When Is The Best Time To Plant A Tree?

All of us have different experience in our life journey.

However, it is very common for many to feel that life has passed you by. Your past can seem littered with bad choices and squandered opportunities.

We sometimes feel as we approach the end game, the downward stretch is leading toward an utterly failed life.

It feels like we are being cornered, with no where to go and as we look out the window, we see happy people doing happy things and wondered, what if?

You cannot wish...

There is a Chinese proverb with inspiring wisdom.

“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.”

Imagine that you have just recently discovered the joys of running. But you're over 40, even 50 (any age, in fact), and there are so many excuses for you not to start running.

Can I find the time to run? There's so much to do? Who am I going to run with? Can I catch up?

You find yourself wallowing in self-pity and envy.

Let me share with you the life of Mr. Chan Meng Hui, affectionately known as "Uncle Chan" in the neighborhood and running circles.

Uncle Chan completed running 101 marathons since he started at the age of 55.

He started off by running short distances of just 100-200m. As he aged, he started training harder and running longer distances to build his stamina.

Eventually, he ran every morning and evening, clocking 10km every weekday. On Sundays, his mileage would increase to 20-25 km.

He ran his first full marathon at age 60 and took part in marathons around the world, in countries like Norway, Japan, China and Switzerland.

He was determined to reach 100. He ran his 100th marathon just after recovering from advanced prostate cancer.

Well, whatever you want to do. Get started.

Forget about everything you have missed and what could have been.

If you wanted to start a business but did not. The best time is now.

Mark Twain shared some insight on that too. He once said that the secret to getting ahead is getting started.

And I agree wholeheartedly.

Remember, in the Lion King, when Simba is moping about the past, and Rafiki hits him over the head with his stick?

Simba says: Ow! Jeez, what was that for?

Rafiki replies: It doesn't matter. It's in the past.

Simba says: Yeah, but it still hurts.

Rafiki continues: Oh yes, the past can hurt. But from the way I see it, you can either run from it, or... learn from it.

Listen, start that project you wished you did.

One more time:

“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.”