DivaSkyChick 0 #1 February 8, 2003 Do you even wonder what the hell you're doing with your life? I mean, have you made the decisions that put you where you are, today, or did you just sorta follow along with the easiest options available? Do you ever feel like somewhere a long the way you lost your path - lost track of the plan you formulated way back when, when you were going to be famous or world champion or prove superstring theory... Do you feel like it's too late to find your way again, that you've made your bed... What if someone told you that you could put everyone who cares about you on hold for awhile, they'd be in suspended animation so they'd never be hurt about or even know your decisions... What if all your debts would go on hold and your job would still be there if you chose to come back... What would you do? What would you change? Of course you'd have no job or cash, they'd all be on hold. You could activate any friends you wanted or needed to make the new plan work... How would you start your new life and would you try again to achieve the old dreams? Do you remember what they were? LOL I guess this is for those of us who can't jump this weekend... --- www.facebook.com/mandyhamptonfitch Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CrazyIvan 0 #2 February 8, 2003 I could write a book about it, but I'll give you a brief opinion, life in general is uncertain, we are the ones who makes the decisions, sometimes we are right, most times wrong, the lesson is, to be able to distinguish good and bad decisions and learn from our mistakes, we can rectified our path, but we have to KNOW which way we have to turn.__________________________________________ Blue Skies and May the Force be with you. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Push 0 #3 February 8, 2003 The Road not Taken by Robert Frost - 1916 Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, And sorry I could not travel both And be one traveler, long I stood And looked down one as far as I could To where it bent in the undergrowth; Then took the other, as just as fair, And having perhaps the better claim, Because it was grassy and wanted wear; Though as for that, the passing there Had worn them really about the same, And both that morning equally lay In leaves no step had trodden black. Oh, I kept the first for another day! Yet knowing how way leads on to way, I doubted if I should ever come back. I shall be telling this with a sigh Somewhere ages and ages hence: Two roads diverged in a wood, and I- I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference. --- I would change none of my decisions. Only in the presence of others do we make mistakes, get several roads in a wood. If there are no consequences, there are no choices. If there are no choices, there is no growth. Let there be mistakes, I think I turned out alright. -- Toggle Whippin' Yahoo Skydiving is easy. All you have to do is relax while plummetting at 120 mph from 10,000' with nothing but some nylon and webbing to save you. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jessd 0 #4 February 8, 2003 I have always loved that poem. Looking back I could think of many things that I may have done differently. But, I wouldn't change anything that I have done if I had that choice. I believe that everything we do throughout our lives helps to define who we are now. Therefore, I don't think of anything I have done as a mistake - but something to learn from and something that will help me to make future decisions and choices. "Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away..." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Push 0 #5 February 8, 2003 As for me, I made mistakes, but I wouldn't want to change them. They made me who I am today. Edited to make it not sound condescending (sorry) -- Toggle Whippin' Yahoo Skydiving is easy. All you have to do is relax while plummetting at 120 mph from 10,000' with nothing but some nylon and webbing to save you. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jessd 0 #6 February 8, 2003 QuoteAs for me, I can admit to making mistakes, but I wouldn't want to change them. They made me who I am today. True - reading over what I wrote - what I really meant to say is that I have made some mistakes but do not regret anything that I have done. I know some people who make mistakes and look back regretting them rather than looking at them as learning experiences that have helped them grow and learn for the future. "Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away..." