“You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.”-Mae West

Thirteen years ago this week, my dad passed away.

He worked his entire life and retired.

30 days later, he was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, and told he had a year to live.

Often times, life is unfair.

But that year changed the trajectory of my life.

My dad pushed me not to wait.

Try more things now.

Fail. Fail a lot. Fail faster.

And boy, have I failed.

He taught me to explore. To see. To mess it all up and somehow make a memory out of it.

Mess up I have.

Memories I’ve gained.

He taught me to bring people with me. To help. And to ask for help when I needed it.

I’m still terrible at the last one.

But more than anything, my dad taught me something I don’t think I fully understood until he was gone:

We spend way too much of our lives waiting.

Waiting until we have more money.

Waiting until work slows down.

Waiting until the kids get older.

Waiting until we feel ready.

Waiting until the timing makes sense.

Waiting until someday.

My dad finally got to “someday.”

He retired.

And 30 days later, the clock changed.

That stays with me.

It’s probably why a few days ago I found myself standing waist-deep in the ocean in a tuxedo swimming with the pigs in the Bahamas.

I’m increasingly convinced we could all use a little more ridiculous in our lives.

Because I don’t want to reach the end and wonder.

I want stories.

I want people I love in those stories.

I want some failures that make me cringe.

Some decisions that make absolutely no sense on paper.

And a hell of a lot of memories.

My dad taught me to have courage when I’m wavering, move when I’m stuck, and never miss the chance to make a damn good memory.

Thirteen years later, I’m still trying to make him proud.

Still taking chances.

Still making memories.

Dash of Courage

What are you waiting to do that would make a damn good memory?

Not someday.

Not when things calm down.

Not when you’re certain.

What could you do now?

With those 10 seconds of insane courage.

Whatever yours is…Don’t wait so long that someday decides for you.

Courage over comfort,

Garrett

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