Getting the "go ahead" to "Carpe that Diem"

It seems like every day my wife and I have the same conversation regarding the big adventures and goals we have (usually inspired by wine) and the day to day shit that we need to do that holds us back from "seizing the day". Sometimes I feel like I have two very different soldiers going to battle in my brain on a daily basis. One Solider who is fighting for priorities, tasks, bills, work, obligations, doing for others, and being responsible. The other who is fighting for adventure, travel, being carefree, living life to the fullest, and pursuing experiences. I guess this can also come down to personal character traits as I have noticed I have become significantly more type "A" as I have gotten older. But, my type "B" side creeps up every now and then and tries to get a word in...usually unsuccessfully but, at least that side isn't totally dead. We read quotes, watch movies, hear songs, listen to personal stories, all about valuing life and its beauty and experiences. We hear what we should do and why in order to take advantage of everything this life has to offer. Still, the question remains, why don't we do it? What does it take within ourselves to let go of the monotony of the day to day responsibilities and pressures and live life as it is meant to be lived and enjoyed?

One of the things that always sticks out in my head the most are the articles I have read on interviews that have taken place with people who are living their last days on earth. Those people are often asked their biggest regrets and what they would do differently. Many times the response is "work less, stop caring what people think, travel more, focus less on material things, spend more time with friends and family", etc. This has always deeply resonated with me in the sense that I don't want to be in my final days with regrets like those. I almost feel as though these interviews should serve as sufficient warning that we aren't meant to "live to work" or be suffocated by "to do" lists or chores. In reality, most of us know the importance of relationships and experiences and how life is precious and we are not guaranteed tomorrow. But, if you are like me at all, we often get suffocated by the daily obligations and stressors of life. So, what gives?

I know for one that I have been through enough in life that has eaten up the positive time I have had on this earth. From internal struggles to unhealthy relationships and trying to "find and accept" myself. In my opinion, although valuable lessons, those things have all taken up too much of my time and focus. I don't want to lose another moment of exploring what this world and life have to offer. Many of us are very fortunate with the lives we have and need to place more value in the blessings given to us, myself highly included in this statement. Personally, I want to see the world and take in every inch of nature, beauty, culture, and adventure this world has to offer. Sometimes I even think of buying a tiny house, becoming an entrepreneur, and totting my little home all over the country with my wife and dogs (maybe even over seas). But, as soon as these thoughts enter my mind, they are just as quickly shut down by the overwhelming anxiety I feel thinking of what bill I have to pay next, taking time off of work, unexpected house or car issues, and trying to prepare for the "what ifs". I am then left torn between a message my naturally adventurous heart is desperately trying to have heard and the neurotic dictator my mind has become.

So I put this out to you, where are you in regards to finding balance between following your heart and seeking adventure and being trapped by doing what you "need" to and responsibility? Have you experienced a moment that has triggered your acceptance of life being too short to live with regrets or are you stuck in a place like me? Where do you find that balance, how do you decide to take that risk? Where do you draw the line between the two? What does "Carpe Diem" mean to you? Is it your life

motto or simply an unattainable ideal?

Take some time to go to the forum and let me know whats on your mind!