Like everybody else, I was shocked at the news of Kobe Bryant, along with his daughter and 7 others, passing away in a helicopter crash. It hit me, even though I never met the guy and he never knew of my existence.
It’s said 150,000 people die per day. And that’s sad too, but when somebody you know or “know” dies, it makes you think of those you have personally lost, and also reminds us that our time here is short.
All of us believe we are going to make it to our Golden Years, that we are all going to retire to a sandy beach, that we are all going travel the world, that we are all going to play with the grand kids, and that when the time comes we will all be good and ready, but that’s just not true.
Yes, I 100% agree–bills have to be paid, obligations have to be met, things have to get done. But trudging through life cannot be our whole life.
Life is more than trading days for dollars.
There is life to live.
Plan that trip to Europe. See the National Parks. Write that novel. Start the blog. Run that marathon. Go to the game. Read those books on your list. See the Keys. Call your parents if you still have them. Tell your spouse you love them. Hug the kids.
It’s likely that you wrote down some goals–or at least thought about some goals–for the year about a month ago. How are you doing on them? Did you start them? Did you give up? Or are you sticking to them because you know that it will make your life better?
There are some things in Florida that I believe should be on your list if you live here that you should do this year instead of “someday” because yesterday’s someday is today. The time is now to do things.
Explore Bok Tower Gardens – I had this on my “someday” list for a very long time and finally went last year. When I got there I cried out in my head, “Why did I wait so long to come to this amazing place?!!
Catch A Ride At Busch Gardens – Most Floridians have made the pilgrimage to Disney and Universal but overlook Busch Gardens. This is the most underrated theme park in Florida and you must experience the rids and the roars. I highly recommend Christmas Town. It is my absolute favorite Busch Gardens experience.
Catch A Baseball Game – Florida is home to a lot of baseball, from Spring Training, to the Florida State League, and the 2 professional teams that call FL home.
Go To A New Beach – There are 663 miles of beach in Florida, instead of going to your usual spot–how about checking out a new beach? You can find a new beaches from the Panhandle to Key West.
Enjoy A Florida Brew – There are a bunch of micro-breweries in FL. Why not grab a nice cold brew from the Sunshine State?
Watch A Summer Storm Roll In – I love to watch the summer storms roll in: hear the thunder, see the lightning, smell the rain. It’s glorious, and why not grab that Florida brew while you’re at it?
Go To A State Park – There are 175 state parks in Florida. Everybody has one nearby. Go check it out! Hike a trail, paddle a river, look for new birds, go camping.
Swim In A Spring – There are hundreds of springs to visit in Florida, including some of my favorites: Rainbow Springs, Blue Springs and Weeki Wachee Springs (which has the added bonus of mermaid shows).
Read A Florida Book – Florida is home to some of the best books and authors. Put one of their books on your list this year. It could be The Yearling, Their Eyes Were Watching God, Travis McGee, River of Grass, Shadow Country.
Drive Down To The Keys – Some of the most beautiful and unique places in Florida can be found in the Florida Keys, if you have never visited or haven’t been in years, then you need to make this trip.
Drive With The Windows Down – I’ve noticed that most people drive around with their window up and the AC on. But if you open those windows it’s like you’re in a whole other world. The fresh smell of the ocean is on the cool breeze and the rustle of palm trees can be heard.
See The Manatees – Every year during the winter the Florida manatees gather in the warm river and spring water. Go see these uniquely Florida sea creatures.
Visit St. Augustine – Go visit the ancient (for FL) city of St. Augustine, the longest continuously occupied city in America. Lots of history, architecture, and culture to explorer here.
Eat A Cuban Sandwich – Little sandwich shops all over FL make amazing Cuban sandwiches, which is probably the best sandwich of all time.
Watch For Birds – Ever since I have gotten into birding, nothing has been the same. A dreary drive to the store becomes an adventure looking for new birds I have not yet seen and checking them of the checklist in the back of my trusty birding field guide.
Listen To A Jimmy Buffet Song – Jimmy Buffet has made a career out of singing Florida songs. Take a listen!
Paddle A River – There is nothing quite like paddling a windy, Florida river.
Go For A Walk – At least once a week, I take a walk around my neighborhood in the evening and my life is better because of it. I talk to my neighbors, see animals, feel the cool breeze and sometimes feel the raindrops starting to fall.
Go To A Festival – There are so many festivals to choose from–county fairs, the state fair, music festivals, food festivals, beach festivals, city festivals, rodeos, Gasperilla, a festival at the local school.
Get A Slice Of Key Lime Pie – Order a slice of Key Lime pie the next chance you get.
It is a privilege for us to be able to live in this great state of swamp, sand, water and sunshine. Let’s take advantage of all the good things this state has to offer during our short ride on Planet Earth. I’ll see you out there!
