Life Really Is Too Short

Today at lunch I rode a mechanical bull. No, I wasn't auditioning for Urban Cowboy II, I was at a work function. Yes, a work function.

Perhaps not the best place to display my idiot savant riding skills. However, if I die tomorrow, at least I'll have the memory of laughing hysterically on that bull. See, in the grand scheme of things, it really doesn't matter that I made a fool of myself in front of my coworkers. Because I'll get to take that story with me—and never wonder "what if."

We're all presented with opportunities and situations that could provide great entertainment—or in some cases, change our lives completely. And I think that a lot of the time, we just ignore them.

When I was in high school, I had the chance to take a week-long ski trip in Utah, complete with lessons and free accommodations. I turned it down. And now, I can't ski. Sure, I could learn—but if I had gone on that trip, maybe I would've discovered a new hobby and had all sorts of new experiences during the last 15 years.

I turned down concert invites a couple of times in college because I had to work. Now I may never see those bands play.

Even last year, I went on a trip to Big Sur and when faced with the option to jump into an awesome gorge pond, or lay on the rocks, I stayed on dry land. When will I make it back to Big Sur? Who knows...

I wouldn't say that I regret any of the decisions I've made. But if given the chance to go back and take more chances, I think I would. Because you never know which day will be your last.