What is one thing you have always wanted to do in your life but have not done yet?
November 2nd, 2008
I have many things that I would still like to do and accomplish! And I assume you do too. Perhaps you would like to change the world, launch a new project, or do something as (seemingly) simple as attending a conference and vowing to make some new connections…
Everest image source: twiga_269
This week I am heading to Miami to compete in the Miami Man International Distance Triathlon (swim .6 mile, bike 24 miles, and run 10k) on November 9th as part of my commitment to Train for Humanity.
Not many people actually know this about me, but I have wanted to do a triathlon ever since I watched Julie Moss (see video below- watch it!) collapse on T.V. at the Hawaii IronMan triathlon and then crawl across the finish line in 1982. Yikes that’s over 20 years ago…
While certainly not IronMan distance, the Olympic distance tri should give me a good feel for the event. Really, I would like to make it to, and compete in, the Hawaii IronMan event someday, but I am not sure that my knees necessarily agree with me.
To expand, and to get some differing viewpoints on the question above, “What have you always wanted to do?” I asked on Twitter and the following are the responses I received (I think you’ll be surprised by the answers):
afreytes: Surf and get stoked (Don’t have the body/grace for it though)
jalaine: to create the perfect work place for creative people and experiment on how to make it the most productive and fun place to be.
gabopagan: when I want something I go for it. The only thing I wish more would be… effect fundamental change on others.
terencechang: travel around the world and help poor orphan kids to live better in their life.
diablogue_chat: learn Spanish is still on my “List of things to do B4 I die.
corkymc: cliche, I know, but I have always wanted to trek in Tibet and see the Himalayas. No desire to climb, I just want to see them.
CoffeeDaze: move to Europe for a few years. Preferably Ireland, Holland or Germany.
annavhutchinson: I have always wanted to go to Italy, largely b/c it’s the setting for so many of the books I’ve loved. I’m hoping to go soon…
LucyFel: travel to Egypt to see the ancient ruins at Giza.
freelancesquad: I want to walk on The Graet Wall of China and go to The Great Barrier Reef:)
MinnesotaFats: spend a few nights in the Ice Hotel in Sweden.
melissamcd: that’s tough…start something that positively impacts the lives of many, not just a few - work for myself - move to Bonaire.
rosyblue: I have always wanted to ride a bike across Europe! One day, one day!!!
How about you - What is one thing you have always wanted to do in your life but have not done yet? And if you would like to further explain, what exactly is holding you back…?
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November 2nd, 2008 at 4:29 pm
Oh my god, Mark that video had me sobbing! How brave and determined was that young woman! Wow, such a shining example of the human spirit. I can see why it inspired you.
There are many things I have always wanted to do that haven’t been ticked off yet. One dream I plan on accomplishing in the next few years is to take at least a one year sabbatical with my family and go live overseas in a Spanish speaking country. Home school Bunny or put him in a local school, finally get fluent in Spanish and write a travel memoir based on my experiences living, working and volunteering there.
Maybe for my 40th. We’ll see.
Good luck in Miami triathlon. Will keep an eye out for how you did. Will we get photos?
Kelly
November 2nd, 2008 at 4:34 pm
I have not yet dived with sharks. I’m not sure i’ll get there but imagine if i did.!!..
November 2nd, 2008 at 7:45 pm
That video reminds me what I have done in the military as a special division paratrooper. Never give up! I was almost killed by the most intense training in the military. All I remembered is that I did finish the training before I passed out at the finish line. Otherwise, I will need to start over again for the 9 days non-stop intense training or disqualified to become one of the tough soldier. I may not survive after all.
Good luck to your race! Keep a good faith. You will win your honor no matter what.
Great list of things that people want to do in their life.
November 3rd, 2008 at 4:23 am
Good luck in Miami, Mark!
The funny thing is that now that I read everyone’s answers to your question, I feel like doing all the things listed :)
November 3rd, 2008 at 6:18 am
You gathered some awesome responses from Twitter. I love the list.
My thing is that I have many things that I would love to accomplish and mainly, it’s to see a change in mindset in people all over the world and not being afraid to being open to new ideas. Wouldn’t it be great to see the leaders of the world come together and really make a difference for the better of mankind?
All the best for your triathlon too. You’ll do great I’m sure with all the training you’ve been putting in. Think of it as an excellent adventure and the monies raised for the children of Darfur.
Have a great time!
November 3rd, 2008 at 7:17 am
Great post, Mark!!! Good luck to you!!! What stopped me; work, money and time. And, now, when I think about it, it’s just an excuse for me. I need to find a way to head to Europe! Where there’s a will there’s a way!
November 3rd, 2008 at 11:55 am
I still vividly remember that video clip. So powerful. My dream is to write a book. One that got published. And what’s held me back is me. Who am I to write a book? What credentials do I have? What do I even have to say?
I’m working on removing the mental blocks. I feel I am getting closer. I’m working on, not letting fear stand in my way.
Good luck on your triathlon. You’re doin’ it.
November 3rd, 2008 at 3:50 pm
I want to go skydiving, I want to learn to scuba dive, and want to learn to do the tango. Wow, November 9th is getting close :-)
November 3rd, 2008 at 8:44 pm
Hi Mark,
Best wishes on your triathlon adventure!
I am noticing many of the responses include travel or something relating to people/culture of different parts of the world (even your Triathlon is “international — BTW, recommend you include link to it :)
That’s because I think we all have share a deep desire to connect to people, learn from people, and share with people — in different places, from different cultures, knowing we all have more things in common than differences.
So, yes, what Ange said above has great meaning, too:
“…to see a change in mindset in people all over the world and not being afraid to being open to new ideas. Wouldn’t it be great to see the leaders of the world come together and really make a difference for the better of mankind?”
I love it! Especially knowing that we–you, me, all your readers, and the folks around the globe–are all leaders (and now with unprecedented power called Social Media).
You’ll be in my thoughts this weekend!
Best,
JP
p.s. Debbie, a few resources for you (good luck!):
http://www.nanowrimo.org/
http://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/how-to-start-a-writing-critique-group.html
http://www.threesixtyalliance.com/lisa-gates/
http://spiritwomen.blogspot.com/
November 4th, 2008 at 9:23 pm
Good luck on your triathlon! I’ve always wanted to do one myself, but swimming is my weakest link. Quite frankly, I was born to stay on land. Otherwise, I think the bike ride and the run would be a breeze.
What I really want to do is to fly an airplane.
November 14th, 2008 at 11:10 am
Just finished a 6 mile run after not running for a year and a half. Training for the Rock N Roll marathon in Jan. in Phoenix.
Amazing simply amazing. I witnessed the Ironman in Hawaii 7 years ago. I saw a 76 year old man finish for the 11th time in a row.
You can if you think you can!
November 16th, 2008 at 1:13 am
Hi Mark,
How did the triathlon go?
You have a great blog and I like you more since you have dogs :)
I want to scuba dive and touch underwater life and photograph them :)
November 22nd, 2008 at 5:08 am
I needed to see this today.
Im a bit stuck in the I WANT IT. I REALLY WANT IT but not yet at the **I so believe I can**
December 2nd, 2008 at 7:38 am
Drive around the U.S. hitting all 48 states but not use any major highways. End the trip with Alaska and Hawaii. And while I travel interview people so that I get to know them and their culture better.