I’m rummaging through my wardrobe, pulling out a new shirt, a new cycling jersey, and some socks. They’re not actually new. They’re a few years old, and I’ve never worn them. I keep putting them away, and I don’t even know what for. 

Hmm, they look a bit different now. I open the second drawer, and there’s a nice chain, bike oil, and bearings. I haven’t used any of it yet. And that’s just stuff…

When I’m out and cycling, sometimes I come across a place, a spot, or a viewpoint and admire it from a distance. I tell myself, “I’ll get a closer look next time.” At least that gives me a reason to come back. There’s no need to mention how many places like that I’ve visited and never returned to.

It also happens that I get invited somewhere. I politely say thanks and reply, “When I have more time.” But do I really not have time? Me?

So many things and experiences I’ve put off until later never got used or never happened. Of course, there have been a few exceptions that somehow worked out. But a huge part of it is gone. Chances are, those opportunities will never come around again. The things I put away get old, fade, get eaten away by something, or simply wear out with age. Invitations expire, situations change, and nothing ever comes of them.

Sometimes I start wondering: what if there’s something better or more beautiful somewhere else? But worrying and overthinking won’t tell me what’s waiting around the next corner. If I put something away in my desk drawer or a cupboard, I might forget all about it. A few years later, it’ll end up in the bin. Of course, it makes sense to think about the consequences. 

More and more, I’m realising that if I want to achieve something, thinking about taking the leap won’t get me anywhere.

I’m old enough to understand that not every opportunity is going to be a big. Some things in life will inevitably be an “oops” too. But I’ll only find that out if I give them a try, at least when it’s something that genuinely interests me.

I want to live my life. That also means accepting a bit of risk and discomfort. I’m learning to say yes, to arrange a meeting, set a date and a place, make a video, and visit the places I like sooner rather than later.

To act with a greater sense of urgency. What if the very thing right in front of me turns out to be an amazing experience? What if I meet new people and discover new places? Who knows what else might happen.

Books say, “Apparently, not everything you put off until later will still be there waiting for you.” 

I’m beginning to see life as a web of interconnected situations, sudden realisations, spontaneous decisions, and opportunities we have to work for. I’m also becoming more aware of how risky it is to put things away in drawers or turn down invitations with the promise of “when I have more time”.

Life happens. Life is meant to be lived. It goes on whether I’m sitting on the sofa at home, cycling through the forest, or somewhere out in the world. It’s obvious that I won’t be able to take every opportunity. I can’t be everywhere or with everyone. I don’t think that’s what life is about anyway. But it’s not about putting everything off until later, either. Because that “later” might never come. Who knows?