My friend Connie posted a link to a blog on courage on her facebook page today, and it reminded me of how much we all need to be a little braver (or maybe a lot braver) in living our lives. Last week, a former colleague of mine took a HUGE step towards changing his life, and I’ve been thinking of how difficult it must have been for him to step out of the security of his life and literally fly into a new one.
I missed Ray (a.k.a. Mr. Hines) at work yesterday morning. He’s the math instructor who’s been teaching in the classroom next to the room where I keep a couple of office hours on MW’s. I’ve listened to his math lectures since January, and I’ve often admired his enthusiasm and diligence.
He didn’t call in sick. And no, he didn’t get fired. He’s on his way to Auckland, New Zealand, a beautiful area that he’s always wanted to visit. Recently he and his wife found teaching positions there, and they decided to go for it. They sold their home, cars, and much of their furniture. What they couldn’t sell, they gave away. “Carpe diem” is their motto…or one of them at least.
Some people might say, “Well, it’s easy for them. They probably don’t have a family.” Actually, they do. The parents of two young sons, Ray and his wife have parents and other extended family members who live in the United States. They’ll be missed. Other people might say, “They’re nuts to sell everything they own to go off on an adventure like that. It’s downright foolhardy!” Regardless of what anyone might say, this young family will soon be enjoying some of the sights and sounds of the beautiful South Pacific. They had the courage to pursue their dreams, and if things don’t work out, they’ll move back.
In psychology, we often talk about the paralyzing effect that fear can have. Fear of the unknown, fear of change, and even fear of success (FOS) can prevent people from living their dreams. Sometimes, however, playing it safe is the riskiest choice a person can make.
By this time next week, Ray and his family might be strolling around the viaduct in Auckland trying to decide which trendy café or restaurant to dine in. Where will you be? Will you still be saying, “Someday, I’m going to….”?
mom's musings 
“Sometimes, however, playing it safe is the riskiest choice a person can make”. I love this line Jayne! After all we are never really “safe” are we! This post about courage and the one I posted on facebook are good reminders not to play it safe…to take a risk. one of my fav quotes by Anais Nin: And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.
I think your friend and his family will have the experience of a lifetime, the only kind you get living in a country other than your own. I wouldn’t trade that experience for anything!
I agree completely. Although I don't particularly want to go to New Zealand, there are sure some places I'd like to visit and things I'd like to do. Ready to go back to NYC?
As Vonnegut said:
“Of all the words of mice and men, the saddest are ‘It might have been.'”
New Zealand is definitely on the list of places to go. It’s actually one of the final stops in my dream vacation….
Brazil > South Georgia Islands > Ross Sea Ice Shelf > Amundsen, Antarctica > New Zealand > Fiji.
Fiji has to be on that list because that’s where I’ll spend a week or two thawing. 🙂
You're probably too young to have a serious bucket list, and yet there's no time like the present to start planning.actually i will be walking around seanic downtown ephraim in the great wilderness area of sanpetwe manti lasl >not much of an adventure for mei have to decide how to buy supplemental medical because my employer since retirement has stopped paying my premium and medicare, ha ha ha, won’t even come close><did you know that medicare will not even come close????
hi up there dave, haven’t heard from no surf in a while have we???????????
No we haven’t. We had her family over the Easter Holidays, and they are doing well.