“When we least expect it, life sets us a challenge to test our courage and willingness to change; at such a moment, there is no point in pretending that nothing has happened or in saying that we are not ready. The challenge will not wait. Life does not look back. A week is more than enough time for us to decide whether or not to accept our destiny.”

Paulo Coelho

Photo by elfilosofo

This is a guest post by Charlie A. Webb

Having lived a Coney Island life
on roller coaster ups and downs
and seen my helium hopes
break skyward without me,
now arms filled with dolls
I threw so much for
I take perhaps my last ride
on this planet-carousel
and ask
how many more times round
I have
to catch that brass-ring-sun
before the game is up.

James L. Weil, A Coney Island Life

A children’s playground is an interesting analog to our tenure on earth. Watch children at play during this 15-minute recreational packet and you will discover something quite interesting. The children will quickly run onto the playground at the sound of the bell, and then seem to slow down and play at a somewhat steady, linear rate. But the moment the 2-minute warning bell is sounded, something amazing happens - the children instantly light up with activity, neurotically running from playground equipment to playground equipment, rushing, rushing, and trying to make the last few moments’ count.

I live near Palm Desert, California, and over this past year, I have noticed senior citizens in their RV’s express a similar pattern. Their lives never seemed to be that urgent. There was always time for that special project or the super vacation or all the things they hoped to get into their lives before it ended. But now, the warning bell has rung and the seniors scramble, with daily itineraries that would weary a 25-year old. The seniors rush to dance lessons, senior potlucks, golf tournaments, and tennis matches.

Though certainly many are fulfilled and happy with this arrangement, I have watched the look of ennui and lament on the faces of many seniors. Their health problems squelch total ecstasy. The neurotic need to pull themselves out on the world daily to get their fair share of living, stresses, not enhancing life but rather weakening its spirit.

When I was conducting interviews for my book, Exit Interviews, I had the opportunity to speak with seniors from all walks of life, from waitresses to World War II fighter pilots. The prevailing note was struck – the message was clear – do not wait until the end of your life to begin living. When we hear the frustrations and laments of these seniors, we have in effect time-traveled. We have, if we listened, benefited from their mistakes. It is so vital in my opinion that we too do not live in the 11th hour.

Recently, I asked an employee what his plans were for the weekend. His answer was clear and sober, “I’m going to sleep in until 11 O’clock.” I found that strong sentiment a bit bizarre. He showed up on time all week for work. Why would you not show up on time for your weekend? I have always taken my weekends and free time and endowed them with the same respect that I give my vocation.

As a drummer, I was in a band called “The Steve Barrett and the Blues Revue Band.” Just before a gig one evening, all of us were playing our own little mini-solos getting ready for the evening dance. Steve looked at all of us and said clearly, “C’mon guys, let’s get serious about having fun.” That may have been one of the most profound things anyone has ever said to me, because fun deserves organization as it does commitment. Fun, like success, is no accident. Plan for it and, most importantly, do it. If we wait until the ends of our lives for the fun to begin, we too will suffer the pains of wishing we had done more sooner. When I was 24 years old I was windsurfing in Morro bay on a Thursday sneaking from school and work for a few hours of my passion. A surly man asked me, “shouldn’t you be at work”? My answer “no sir, it will be hard to windsurf when I am old”.

In the spirit of my book “Exit Interviews”, I would like to tell you all, vigorously interview the elders In your lives, not for cookie recipes, but for the knowledge that will enrich and enhance your life. Live now, live bold, as the warning bell has rung.

Charlie A. Webb is a consultant and the founder and president of a medical packaging company. His current book project “No Food or Drinks” is a customer service book, To learn more about Charlie’s writing projects visit his website at www.charliewebb.com

Photo by celinet

“Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.”

Maria Robinson

Photo by AdmScoo

With the excitement for the new Indiana Jones movie mounting I thought I’d reflect on some life lessons Indiana has offered besides the timeless entertainment and action.

1. Study up first

Before Indy set out on any adventures he was a professor with plenty of knowledge about archeology, history, and foreign lands. If you’re interested in starting a new business, new career, or even a new hobby, you should hit the books first. Read as many books, magazines, and internet articles as you possibly can. Learn from others and their mistakes, so that you can avoid the same pitfalls.

2. Know your weakness

“Snakes. Why’d it have to be snakes?” Indiana knew exactly what his biggest fear and weakness was. Know what yours are as well. Learn how to work around them or conquer these fears.

3. Have your own image

The whip, hat, and the rest of Indy’s outfit is unique to him. When you see it, you instantly think of him. Don’t conform to everyone else. Have your own style, opinions, and personality.

4. Keep your eye on the prize

In Raiders of the Lost Ark, Indiana is approaching the golden idol. He’s unaware of anything around him. He sees his goal and nothing is going to stop him achieving it, not even a giant rolling boulder. Even when things get tough in business and/or life, you have to think of the future and what you’re going to get from your struggles. Entrepreneurs become successful because they keep the thought of being free to do what they want in their mind. Medical students make it through all those years of education because they know they’ll be helping ill people in the future.

5. Be ordinary, yet extraordinary

Even though you should have your own style and be unique, you can also appear to be ordinary. You don’t have to be superhuman to accomplish larger than life tasks. Have super strength within you to continue even when life gets tough. Indy certainly wasn’t a superhero. He was just a guy with some knowledge and skills that helped him get what he wanted.

Photo by Gaetan Lee

I have been tossing many post ideas around in my head for the past week or so. I’m not sure where I want to head next with Lyved, but I would like to get more in depth with my writing. I also want to know what topics you would like me to cover. Please leave a comment below on anything. I just want some ideas to get my creative flow moving.

Thanks in advanced,

Andrew

Photo by joka2000