Onwards and upwards
Wednesday, May 13, 2009 at 6:43PM Whilst my adventures in Namibia might have somewhat missed the spot, I'm looking forward to tackling the rest of my list some of which I am sure will blow my mind. Being a pragmatist at heart - and that's a good thing, given my first nevertoolate experience - I am not convinced that dwelling too long on anything is good for the soul. Sure, we need to muse a while, sit back and momentarily reflect on what life throws at us, afterall what are four hour bus rides for, but I am not convinced that the inclination that some people have to dissect and analyse their every movement, utterance and interaction really does them much good in the long run. Live life, do good, don't do harm. And we all know, actually, what constitutes right from wrong. What makes the ones you care about or love happy, is right. What makes them unhappy or undermines their confidence is wrong. If you can't get that or won't get that, it means you don't want to.
Anyway, I survived Namibia, intact. I am home. And jolly happy I am to. What the trip has made me realise, amongst other things, is that England is a green and pleasant land and whatever is happening in the economy and the world at large, we are lucky with our lot. Life has its ups and downs, its peaks and troughs, its times of feast and famine. But however our life has panned out, then it is the life we want or the life we think we deserve. Because, whatever the situation, whatever the difficulty, the pressure, the problem, there is always choice. We just have to sit down and think about it and then to do something about it. I read a magazine article a little while ago, I don't remember who it was written by, but there was a box at the bottom of it that gave some advice and so I cut it out and stuck it on my office wall at eye level. This is what it said, listen up.
1. Know what you want
2. Know why you want it
3. Know when you want it by
4. Write it down
5. Know the price (I don't necessarily think it means monetary)
6. Pay it
The article made the observation that it seems easy but I agree that if you are thinking that, then you are underestimating the power of simplicity for achieving great things. It takes focus and commitment to have the life you want and a person of even greater integrity and morale standing to do it whilst delivering on the commitments you have made to those other people in your life who love you and depend on you. But I digress from the main theme of this blog though morale standing and personal integrity is a worthy and just subject. This blog is about the adventures of the NeverTooLate Girl and the next adventure is beckoning. So, here's my choice:
It’s Never Too Late to....
- Learn to fly
- Learn to shoot
- Have a personal shopper day
- Fly to NY and have a hot dog on Fifth/go to Macys/stay at The Plaza
- Have a date with a toy boy (my personal favourite)
- Do a sky dive
- Eat at The Ivy
- Drive a Lamborgini/Ferrari/Maserati
- Climb a mountain (I’m planning Everest for my 50th)
- Have a spa weekend
- Write a book
- Get a detox
- Read War & Peace
- Go on a demonstration for something you believe in
- Attend a Premier in Leicester Square
- Go to Royal Ascot
- Meet the Queen
- Get cosmetically enhanced
- Learn a language
- Make money from doing something you love
An eclectic mix and not at all definitive. So what are your ideas? Share them with me and the world and then let's do them together.
Namibia
Reader Comments (5)
I agree, Travel does broaden the mind.
When asked I always say I'm only 21!!!!!
Cheers,
Richard
Well Richard, you are 21 what, I wonder?
I feel New Orleans beckoning. Call that number and get it booked and the time to write your own Blog?
L
Welcome home Elle.
Sorry to read that your Namibian adventures didn’t meet your expectations but I’m sure in time you will come to appreciate your exploits there. I believe that even bad or unhappy experiences can have a positive effect on us and may be even necessary for us to grow our characters in a healthy and balanced way.
Pleased to see that you’re still looking for adventure though, and it looks like a great list. I was going to suggest something along the lines of point 8 (well I would, wouldn’t I?), although I would recommend driving on a racetrack with some expert tuition to experience the genuine thrill of speed and performance. I can give you a few pointers of where to try – I could even be tempted to join you. Driving on public roads, however, lost its appeal some time ago (except for one or two unspoilt roads in the more remote areas).
Everest has to be the ultimate challenge and you earn my respect for even considering it. Apparently, as we get older, we do become less disposed to altitude sickness – yet another benefit of our increasing maturity (also helpful for very tall people!).
I would only take issue with point 20. The things we love should be done for their own sake; love. Involving money in such matters can only taint and debase it
Looking forward to hearing more. Go Girl!
Simon
Hey Simon
Nice to hear from you! Yes, I can see how point 8 might appeal and yes again to any recommendations on where to do it. My absolute car is actually the Aston Martin DB9 Coupe but I shall wait until I can afford to buy one of them rather than just hammer it around a race track. It's nice to know there are some compensations for getting older - even if its only dealing with altitude sickness better. Hmm, interesting your comments about doing what you love just for the love of doing it. Aren't you doing what you love in your work AND getting paid for it....? :-) L
Hi, it's Kat - glad you're back safe. I have some Namibian news, can't post anything here due to patient confidentiality but if you drop me a line at my email (attached) I'll pass it on to you (as I don't have your email). Take care x