Hello? Are you there, West Roxbury? It’s me, Seth. Hopefully you are and we didn’t all perish yesterday, as was predicted.  

As I’m sure you know, as was advertised on several billboards across town, the end of the world was scheduled for yesterday, May 21. If you’re reading this, clearly that didn’t happen. But what if it had? What would you have done differently in your life? Is there anything on your bucket list that you would be disappointed you didn’t do before the end of your life?

I try not to live my life with regrets but I can tell you that if the world had ended yesterday, there are a few things I would be upset about if I never accomplish them. Here are a few of them:

• I’m a writer, as you know, but one thing I’ve always wanted to do is write a novel. I know, I know, lots of people want to write novels, but I’ve wanted to write a book since I was in high school. I’ve allowed myself to be distracted over the years from actually sitting down and focusing on my writing of said book, but that is about to change. No more procrastinating. After all, I’ve been given a new lease on life – we all have – since the world didn’t, in fact, end on May 21.
• For as long as I can remember I have wanted to interview musicians for a living. In fact, I wrote for my high school newspaper and my friend Amy and I interviewed some local bands (High Voltage, anyone?) and even tried to get interviews with established bands. I loved it!! What could be better than interviewing musicians about their craft – especially if the lyrics resonate with you? I can think of nothing better, actually.

Well, I put that dream on the back burner (along with writing a novel) once I entered the “real world.” Well, as the old adage goes: it’s never too late. And it isn’t. I want to interview Jon Bon Jovi and really, there’s no reason why I can’t. Sure, it may take months for me to get that interview, but I know I can get it. And I will. Watch me.

What about you? What is something you’ve always wanted to do but have made up excuses as to why you can’t/shouldn’t? I say, stop doubting yourself and go for it! Whatever it is (so long as it’s legal), you should make it happen! Want to back pack across Europe? Make a plan and go! Want to take singing lessons? Find a coach and do it! Want to write your own novel? Sit down in front of your computer and start writing! Whatever it is, large or small, just do it.

• I’ve always wanted to see a game in every Major League ballpark in America and Canada. So far I’ve been to games at Fenway Park, Angel Stadium, Dodger Stadium and Camden Yards. That leaves me with, I believe, 20+ ballparks to visit. I know I will check off another one next month (Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, thank you, Greg), but I need to get to a lot more. I’m also a bit disappointed that I never made it to Yankee, Shea or Atlanta Fulton County Stadiums before they were replaced. Time to get myself to more baseball games.

Maybe you have a similar desire to visit every Major League ballpark. Or maybe you’re into football more than baseball and would like to go see a game in every football stadium. Make it happen and get it done. Think of all the great stories you’ll have about your experiences in other cities.

There’s so much more that I could say about this topic but the basic gist is this: Since the world didn’t end yesterday consider that, as of today, you have a new lease on life. It’s time to go after what you want. It could be something simple like starting an exercise program or asking the person you’ve had your eye on out for a first date. Or it could be something big like leaving your job and chasing your dream. Whatever it is, go out and do it! Don’t let fear dictate your life. Whatever you want to do (again, as long as it’s legal) find a way to do it and make it happen! This is your life; make it the best life possible!