Time…

We can’t buy time… In fact, it’s one of the few things in life that we all know is finite so it’s important to enjoy every moment.

So, it goes with another year winding down and another about to begin.  It feels like they speed up as we age, but the year, like most has seemingly flown by.

I’m not sure about you, but I always take pause around this time of year to reflect on the year that was…

Lots of accomplishments but more than ever it’s the day-to-day micro-ones that sometimes are the sweetest.

Similarly, like adventures they don’t always have to be huge and extravagant but rather personal and meaningful.  Often these have a lasting impact and memory attached.

Each year I create a family calendar and send it across the world to all our family.  Over the years it’s become far more elaborate, capturing everyone’s birthday along with photos of Zach and Sam over the course of the prior year.

What’s most gratifying is that the number of additions to our family over the years, with some months now having up to 10 birthdays.  Okay, we’re a large family but also now spread to the four corners of the earth.

Judy’s family has 76 birthdays alone, not to mention my 65 so yeah it can get a little crazy where there are three people’s birthday on the same day.

Another high point this year included a ten-day visit from my sister Glenda and brother-in-law Max here in Queensland.  So much fun!

Judy and I have also had quite a few trips, some local for weekends away in Byron Bay, Brisbane or the Sunshine Coast.

One of our big trips this past year was to visit her parents and family in Long Island, New York.

Such a great trip!

And of course, this past week was Zach’s graduation in Canberra was a particularly special time.

To end our year, we’re flying to Tasmania and taking a road trip to explore.  I’ll be able to visit my sister-on-law, nephews and their families on Boxing Day in Launceston which will be awesome!

Tasmania is off the beaten track to a large degree, but incredibly beautiful.  We can’t wait to explore its mountains, forests, and beaches over the time we’re going to be there.

Stay tuned for daily updates on Facebook and Instagram.

When you think of your time this year – what memories or experiences stand out the most?

Which are the special moments or adventures will you treasure for the rest of your life…

For me personally, each year I have a high-level travel plan but then fill in all the other trips and experiences around the large anchor trips.

As an example, in April, Judy and I are heading to Italy for our long-awaited honeymoon (only two years late).  We’re spending three full weeks exploring my favourite country on earth.

As you know the way I like to travel is to book the flights and accommodations, and for the most part let the days unfold.

Sure, there are some items on our list that we want to check off, but it’s important to also just be in the moment…

Maybe room service breakfast in bed or perhaps a long leisurely lunch, an impromptu walk on the beach or a mid-afternoon aperitif.

The important thing is to take your time and soak in all these experiences and not feel rushed to squeeze every historic site or landmark in to your day.

In addition to our trip to Italy Sam has her graduation this June in Canada, plus I really want to take Judy to Singapore and Malaysia.

Clearly, never a shortage of places to go and explore.

What’s on your list for 2024?

What are your big anchors for the coming year?  They don’t have to be trips; these could be any activities that you share with someone that you love.

Take a moment to think about what’s on the horizon for the coming year.  What special occasions or moments are planned?

If you don’t have any at present perhaps this is an opportunity to think about creating some and putting them out there for you to follow through with as the year progresses.

I’ve found in the past that I would plan an experience and from this would often sprout a host of micro adventures, which were totally unplanned.

These unplanned moments are the absolute best and can often cast indelible memories to last a lifetime.

I know that my intention is to try and have as many adventures as possible this coming year.

This was a conscious choice for me when I realized that life was for living.  Now more than a decade on it’s become my anthem of life.

In my mind, time is of the essence and so it’s important to fill your life with these experiences while creating memories.

Life is to be enjoyed – no if’s, and’s, or but’s about it.

Until next week

Ciao!