If Not Now, When?

Hands down, the Barbie yellow camper ranks as one of my favorite childhood presents.  It took me hours to put the stickers on the plastic pieces.  It even had a little seat so I could ride on top of it.  One warm day after it rained I took that banana beast outside and pretended that the doll family was on vacation, skipping their shoeless feet in the puddles, wondering if one day I would take my own family on a dream trip like the pretend one in the driveway. 

So it’s no wonder that two weeks ago I picked up a yachting magazine at a dentist’s office and thought the exact same thing—would I ever live a glamorous life and travel as depicted?  When I flipped to the article entitled “If Not Now, When?” I almost choked.  Could this be a sign to head to the Mediterranean and cruise on a big boat?  I’m no Sheila E, so the glamorous life is out of the picture, but it does beg the question:  how much do you save up now to live a richer life later?   Is it irresponsible to take risks especially when the financial stakes are high?  The answer is “yes” to buying a yacht I can’t afford, but it gets a little blurry when discussing a family vacation or investing in home improvement projects. 

And it’s not just financial decisions that are easily postponed… volunteering at a children’s hospital, taking African dance lessons, trying a new career, sending unpublished books to publishers.  The back burner used to feel far away, but in reality that flame could burn me it’s so close.  I remember in my twenties feeling relieved that Julia Child was 49 when she first published Mastering the Art of French Cooking and that Judy Blume began writing when her kids were in preschool.  Somehow knowing that other women became successful professionally later in life gave me a grace period.   I always felt I had time.

But my clock is ticking, and it’s not that clock. 

I think of the common excuses for not taking the plunge, any plunge:

• I can’t afford it
• I don’t have the time
• It’s unrealistic
• It’s not a good time

But are they mere excuses costumed as avoidance?  I have found that whenever I have stuck out my neck and taken a risk—it’s always been better than sitting with regret.  Even if nothing substantial came of it.  At least I can feel solace with trying.  No matter what—we gain something, even if it’s just perspective, a new friend, or a conversation starter—whether we fail or succeed. 

During this next decade I vow to take my time, and I don’t mean by being patient and detail-oriented.  I mean I will literally take time-- grab it, reserve it, seize it, and use it.  About fifteen years ago in Boston I stumbled upon a now nameless travel book whose foreword’s quotation said something like, “The only trips I regret are the ones I didn’t take.”  That sentiment rings through my mind whenever I question spending money on a purchase or an experience I know I would value.  The same holds true when considering whether to take a risk or try something new.  I may not be luxe-y enough for yachting, but I am fortunate for many other real opportunities. 

We older gals can do anything, right, Barbie?  And I mean, right now.