The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now. ~ Chinese Proverb
Oh how the years fly by and how easy it is to look back at particular phases, situations, and moments with deep regret. Wishing I had acted with more courage in my youth, regretting I acted unkindly and selfishly for a time in my early forties, thinking back on a lifetime of being relatively sedentary and, therefore, less healthy than I could have been, knowing I could have read a few more books to my children when they were young enough to want me to read to them and, truth be told, wishing I hadn't skipped pages at bedtime story time when I was tired at the end of a day. The list goes on and on...or rather it could if I let it.
Here's the thing though, in the here and now what's done is done. I did good and I did not so good in the past, but I can only affect and influence the now. Are there trees I wish I'd planted 20 teats ago? Sure. Is wishing I had going to change a darned thing about the fact that I didn't? Nope.
So, today I plant trees, metaphorically speaking. I seize the moment and carpe the diem every chance I get. I courageously speak my mind when I need to. I am as generous and gracious as I can be. I make choices to help ensure my health for years, decades even, to come. Quite frankly, if my children will tolerate it, I'll even read some of their favorites childhood books to them. Yes, I am planting trees each and every day so that in 20 years I won't look back at those I regret not planting. ~ Mk Michaels