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LouDiamond 1 #7 February 8, 2003 Quote What if someone told you that you could put everyone who cares about you on hold for awhile, they'd be in suspended animation so they'd never be hurt about or even know your decisions... What if all your debts would go on hold and your job would still be there if you chose to come back... What would you do? What would you change? Of course you'd have no job or cash, they'd all be on hold. You could activate any friends you wanted or needed to make the new plan work... How would you start your new life and would you try again to achieve the old dreams? Do you remember what they were? LOL I guess this is for those of us who can't jump this weekend... That doesn't sound like living to me but more like something I do to the DVD when I want to get up and get another beer. If life was like that I think it would be very boring. There is no risk, no uncertainty, no danger, no excitment,no chance to experience all that life has to offer. I think we all have points in our life that we wish we could go back and do something different or change something that we did/didn't do. I think what makes life so interesting is that there is no way to plan for it. We try and convince ourselves we control our lives and have the "master plan" for our success but in reality there are no guarentees, no do overs or wait I wasn't readys. The most we can hope to do is to be an active participant in life and do the things that we want to do and control the things that are within our limited grasp. No, I wouldn't opt for putting everything on hold while I became a world champ or whatever my dream ideal is. The only one it would be apparent to would be you since none of those who care about you would have been witness to your struggles, defeats and victories. Life is about sharing your experiences both good and bad. Besides, everyonce in awhile life throws you a gag reel, deleted scenes and hidden easter eggs that make life so exciting. Live life without fear or regret."It's just skydiving..additional drama is not required" Some people dream about flying, I live my dream SKYMONKEY PUBLISHING Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wmw999 2,521 #8 February 8, 2003 I've taken several of those roads already. I always liked the Duke of Wellington's statement that good plans are made of string, so you can change them without breaking them (or something like that -- I couldn't find it, so maybe I made it up). As long as no one is solely dependent on me (e.g. child, parent), then I can change my path to go into a direction I like better. I can sell my house, the car, whatever, so that I'm less encumbered by possessions. Friends are an asset, but good friends stay good, and you really can make new friends. As far as I'm concerned, you can only plan from where you are, not where you woulda coulda shoulda been. I wouldn't put things on hold; I can't really imagine why. Wendy W. There is nothing more dangerous than breaking a basic safety rule and getting away with it. It removes fear of the consequences and builds false confidence. (tbrown) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sarge 0 #9 February 9, 2003 Life according to doug, I'll quote Forrest Gump again, "Life is a box of chocolates, you never know what you're gonna get." Personally, living in the 'shoulda-coulda-woulda' realm of expectation is destructive to character, inspiriration and integrity. Living for others is a false reality if it is not based in love. If love for myself is not centered on the truth that, 'all good things are in the process of happening,' then the promise of a brighter tommorrow is meaningless. The truth that consoles me is that I should live this day to its fullest, to willingly and openly accept its challenges; accept my strengths and shotcomings; constantly strive to improve... and maybe,,, just maybe,,, and not by my intention, but with the graces that I may be unworthy to be rewarded... that I enjoy life in a sense of peace that comforts my existence realizing it is simply a great and fragile gift. .-- I'm done with the personally meaningful and philosophical sigs!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Beachbum 0 #10 February 9, 2003 Quotewould you try again to achieve the old dreams? nah ... 18 year old dreams don't do nearly as well starting with a 47 year old bod!!As long as you are happy with yourself ... who cares what the rest of the world thinks? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Billy 0 #11 February 9, 2003 Billy gives Mandy a big HUG,, Kiss,, and Jump ticket,,, know that you are loved,, all the rest is just fluff,, you can still dream and set goals!!! life starts today for all of us Natural Born FlyerZ.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gawain 0 #12 February 9, 2003 Oh Mandy, you need to get back to California fast! Honestly, and without trying to sound too intense: Do not regret the past. Do not forget the past. Do not project the future. Keep it simple. Pet your puppy. Do a little writing in a journal. Keep it simple. Do not forget your dreams. Do not live in your dreams. Keep it simple. If you're seeking variety, try a little RW work for a jump or two. So I try and I scream and I beg and I sigh Just to prove I'm alive, and it's alright 'Cause tonight there's a way I'll make light of my treacherous life Make light! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
