"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things 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
When one reads the quote by Mark Twain about avoiding regrets by exploring, dreaming, and discovering, one undoubtedly thinks of that dream vacation yet to be taken--that bucket list destination that must be visited--that sight that must be seen before the end of one's life.
Sadly, we human beings are creatures of habit. How many of us actually follow through with our plans and go exploring somewhere new? It seems that any worthwhile adventure takes dedication, money, and time that we simply don't have. It is easier and more convenient to stay at home and keep wishing.
But how far can our dreams really extend if we don't step outside and explore, even if it's just to the next city over? Travel isn't just about bucket lists and accomplishments. It's about opening our eyes to new worlds and different ways of life.
Exploring, dreaming, and discovering aren't all part of one single journey. It doesn't happen over one weekend. Rather, it is through exploring that our dreams are kindled and further discoveries are made. It is a cycle, that can continue throughout our lives if we let it.
By exploring, we see that there are other ways to live life. This revelation can occur even close to home, but the farther out of your comfort zone you go, the heavier the impact the trip has on your life. Once these new steps are taken, and new things are seen, we start to imagine new things we could try--new ways to live. Thus, dreams are born. When we dream, and really work to fulfill those dreams, we discover that we are capable of so much more than we ever even imagined. Our lives change forever, and we can never go back, even when we physically return home.
Once that sense of discovery and adventure has been kindled, the next natural step is to explore further. There are so many things to see in this world, and not nearly enough time to see them all. But it is important that we all try to keep our exploratory nature alive. Without it, our dreams fade into the monotony of everyday tasks. Fresh discoveries become stale. We continue on the same path, never knowing how enriched our lives could be if only we continued exploring.
And so, let us all take Mark Twain's words to heart: "Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things 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."
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