Some people deny themselves joy if someone else doesn’t come along for the ride. They ask others to join them for an activity but don’t move forward if they say no.
Long ago, I was like that. I wanted to see a movie, but my friends didn’t. So… I didn’t go. I wanted to try a new restaurant, but no one else did. So… I never ate there.
I got tired—real tired—of waiting for other people to make up their minds. I was sick of missing out on cool things because no one else wanted to try them.
To heck with that!
Now, I know what I want to experience, and I go after it. If someone wants to come along for the ride, they are welcome! But if they don’t, I’m still going.
When I travel to new cities, I take myself out to nice dinners, visit museums and art galleries, and wander the streets alone to get the full experience of the destination.
I’ve gone to movies by myself when no one else wanted to see them.
If my wife can't join me, I’ll go hiking or skiing by myself. I still need my outside time!
I’ve heard some folks refer to this as “dating yourself” or practicing self-care. I suppose it kind of is.
However, I prefer to think of it as a deep awareness of how brief life is, how fleeting moments of opportunity are, and how much regret pains me years later.
I no longer have patience for people who drag their heels or refuse to be adventurous.
If someone won’t join you in one of your desired adventures, go after it anyway!
Have fun and create some special memories. Live life large and avoid the regrets of wishing you’d moved ahead with your plans, regardless.
I’m Larry Cornett, a Freedom Coach who works with you to optimize your career, business, and life. My mission is to help you take complete control of your work and life so you can become a more “Invincible You.” I live in Northern California near Lake Tahoe with my wife and our Great Dane.