How many times have you heard the statement “one day…” or “when I retire…”? Why do we live our lives as though there is a tomorrow? Is it a human condition to be optimistic that future plans will be realised, regardless of life getting in the way? I have spent the last few years coming to the realisation that it doesn’t matter how much we wish, there is no reality that materialises from our subconscious. We literally spend our time, wishing for something different than the reality we live, without taking action to make it happen. Well forgive me for being rude, but that’s bullshit.

There are catchphrases galore that have been printed on t-shirts, talking about ‘only living once’ and ‘carpe diem – seize the day’, that make us feel a little better about our existence, without requiring us to make an effort. We become immune to the reality of our existence, with each day we live blending into the next, becoming a monotonous hum in the background to our ever diminishing heartbeats.

My time is now, and I choose to take control.

I want to see the world, with my family; if that means I will not live out my life with a comfortable existence in front of the TV and air conditioning, but experience each and every day raw, with a sense of purpose and renewed vigour – so be it. If I have to travel to new countries and experience new cultures, broaden my horizons daily, all while ensuring the emotional, physical and spiritual wellbeing of my children – so be it. If my children should become something more than my wife and I – global citizens, with a deep understanding of their place in the world, a respect for their fellow man, that shows them how to act in every situation, with an abiding love for the planet we live on – so be it. It’s not like we have another planet to go to should things go pear shaped!

I don’t want to be morose and paint a picture of despair, this is not an act of desperation, it is something more tangible. My place in this world is not determined

 by society, not how I should act out my life, dictated by the car I drive, the house I own, or how much money is in the bank. It should be measured by how I live, how I interact with humanity, and whether I leave the planet in better shape than when I entered. This is something I wish to pass onto my children. This is where I will gain the most, in the end it is selfish I know – it’s all about ‘me!’