As far as I’m concerned, the only thing stupider than doing stupid things is not doing them at all.
I like to save my favorite notes from the universe – one of which reads as follows:
Given another chance, [the billions of people that came before you would] take more risks. Not because they’d always succeed, but because from where they are now, the glory of knowing they at least tried, far exceeds any regrets of never knowing what might have been.
I made a university decision based on a boyfriend. I also invited a boyfriend to move across the country and live with me, after only spending a few weeks of actual face-time together. And soon, I’ll be leaving the comfort of a regular paycheck to follow my heart on nothing but a hope, a dream and a prayer. All of which are pretty stupid.
But I see it like the universe sees it: I don’t want to go through life wondering “what if.” If I fall on my face (which I often do), it’s not the end. I get up. And I’m wiser and stronger. If, on the other hand, I hold myself back from the many so-called stupid things, I may live a life steeped in regret and restrained from growth and evolution.
Yesterday, Will and I drove by his grandmother’s old house. His grandmother, like so may that lived through the great depression, was a tightwad. She was terrified of spending money – and so she deprived herself of much to hoard her savings. No trips, no impulsive buys or good food. Before moving into a nursing home, and after living a life of self-deprivation, she handed Will a check for $2,000 with one stipulation: That he uses the check for something entirely impractical. Maybe, at 80 years old, she finally realized there was something to be said for stupidity.
September 3, 2010 at 10:28 am
Well its like I say:
“The only way to learn is to make mistakes. And if you go though life without mistakes you’ve done something wrong”
September 3, 2010 at 10:38 am
Well atlist you have a 5 million dollar pay check waiting for you should you run into trouble
September 3, 2010 at 10:40 am
yeah. i’m a dancer. i only applied to one university, and only auditioned for that school’s dance department. not the smartest thing to do, but i ended up with a scholarship, the best on-campus housing, a spot in the dance company, a million new friends, and a boyfriend i intend to stay with for the rest of my life. now is that such a stupid thing?
September 3, 2010 at 10:45 am
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_kgcng0jJDQ
September 3, 2010 at 11:21 am
After I graduate I’m going to pursue my dream of becoming a TV and film actor and move to L.A.. There’s a risk I’ll end up broke and depressed but it’s better than working at something I don’t like.
September 3, 2010 at 11:30 am
Follow your heart and live on your terms Davey.
September 3, 2010 at 11:41 am
When thinking “Can I afford this vacation? (or whatever)” I consider; will spending that money adversely effect my day to day life? Will I not be able to retire, pay my mortgage, pay my bills or feed my pets? If the answer is “No”, go for it! Life is not a rehearsal.
September 3, 2010 at 12:00 pm
DW – Thank you for this message. You’ll never know how much I needed to be reminded of this truth today. I am grateful for your presence in my life. – H
September 3, 2010 at 3:01 pm
Davey, its amazing that you just happened to post this today. I have been struggling with something major in my life, and I haven’t really been able to decide on something. This just gave me reassurance on what I thought would be right. Thanks a bunch. This isn’t the first time that you have helped me with a situation that I have been stuck in either. So, thanks Davey!
September 3, 2010 at 3:37 pm
Oh Davey you are such the rescuer of hearts…I too was in need of this great knowledge…Thank you so much!
September 3, 2010 at 6:31 pm
Once again! You’ve done another wonderful blog as always
September 3, 2010 at 6:49 pm
I have a family member who is and has always been like Will’s grandmother. Very difficult to get along with….I amazed the grandmother has liver for so long!
September 3, 2010 at 8:33 pm
I too am glad you posted this. I get a lot of grief from my friends regarding the decisions I have made financially. I’m currently in grad school and made a decision last year to switch jobs. I chose a job that paid a lot less, forced me to have to pay for housing, and ultimately would make me have to take out more student loans. I couldn’t pass up the opportunity of the new job…I was afraid of missing out on a great experience. If I make mistakes, what’s the worse that can happen? Bankruptcy? As long as I have my health and happiness I can survive anything. Thank you, Davey.
September 4, 2010 at 12:43 am
Hey Davey, if you speak good enough spanish go to http://guillolandia.blogspot.com/2010/09/compromisos.html
I’ll try to translate it, but is not an easy one this one.
September 4, 2010 at 12:04 pm
No, no, no, no, no Davey. His grandmother gave him the money not because she finally realized that being frivolous had it’s merits, but because she DID realize it’s merits but had to discipline herself because of circumstances to be careful. She gave the money to Will because she wished him the freedom she never had. She must love him very much.
September 4, 2010 at 6:35 pm
I’m with Will’s Granny. She took 80 years to realize it but better late then never.
Do it now!
Make wild leaps and see where you’ll land. Move in with that hot dude you just met. Buy that ridiculous whatever thingy that everyone says, “What on earth were you thinking.” Tell Sarah Palin you love her cuz she makes you laugh (but for goodness sake, don’t vote for her! that would be really stupid). Go naked and feel the freedom. But whatever you do…
Be well,
September 4, 2010 at 7:35 pm
It is good to know that you have kept in touch with Will. a few years ago, I once had the courage to introduce myself to him at the market in east greenwich that is near my gym. I must say I was quite impressed with his being and am happy to learn that you have kept in touch. I believe he was headed off to college and hope he is happy with his path. your story resonated today since it has been six months since an aunt passed who was more like a second mother to me since she never had children. the money being passed now comes with a heavy heart, rather had she given it to me herself. Will’s grandmother is to be admired.
September 5, 2010 at 3:45 am
Well your probably right Davey doin stupid things and getting em brassed is pretty much better……… than not trying those stupid things and figuring out whether we are goin to miss anything in Life
Thankz Davey you always give good facts when i really need them 