Don't take the free ride ....

Let me just preface this post by saying that I am NOT a fan of Nickelback.
Not at all.
Having said that .... these words keep tumbling over and over in my head.
For so many reasons, it seems to encompass many of the emotions
I have for myself, and for some people who are very close to my heart.
I just hate that Chad Kroeger found such a lovely way to express them.

My best friend gave me the best advice
He said each day’s a gift and not a given right
Leave no stone unturned, leave your fears behind
And try to take the path less traveled by
That first step you take is the longest stride

If today was your last day
and tomorrow was too late
Could you say goodbye to yesterday?
Would you live each moment like your last?
Leave old pictures in the past
Donate every dime you have?
If today was your last day

Against the grain should be a way of life
What’s worth the prize is always worth the fight
Every second counts ’cause there’s no second try
So live like you’ll never live it twice
Don’t take the free ride in your own life

If today was your last day
and tomorrow was too late
Could you say goodbye to yesterday?
Would you live each moment like your last?
Leave old pictures in the past
Donate every dime you have?
Would you call old friends you never see?
Reminisce of memories
Would you forgive your enemies?
Would you find that one you’re dreamin’ of?
Swear up and down to God above
That you finally fall in love
If today was your last day

If today was your last day
Would you make your mark by mending a broken heart?
You know it’s never too late to shoot for the stars
Regardless of who you are
So do whatever it takes
‘Cause you can’t rewind a moment in this life
Let nothin’ stand in your way
Cause the hands of time are never on your side

If today was your last day
and tomorrow was too late
Could you say goodbye to yesterday?

Would you live each moment like your last?
Leave old pictures in the past
Donate every dime you have?
Would you call old friends you never see?
Reminisce of memories
Would you forgive your enemies?
Would you find that one you’re dreamin’ of?
Swear up and down to God above
That you finally fall in love
If today was your last day

Having read and re-read all of that .... the line that sums it all for me is, "Don't take the free ride in your own life."

It's so very similar to my own motto/mantra: "Life is meant to be lived. How can you LIVE and EXPERIENCE it if you're sitting on the side WATCHING it happen?".

Either way you want to say, it means the same thing .... get in it! Yeah, it's not always going to be pretty. In fact, most of the times it's going to be messy as hell!

That's some pretty basic, yet powerful shit.

See, we only go around Big Blue once.... we should all strive to make ourselves and the world in which we reside a much better place than how we inherited it.
It's a lesson I teach my boys when they borrow anything. Always, ALWAYS return it in better condition than it was given. It shows respect .... for the person that lent it, and for yourself.
It also shows that you're responsible and accountable.

As I have learned ... every day IS a gift.
More precious than the last.
Squeeze every drop of love, laughter and happiness you can from each day .... that's my newest motto.

So, if today WAS your last day, would you be able to say that you LIVED your life?