Two years ago, my only fear of missing out was my fear of not getting to have my evening drink (aka bottle of wine), which led me to actually miss out on some really awesome experiences. One of those experiences being hunting and (more importantly) getting to spend time with my husband doing something he loves. For years Travis tried to get me to go hunting with him, but that required either staying the night at my in-laws or getting up at 3:00am. Both of those options impeded my evening plans of “relaxing” so I used the kids as my excuse for not being able to go and stayed home.
The fear of missing out on something toxic caused me to miss out on something awesome…something that my husband wanted us to be able to experience together. Worst wife award anyone?
I stopped drinking in November of 2019, and in the fall of 2020 I finally got to experience hunting for the first time. It was amazing. I’m not talking about the physical act… I’m talking about the experience. Rising while the stars are still out to prepare for your day, erasing all signs that you don’t belong in their world, and then walking through the silent woods and climbing into your tree stand all by the light of the moon and stars. And then the sun rising. The sunrise was my favorite part of the day...
The rays breaking through the trees, the birds chirping, the squirrels scurrying, and the woods coming to life. A new day dawning before my now clear eyes.
Sitting in our tree stand was possibly the most peaceful way that I have ever passed a day. Don’t get me wrong, on the days that we didn’t see anything worthwhile it could get a little uncomfortable and boring, but sitting out there with nothing to do but watch and think was everything I needed.
What else in life do we miss out on due to our fear of missing out on something else? Life is full of so many choices, but at the end of the day do your choices serve you or are you living for something or someone else? What can we do or change to live an abundantly full and happy life?
I was living my life largely based around my next drink. Now, I live my life based on what serves me and makes me happy. A big part of my happiness comes from spending quality time with my family. Quality time can be anything... playing a board game, hiking, camping, reading a book, or sitting quietly in the woods with my husband. I will never again choose to miss out on a chance to spend time with my husband because life is simply better by his side.
And in case you were wondering...almost exactly one year after I quit drinking, I got my very first deer during my first ever hunting season, and my husband could not have been more proud.
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