Tuesday, January 27, 2009

I Dedicate this Post to You

One of My Favorite Quotes

Last April my brother turned twenty-one while he was studying abroad in New Zealand. I typed the following quote on a piece of paper and put it in the card I sent to wish him a happy day. Now, that same piece of paper hangs in my parents' kitchen on a frame with pictures of my brother in New Zealand. This past weekend as I was up north visiting them, I was reminded of this quote, which is one of my favorites. It gives me encouragement when fear stands in the way of me stepping out of my comfort zone to try new things.
"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." -Mark Twain

So I dedicate this post to the many friends and family I know who have or are thinking about stepping out of their comfort zones a bit to try something new. I won't mention any names, but you know who you are.

4 comments:

  1. Well Mr. Clemens has a point, but as we discussed at church this week, it just so unnerving to drop everything and go. There is a reason it is called "safe harbor" and, to carry the metaphor further, there is a reason why so many people live on dry land instead of out at sea.

    Nice post honey. Forgive my agoraphobia!

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  2. Yeah I like. I hope if you consider me one of these people you don't rely on this post for me to get the message, I'm not a big fan of hints. Other than that, one of my favorite birthday cards, even like it better than the Muir quote you gave me the year before.

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  3. Travis,
    Of course this isn't just a hint for you if I directly sent it across the world to get to you. :) I'd say that is more than a hint. But you could consider this a reminder for the many upcoming things you are considering. I just felt like I know a lot of people thinking about different things, and it seemed appropriate for many.

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  4. It is interesting and refreshing to be surrounded by people who are each struggling individually to go beyond the security of what we know in order to live richer lives. It is a great encouragement for me to traverse this with a great group of people.

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