When you are in a taxi in Barcelona and you get a text from a good friend who asks “Would you consider going to Iceland in October with me?”, the correct answer is Yes. Yes, book the flight.

Having just returned from this trip to Iceland, I was reflecting on this quick decision to go. It’s really easy to come up with reasons that I can’t go… or shouldn’t go. Money, afraid to make the commitment, maybe for you it’s who will watch your kids. For me it is time away from work. I will tell you this past week was NOT a good time for me to be away from work, there is a lot going on right now. But there is always a lot going on.

The reasons not to do something will ALWAYS be there. I decided a long time ago that I need to make the time for the things that I want to do. So it’s crazy busy before and after the trip. I work long hours and go in on the weekends. The people in my life are the most important thing in the world to me and I have to make them a priority.

I don’t want to get to the end of my life and find I lived just the length of it. I want to live the width of it as well ~ Diane Ackerman

Iceland has been at the top of my list of places to see for years, many years. The text from my friend was an opportunity.  We are given opportunities everyday but we get caught up in our everyday that we don’t always see the opportunities for what they are… they are the chance for us to make our dreams and goals a reality. I seized this opportunity because I know what my goals and dreams are. I write them down and review them regularly. This opportunity allowed me to make my dream a reality.

There will always be a reason not to do something, there will never be a perfect time when you have the money and free time and someone volunteers to take your kids. If you truly want to make your dreams a reality YOU need to make it happen.  Get a side gig for a couple of months to make the extra money, take the favourite aunt up on her offer to watch the kids (she really does want to… trust me!), work extra hours to get things done at work. MAKE. IT. HAPPEN!