Good Advice

The following is a column by Lieutenant Governor Mark Parkinson:

Fifteen years ago, my wife and I found a new passion in life - helping enhance older Kansans’ quality of life through first-class retirement facilities.

In the early days, we were very small and got to know every resident and family member.  When I got to know a resident well enough, I’d often ask them what advice they had for a forty-something person with a growing business, a great wife, three amazing kids and lots of interest in life.

One such conversation took place about ten years ago with a resident named Victor. Victor was in his early nineties and could barely speak. When I asked him my question, I had to lean in – just a few inches from his mouth – to hear him whisper this:

“DO IT NOW.”

And then he whispered it again.

“DO IT NOW.”

The significance of this advice hit me immediately. There was no need for explanation. He didn’t need to say life is too short, do it now. He didn’t need to say it will all go by too fast, do it now. He didn’t need to say that every day is precious, do it now. All he had to say is what he said: “Do it now.”

At that moment I was filled with joy. A rare moment of clarity. Pure truth.

DO IT NOW.

Clichés become clichés because at their root there is a core truth. Life really is too short. It really does go by very fast. Each day really is precious. So when it comes to:

Making a tough decision; taking a chance on a dream that you’ve had all your life; hugging your kids; letting your spouse know you love them; going on a trip you’ve always dreamed about; reconciling with that friend or relative that you care about more than that dispute that got in the way; taking care of your body with the same care that you take care of your business; or living your life to its fullest.

Take Victor’s advice: DO IT NOW.

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