-Loss and Regrets.-

I'd venture to guess most of us have regrets in life. 

This holiday weekend I received news of the passing of a dear Italian friend and, while not related by blood, extended family member. I knew of his illness and I took it in strides...knowing his days were numbered. Receiving the news of his death via email...it took some time to process it. Yes, he was in his upper 70's and had lived a good life. But death is death. Especially when I'd hoped to see him again. 

It was always "next year, next year." It's too expensive to go to Italy this year. I know I really want to see my friends that I haven't seen in two decades, I know some of my extended family members are getting older....but we have time.  I'll go next year. For sure. It's been six years, and I still haven't gone back to see my blood-related cousins in Palermo. It's been 22 years since I've been back to the Brindisi area in Italy to see my old friends in which I consider family. Time. Waits. For No One. 

Yes, I have regrets. And now I have to come to a peace within myself of knowing I didn't get to see him again...because as we say in Italy..."Domani. I'll go domani." 

Tomorrow came....and so did his last breaths. My heart aches for the family....we were all so very close. My heart hurts knowing I didn't get to say goodbye. I remember the good times, cooking in the kitchen, holidays spent together. A bond that cannot be explained. Cultures coming together, sharing their lives and families, learning from one another. 

Do what you can today. Don't keep putting it off. 

-Follow your Passion.

What is stopping you from your passion? Whether you do it for the money or purely for the love of your passion, whatever it may be, what is stopping you? Why aren't you giving something towards your passion each and every day?

Even if it's only a few minutes focusing on your passion, why not dedicate a bit of time to it? You'd be amazed at the difference it makes. Five minutes, ten minutes. Do it. Try it. See what happens. I promise you, you will want to devote more time to it each and every day. 

One of my passions happens to be photography...and I shoot nearly daily. When I don't shoot, I have withdrawals. I always have to shoot something, anything. And if I am not shooting, I am looking at other photographer's work or learning something new in Photoshop or LightRoom. I guess you could say I am nearly addicted to my passion. Not a bad thing. 

Passion inspires you to do more, to do better. Passion pushes you. Follow your passion. Go for it. Try it out. Each day. Do it. What do you have to lose?