(Photo by: T. Gittens, Barbados, West Indies)
I absolutely love old TV shows. A Different World, The Wonder Years, Perfect Strangers, Martin, The Munsters, Living Single, Miami Vice, Murder She Wrote, Quantum Leap; the list goes on. They are small, instant portals to my childhood which I can’t seem to let go of. Most importantly, they are reminders of much simpler, enjoyable and memorable times.
The other evening I was watching Little House on the Prairie. The episode centered on Laura Elizabeth Ingalls and her friend Dylan. Dylan was an extremely talented painter who often created canvasses of things he never actually saw. One of his canvasses was the ocean. He frequently painted them and promised his dying father that one day he’d see the ocean. But young Dylan’s promise was almost short-lived after he was diagnosed with a terminal illness. Despite his illness he constantly spoke about the ocean to Laura. So Laura in turn randomly asked her father Charles if he ever helped a friend fulfill a dream. When he confirmed that he had, Laura devised a plan to take Dylan to the ocean, and fast!
So Laura, Dylan and Laura’s little brother Albert naively snuck on a freight train from Minnesota to San Francisco to see the California Coast. But the trip wouldn’t be smooth sailing. Hiding in a vacant freight car, their lives were threatened by a drunken misfit who robbed them of their food. Laura, who was always a little feisty, fought the guy and threw him off the train after he threatened Albert. Back home, Charles and Dylan’s mom discovered a note left by Laura explaining where they were headed. Charles heroically catches up to the train (via horse) and encouraged them to return home with him. Dylan refused. Charles asked Dylan to remember his mother, and noted that she really wanted to be there for him in his last days. Although, Dylan acknowledged his mother, he remained adamant about continuing the trip citing that he had to fulfill his dying wish and his promise to his father. It was time for him to live for himself, not his mom or others. Somehow he found purpose and a sense of peace during the experience.
Needless to say they all continued the trek to San Francisco and Dylan ultimately saw and felt the wonders of the ocean. Just like he dreamed and promised his dad. I sat in my room thinking, how admirable and bold Dylan was. He could have easily allowed sickness and the cloud of death to prevent him from fulfilling his dream and his promise. But despite the risks, he took the chance. Not only did he take the chance, he had his friends or “squad” supporting him along the way. During weak moments when he was coughing up blood and felt and even spoke of dying, neither Laura nor Albert were having it. They would see to it that he would survive the journey and reminded him they were his crutches holding him up.
So, this episode had me thinking. How many of us (myself included) allow fear to prevent us from doing what we truly desire or are called to do. Life is not promised to anyone and sadly, death is the only certainty in life. So why not make the most of each moment, day and time.
Dylan was so right. We can’t spend our lives living for or waiting on others, especially when our lives are at stake. There is no worse feeling than should have, could have would have or missing opportunities. Aside from chasing for whatever it is that we want, Dylan taught me the value of having the right people or squad in your corner to propel you to greatness. Laura, Albert and even Charles were true riders.
There were many times I allowed fear, the monetary cost of things or lack of company prevent me from doing/participating in things I really wanted to do. But I’ve grown to despise the feeling of missing out. I’ve found that when I just went for things, despite any uneasiness I feel, or the cost, or having company, not only did I have an amazing time doing whatever but I created a lasting memories. Those experiences also built up my character and confidence.
Prior to the New Year’s Day I felt compelled to get away. So I randomly booked a trip to the Las Vegas, NV just two days before my flight was scheduled to take off. How exhilarating! (Well, the rushed packing wasn’t fun but you get the drift.) It was empowering and refreshing. “You’re going by yourself?” my family asked. “YES! Absolutely. Why not?” Not only did I have a great time exploring and recharging, but I was able to check off a Bucket List item. I ran the entire Las Vegas Strip! At first, the thought of the run was scary but after careful planning, I went for it. Now what would have happened if I allowed fear or lack of company to hold me back? I probably would have been home on New Year’s Day watching more old shows. (Just kidding!)
As a native New Yorker, I’ve always dreamed of going to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Instead, for various reasons, I stayed home feeling bummed. To make up for it, I treated myself to the Jay- Z 4:44 concert in Brooklyn, my hometown. No company, just me and my love and respect for Jay. I had the BEST time, so much that I lost my voice.
In 2018, let’s channel Dylan’s energy. Let’s go after our desires and things we love like our lives are depending on it. By any means necessary. Want to take a trip? Book your ticket. Want to write a book? Start praying for vision and writing a little content everyday? Want to learn how to bake? Take a class or shadow a baker? Want to run a marathon? Start training. Dreaming of the Grand Canyon? Go! Never tried ice-skating? Step foot on the ice.
Life’s experiences, like the ocean are endless. Explore anyway. And in those moments when fear creeps up on you, just think of that annoying, uncomfortable and unshakable feeling of What if?
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