I recently learned that an old childhood and school friend of mine had passed as a result of COVID. Learning of his passing was another reminder of how fragile our life is and precious our time. Like so many wonderful people we meet in our life’s journey, we had lost contact after graduation from High School and I had not seen him for many years. Regardless, the bond of friendship remained.

Coincidentally, we shared the same birthday, and in reading his obituary, I was in awe of his accomplishments and how many lives he had positively touched along the way. I couldn’t help thinking of how many great years he should have still had ahead to go along with the ones he had already lived. I still feel like I am just getting started in many regards, with so many challenges and adventures ahead, yet the calendar would likely disagree.

Besides our birthday, our lives seemed to have included another common trait, one of a certain restlessness that drives us to never want to remain complacent. Even with the option of retirement after decades of working in our respective careers, neither of us could apparently sit still for any length of time. How does one shut off the mindset that already moved us to always seek answers, innovation, ideas and so on?

I think that one of the secrets to a life that is purposeful is to pay attention to the “inner voice” that guides you. Taking note when new opportunities arise, considering them and deciding to follow their lead is certainly not a “boring” way to live. Sometimes there is risk associated with such decisions. Almost always preceding and present is an accompanying feeling that can sometimes be mistaken for restlessness or boredom.

In reality, this feeling is your response, likely a spark that comes with the excitement of new possibilities. At the core is a desire to move towards action which represents a contrast to your present state of relative inaction. This resulting drive is part of living life to the fullest.

Should you find yourself feeling restless, bored, or somehow frustrated by your present situation, try to identify the factors that are contributing to this. How you proceed (or not) is your call to action.  Optimism to meet a challenge or to somehow be better often comes with rewards that could not have been imagined.

Regardless, the clock is ticking. Time remains our most precious commodity and what we do with it is as unique as we are.

Thanks again, Mark. You left an incredible legacy and made the world a better place. I wish we could have had a chance to catch up and share some stories and laughs. Your example is noted, and I was always and remain proud to have called you, my friend.