What would you do if you knew that your time on earth was about to come to an end?
Would you go back to work and pretend nothing happened?
Would you go on a cruise around the world?
Would you visit as many friends and family members as possible?
Or would you stay inside, close the blinds and curl up with a pint of your favorite ice cream?
Phil Keoghan, host of “The Amazing Race,” was 19 when he almost lost his life. On one of his first TV shoots under water, he got trapped in an upturned interior cabin of a sunken cruise liner and couldn’t find his way out. With very little air left in his tank, he panicked, realizing that his next breath could be his last.
After what seemed an eternity, the support crew on the surface sent a rescue diver to find him. In the nick of time, Phil was pulled to the surface and he survived. The next day, he went back to repeat the dive that nearly killed him.
That was not all.
Wow Paul, this is one powerful, inspiring story I won’t forget in a hurry. Of course we all know deep inside that we can always do more to live fuller, more meaningful lives, but all too often we get sucked into a routine of ‘getting by’. I hope I can hold on to the heartfelt humanity and humility of your blog (and obviously of your life) long enough to make a real difference. I certainly intend to.
@Kumar Thank you for your heartfelt comments coming to us from Holland, the land of bikes! It’s never too late to make a difference. Small gestures can have a big impact.
Tremendously uplifting and powerful story, Paul … you and Pamela amaze me. Best wishes for this weekend\’s ride!!
@John Thank you so much, John. I truly enjoyed meeting Phil Keoghan, but my wife’s my hero and my inspiration!
Uplifting blog post, Paul! Living life is why I finally quit the radio station and decided to be a stay-at-home dad, work on my children’s writing, and build my VO business from home. I was spending half a month’s pay just on gas and daycare – so it didn’t make sense to continue with the status quo. I think a lot of folks would be happier if they actually – seriously – re-assessed their their lives and priorities, no matter what it is they want to do!
@Matt I 100% agree with you Matt. No regrets!
Those 3 words… I teach them to my students when I’m explaining what Americans actually say. I’m “gonna” go to the store…
But more than that, you forgot the last word (in my definition) which is “didn’t”. I try to use active words like should, will, and can. It’s made a difference in my life thus far. “Yes I can”, or “No I can’t” is empowering.
Wouldn’t miss the weekly post! Thanks as always for sharing your wisdom and point of view.
@Tedd It’s always great to read your comments, Ted. I’m not sure “should” is such an active word. As Tony Robbins says: “People ‘should’ all over themselves because it indicates intention instead of action. We all know what they say about the best of intentions…
Great stuff Paul!
I think one day we’ll see Phil Keoghan riding his bike here in the Okanagan Valley of British Columbia because the composer of the show’s music, Stu Goldberg (http://www.stugoldberg.com), lives about an hour south of me.
Of course, you are invited here too Paul:)
@Ralph I didn’t know Stu composed the music for “The Amazing Race”. Ever since Netflix arrived at our house, I’ve given up cable and we’re enjoying shows without commercial interruption. Thanks again for retweeting my story, Ralph!
Wonderfully motivating post Paul. And perfect timing right now!
@Derek I’m glad to hear that, Derek. My wife is unstoppable and I’ll be cheering her on this weekend!
Thank you for an awesome and inspiring post!