Hello and good day! I always appreciate You taking a moment out of your busy schedule to stop by ‘Terry’s Thoughts!’
I hope your days have been going well and that You are making the most of every moment—which is exactly what I want to reflect on today.
We have all witnessed people reinventing themselves at every stage of Life. How do they do it? In my experience, it starts with being more mindful about making progress, one step at a time. By focusing on that immediate next step, they fundamentally change the trajectory of their lives.
A dear friend of mine often shares quotes from the Dalai Lama when he isn’t offering his own wisdom, (Thanks Ron!). Here is a profound quote he included in a recent email:
“Man surprises me most because he sacrifices his health in order to make money. Then he sacrifices money to recuperate his health. And then he is so anxious about the future that he does not enjoy the present. The result is that he does not live in the present or the future. He lives as if he is never going to die, and then he dies having never really lived.“
This provides tremendous insight into how we should adjust our perspective to ensure we are truly living in the moment, rather than constantly looking toward some distant future.
As we navigate our “Encore days,” we must remember that it is never too early or too late to start making positive changes. We shouldn’t wait for an arbitrary date like tomorrow to take action. We have the opportunity right now to make ourselves a priority, especially since we are no longer driven solely by the demands of work and achievement -and- we have the time!
Too often, we wait because we think we need to “find” a new passion, but satisfaction is built through action. If You want more passion in your Life, act accordingly right now. Don’t wait for tomorrow’s opportunities; embrace the one in front of You. Focus on today’s tasks, today’s run, and today’s conversations.
When You discover something that brings You joy—something that truly matters—care enough about yourself to make room for it. If You find You don’t have enough time for what matters, stop doing what doesn’t. Start subtracting the things that aren’t working for You anymore.
Every time we subtract a negative, we make room for a positive. When things aren’t adding up in your life, begin subtracting. Life becomes simpler and more enjoyable when we clear the emotional and physical clutter. Letting go of the old makes way for the new; letting go of what isn’t working makes way for what will. As the saying goes, “When the pain of holding on is worse than the pain of letting go, it’s time to let go and grow.”
Purpose is the reason for the journey, and passion is the fire that lights the way. During our Encore days, it’s more important than ever to believe in your heart that You are meant to live each day with intention—that every moment is worthy in its own way. With this mindset, You will realize there is plenty in your life right now worth your time, energy, and focus.
In the end, small things make a big difference. Life isn’t just about a single moment of triumph; every step, every decision, and every small win matters.
Our Encore phase is about embracing Life as it is, realizing that we will one day look back and wish we could return to this very day. Here is one of my favorite quotes from Jack Welch: “Face reality as it is, not as it was or as you wish it to be.” For us, that means embracing and loving life exactly as it is right now.
There is no need to keep searching for “what”s next” as long as You maintain a sense of adventure and remain open to adjusting the parts of your journey that need change.
The goal is to build a Life You don’t need to escape from—where peace isn’t something You chase, but something you live every day.
It’s time to start that next journey. I hope You dream boldly, create something new, love deeply, and find the strength to grow from what You cannot change. Most importantly, please continue to be extra kind to yourself and others.
Step forward into this Encore Phase with enthusiasm. Take care of yourself, make the most of your days, and always remember:
“Never quit searching, never settle, and never give up seeking your greater purpose!“
Terry's Thoughts 
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