blewaway5 0 #13 February 9, 2003 In the words of a wise old lady I know who happens to own my favorite bar, don't sweat the petty shit, pet the sweaty shit. I totally understand where you're coming from here because I do wish I had made a lot of decisions different. Hell, I've sat here and pondered them and kicked myself in the ass for a lot of them. The thing that set me free was when I decided that since I have no control over the past and since the future is really out of my control for the most part I might as well just concentrate on making whatever seems like the best choice at the moment. Maybe God, fate or the Great Pumpkin will guide my steps, maybe not, but if I die tomorrow I'm gonna go out thinking that at least I lived. More than likely I'm wrong about some of that, maybe all of that, but I'm firm believer that even if I am wrong and I die thinking I'm right, screw the people who have the mathematical proof showing why I was wrong. I doubt I'll care then. I guess that's all just my long drawn-out way of saying that even if you would hit the reset button all you'd accomplish would be to send yourself down a whole new path. The truth is, the path doesn't matter, it's gonna be bumpy no matter which way you go Truman Sparks for President Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AggieDave 6 #14 February 9, 2003 Cali? I think she needs to get to Texas for a while! Quote Baby's just a little bit tired of the city, Billboards and bullshit got her down, Seem like you need a little hill country, A Little backroads driving, little bit of the old top down,Yeah, everybody gotta get away sometime, Forget about yourself for awhile, Seems to me that all you need is a ragtop car to ride with me, Ok, alright, just might get a little high tonight ,Ok, alright, carry on, Ol' Walt Wilkins lives up in Nashville, You know his eyes have seen the miles, Walt why don't you jump in Jim T's caddy, Come down to Texas and drink with me awhile , Yeah, everybody gotta get away sometime, Forget about yourself for awhile, Will go down to El Arroyo have some tacos and beer yeah and let ourselves goe that you got your troubles,I'm gonna make sure that you work too hard, Ain't nobody that don't get tired, Watch your troubles pile up big in your own backyard, Sometimes you've got to grab your world with your own two hands, Set it spinning off on a course all your own,Take yourself a big bag for your shoulder, Find yourself some good times, bring them on back home, Yeah, everybody gotta get away sometime ,Forget about yourself for awhile, Lay your whole life upon a shelf, got no one to blame but your own damn self, Ok, alright, heaven only know what gonna happen tonight, Ok, alright, I'm ok, I'm alright, I'm ok, I'm alright, I'm ok, I'm alright, Oh carry on, yeah - That's lyrics from a Pat Green song, about getting away from everything and back to the Texas country. I think it applies...--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JJohnson 0 #15 February 9, 2003 Whoa.....way too much to even consider. Seeing as I cannot change the mistakes I've made all I can do is try to set the future more to my liking..... You sound down. Hope you feel better soon.JJ "Call me Darth Balls" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Billy 0 #16 February 9, 2003 Isn't there a theory in Quantum Physics that we are indeed in some place and time living the possibilty of each decision,, gotta go,, suns up and there is the possibilty we can jump today Natural Born FlyerZ.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Deuce 1 #17 February 9, 2003 The Chinese pictogram for "emergency" is a combination of the pictograms "crisis" and "opportunity" (if I'm remembering correctly). So life is a long string of "Oh shit!" "Choose!" points. The longer we live, the larger the collection of those forks in the road. But we only ever really get today. Pretty cool scenario, though. But if I put all my people into stasis, I'd have to go get a whole new set of people. And when I got done, and reactivated my old people, what the heck would I do with the new ones? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
suz 0 #18 February 10, 2003 Wow. you're feeling just like I feel at the moment. I'm considering going to the doctors if I dont "pick myself up soon" I have a very close friend (well she was) who is addicted to speed. She's wasted away and is now hiding it from me... The man I love so dearly is suicidal. And he's an hour away from me, which makes it so painful. I've put on stacks of weight from depression and I am now cutting away the rest of the world. Because I am in a state of "nobody cares for me" And I am still trying to come to terms with alot of personal issues. It's hard and there's no way around it I guess. You just gotta approach it head on and pray that you come out fine in the end. Don't bother me, I'm living happily ever after Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
