Though I'm not a huge fan of author, Hunter S. Thompson (he was a life-long alcoholic and drug addict and proud of it who eventually committed suicide in 2005 at the age of 67), the author of The Rum Diary (1998) and Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1971) penned one of my favorite quotes of all time:
“Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming "Wow! What a Ride!" Hunter S. Thompson
The man embodied his own quote, and it is an insightful glimpse into the heart of the "Umpher," in my opinion. I ask you: did you THROW yourself into your relationships today, your passions, your hobbies, your kids? Did you worry less about scraped knees and stains on your clothing, or punctuality, or propriety ... than you did about the impact and even legacy you left? I hope not. That we too might embody this reminder, hopefully with healthier livers and less heartache / angst, is my hope for us all. Now I'm really going to bed.... Good night all you "Umphers" out there. I'm cheering for you.... JPR
This reminds me of another good quote: "Sometimes I can hear my bones straining under the weight of all the lives I'm not living." - Jonathan Safran Foer. A good question for any aspiring "Umpher" ... how are we doing going after and seeking to achieve our potential? We can't ever give up. We just have to keep trying, no matter how hard. It's the stuff makes life worth living.
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