There has been a lot of discussion at sailnet about some of the weird folks out there doing things like sailing for 1000 days, or taking off in a homemade boat, etc. Lots of others have come through talking about rather impractical plans such as sailing off into the sunset with the couple bucks they have in their pocket, or working along the way, etc. Often they get advice to go, and sometimes to stay, but it seems like we all have an opinion on it - whether going is practical, how much risk is too much, etc. I want to voice my own opinion on it. Keep in mind this is from someone who hasn't done it, I have not gone out and lived the dream, but like many others I would like to.
My thought on it is this ...
Just GO.
Life is short. I know that sounds cliche, because it is, but it's also true. How many people do you know who passed away this year, or last year ? Someone related to you ? Someone you knew personally ? A friend maybe ? Death is all too real a thing. Morbid to talk about, I know, but let's get real for a second here ... life is going to end. In some cases abruptly. Death isn't like some exotic thing that only happens to the other guy. It's waiting out there for every one of us.
And life is also short, sometimes too short. Even a year is a huge part of our lives when you consider how short our lives really are. It's a shame to waste any of it, because we won't get that time back again.
When someone says they want to do something completely "impractical" like sail long distance or go to some place on the earth that is a little more dangerous, why do we insist on trying to talk them out of it ? What does it matter ? The chances are rather low they are going to have anything actually happen to them, and even if they weren't that low, shouldn't they try to live their life as best they can while they have the chance ? Life isn't getting any longer, and being on a boat with some sunshine and exercise might even benefit them. It might even make life more enjoyable, better lived. And it's not like we don't already know the worst thing that could happen! It's going to happen, not IF ... but WHEN, that's the question. When and HOW! Hopefully the how is while having a great time doing something you love, living a full life chasing after your dreams.
Knowing someone who has some terrible disease or illness and is facing the ultimate end we all face in our own way should remind us that if we are ever going to do anything, it's time to get out there and do it. It won't ever be a better time than SOON, or even NOW. Because anything could happen. Many of us waste too many precious days trying to do things the safe way, worrying too much about having every little thing prepared before we go out and live our lives or have fun, and before you know it .. it's too late!
Friend ... GO! If you're thinking about it, DO IT.
Whatever you are considering - living aboard, taking a long cruise, or just getting your first boat so you can go day sailing with the kids. DO IT!
Most regret the things they don't do, not the things they did.
My thought on it is this ...
Just GO.
Life is short. I know that sounds cliche, because it is, but it's also true. How many people do you know who passed away this year, or last year ? Someone related to you ? Someone you knew personally ? A friend maybe ? Death is all too real a thing. Morbid to talk about, I know, but let's get real for a second here ... life is going to end. In some cases abruptly. Death isn't like some exotic thing that only happens to the other guy. It's waiting out there for every one of us.
And life is also short, sometimes too short. Even a year is a huge part of our lives when you consider how short our lives really are. It's a shame to waste any of it, because we won't get that time back again.
When someone says they want to do something completely "impractical" like sail long distance or go to some place on the earth that is a little more dangerous, why do we insist on trying to talk them out of it ? What does it matter ? The chances are rather low they are going to have anything actually happen to them, and even if they weren't that low, shouldn't they try to live their life as best they can while they have the chance ? Life isn't getting any longer, and being on a boat with some sunshine and exercise might even benefit them. It might even make life more enjoyable, better lived. And it's not like we don't already know the worst thing that could happen! It's going to happen, not IF ... but WHEN, that's the question. When and HOW! Hopefully the how is while having a great time doing something you love, living a full life chasing after your dreams.
Knowing someone who has some terrible disease or illness and is facing the ultimate end we all face in our own way should remind us that if we are ever going to do anything, it's time to get out there and do it. It won't ever be a better time than SOON, or even NOW. Because anything could happen. Many of us waste too many precious days trying to do things the safe way, worrying too much about having every little thing prepared before we go out and live our lives or have fun, and before you know it .. it's too late!
Friend ... GO! If you're thinking about it, DO IT.
Whatever you are considering - living aboard, taking a long cruise, or just getting your first boat so you can go day sailing with the kids. DO IT!
Most regret the things they don't do, not the things they did.