I know that when I start to get too many different things bouncing around in my head (or in my heart), it can feel like everything gets a little attention – but nothing gets a lot of attention. That’s always a good time for me to stop and just step back…and really look at what matters. And then focus on that. Maybe that helps?
And, Jenny, I want you to know that the universe is not punishing you for whatever might have been in your past. Maybe there are moments where it feels like this…where you might question “If I had only…”. The past is just that, though…past. What you have is this moment, now…
Know that I believe in you…