I went back and started reading some of the titles of my previous blog posts, and I noticed some common themes. They often discuss the importance of slowing down, appreciating the present, and finding joy in the little things in life. However, this particular blog post is a little different. As I’ve grown older, I’ve found that the sound of the clock ticking has become louder in my head. It seems that many of my male friends who are in similar stages of life also experience this phenomenon. On the other hand, most of the women in my life don’t seem to be as affected by the ticking of the clock. Perhaps they are more grounded and able to appreciate the present moment. This is just an observation and I can’t say for certain why this is the case but it sure appears that way.

Before I continue, I should probably clarify what I mean by “the clock is always ticking.” Staying present in the moment has been a lifelong challenge for me, which I’ve discussed in the past. However, when I say “the clock is always ticking,” I mean that time is passing by rapidly. The sound of the ticking clock in my head grows louder, urging me to seize opportunities that may not be available to me 10 or 15 years from now. I realize that may seem like a long time, but as time seems to accelerate, it will arrive sooner than we expect. This constant reminder is difficult to control, but it propels me to pursue my passions and engage in activities that my body still allows me to do today. Whether it’s keeping up with my boys on the golf course, jumping on the trampoline with my grandkids, participating in a boxing class with my wife, or making the perfect fly fishing cast while crossing a fast-running stream, these experiences serve as reminders that time is always ticking away.

There is a delicate balance between filling every moment of our lives and creating chaos. As I’ve mentioned before, finding that balance can be challenging for some individuals, including myself. While I wish I could do a better job at it, I never apologize or feel embarrassed for wanting to spend most of my waking hours doing things I love. In fact, it brings vibrancy and happiness into my life and spreads positive energy to my friends and family. I consider it one of my best qualities, as long as it doesn’t interfere with the happiness of others. That’s the tricky part—finding the right balance. Am I being too self-serving? What is the appropriate equilibrium? I don’t believe I will ever completely master this in my remaining days on Earth.

Well, most of my readers are younger than me, so I want to make sure this message resonates with people of all ages. I can sum up my point in two words: don’t wait! Don’t miss out on any golden opportunities. There are things in my life that I passed up on, and I deeply regret them now. So, my advice is simple: don’t wait, because that voice in your head urging you to take action will only grow louder with each passing day.