Is there something you used to enjoy but haven’t done in a while? Maybe you keep saying you’ll get back to it “someday.” If that hobby or activity still lingers in your mind, quit putting it off. It’s never too late.
When I write about topics like this, I often use myself as an example. Some may tire of that, but hang with me.
When I was younger, there was a lot of pressure to play sports. My dad was a talented basketball player who started all four years in high school. We often shot hoops in the driveway, and I can still picture him sinking 21 corner shots in a row. I picked up a few moves, but not many of his skills.
My junior high football coach, who also coached basketball, summed it up kindly when I tried out for the team: “Brown, basketball is a game of skill. I want to see you try out for the track team this spring. With your size, I think you’d be good at the shot put.” In other words, I wasn’t cut out for basketball—but Coach Cochran let me down gently and built me up at the same time. His words stuck with me.
I never did try out for track—or football in high school. Instead, I joined the band. Sometimes I’ve regretted it, but I’ve learned that life gives us second chances in unexpected ways.
My grandfather, A.K. “Papaw” White, played just about every sport and later became a devoted fan. He rarely missed a Minden Crimson Tide game—football, basketball, baseball, or track. In 1979, he was honored with a halftime plaque reading, “A.K. White — #1 Crimson Tide Fan.”
Papaw especially loved baseball and encouraged me to play. I did for a while, along with youth football and basketball, but I was never great at any of them. My cousin Greg, though, inherited the athletic genes. After excelling in high school sports, he became a PGA club pro and built a rewarding career. When Greg picked up golf in high school, he tried to get me involved. I played quite a bit—never very well—but I enjoyed it. Over the years I’ve been “bitten by the golf bug” again and again. I’ve got to get back to it.
The same goes for jogging and exercising. Some blame marriage for slowing them down, but I can’t. I’m happier than ever. I’ve just let it slide—and I keep saying, “I’ve got to get back to it.”
I once took a 25-year break from playing drums before returning to it about 15 years ago at church. It’s been an incredible blessing. That experience reminded me how much joy comes from reconnecting with something you love.
Lately, I’ve been thinking about trying piano. I’ve only pecked out a few notes here and there, but why not learn? It’s never too late.
So, what about you? Is there something you’ve let go of—something that once brought you joy or purpose? Maybe it’s time to dust it off and dive back in. Don’t wait for the perfect moment. As Nike says, “Just do it.”
Randy Brown is Regional Publisher and Executive VP of Specht Newspapers, Inc.