There are a million reasons to not stretch yourself, your mental, emotional, physical and spiritual boundaries, all excellent. "Ya but - - -" and "Phonly" (if only)are super starts.

And only one reason for doing it.

And people aren't afraid to die, they are afraid they haven't lived. "Is that all there is? It can't be over!!"

It takes guts, strength, vision and an acceptance of the unknown to climb out of a rut and avoid sliding down the familiar funnel of mediocrity into a quick service and a long, long rest which isn't much different than the previous years.

BUT SOMEONE HAS TO SHOW YOUR KIDS IT DOESN'T HAVE TO BE THAT WAY!!! My kids know a person can recover from alcoholism, my Dad died drinking. My kids know an old man can climb a mountain, my Dad wouldn't walk across the street. My kids know an old man can take his dog and walk 500 miles at a stretch through a wilderness, and thrive. My kids know that their Dad has shown them it's a duty and privilege to serve the community, to offer comfort and companionship to the frightened and lonely. My Dad thought the world owed him.

As I type this I'm coming to a different view of myself, I actually may have a legacy. Me! I've never thought of myself that way.

There are a million reasons and 5 million rationalizations to stay in the rut, to try to convince ourselves it isn't one and they are all good. Only one to get out.