The Danger Of "One Day"

Crystal and I went to see UP last night, (I know I'm kind of late on this one), and it totally lived up to the hype. I had heard from a number of people that the movie was amazing, and that they cried (it's a CARTOON!). It was a great movie though.

What hit me the most was how much I am like the main character, Carl. Yes, I can be a crotchety old man at times. But that's not what resonated with me the most.

SPOILER WARNING!!!

The early part of the movie follows Carl and his wife, Ellie, through their marriage. From the day they met, to the day Ellie passes away. What initially drew them together was their mutual love for adventure and travel. In fact, they agree that one day they will travel the world, eventually ending up in Paradise Falls, where they will live from that point on. Despite all the talk and planning, they never actually do it. They get caught up in "life" and soon they are paying bills, working on a career and fixing up the house and can't find the time or (the money) to make their travel dream a reality.

That's me. I want to travel around the world. I want to experience Europe, Asia and Australia. I've always wanted to backpack through Europe. I've always wanted to go on safari in Africa. I've wanted to travel to India and China and experience life without the luxury of personal space. I want to see how the rest of the world lives, and come back to Canada with an entirely different view of the world. But it's all talk. I keep telling myself "one day I'll do it" or "one day when I have more money."

As I sat in the theatre watching Carl and Ellie's dream slip away I began to feel the same for myself. I've got a job, a house, a car and the responsibilities that come with it. I can't just push pause and take off for a couple months. As much as I would like it, the bank won't put my mortgage on hold, work won't say: "yeah go travel for a couple months, we're cool with that."

I've fallen victim to the "One Day Syndrome." Putting things off to be done "one day." It's a little depressing thinking that as a guy in his mid-twenties, my window of opportunity has passed me by, but that's how I feel.

Granted there is an easy remedy... Just go do it. But I've worked hard to get where I am. What would my parents think? Would I be throwing away the work I've done in the past 5 years? What do I do with my house? Where does the money come from?

I'm unsure what to do from this point, so if you have any sage advice I'll take it in the comments section below.