Make it Count

This post is going to be a bit of a variation from my usual narrative, so if you're here to get tips on what gear to buy or hear about what it's like to run D1, feel free to keep scrolling. 
A few weeks back, I received the news that an individual who was once very close to my family and played a major role in our lives for many years had passed away.  His death was very sudden and unexpected, and brought with it many questions.  Even though I personally had not been in close contact with him recently, he still had an impact on my life at different points in time, and his passing has made me reconsider a lot of things.
First and foremost, you never know how long you have to let someone know how much they meant to you.  If someone is important to you, there is no reason not to let them know.  There is nothing to be lost in letting people in your life know that they have made a difference to you, however there is a great deal to be lost in keeping these things to yourself.  You can never know just how great an impact your words can have on someone, or how you can help someone who is struggling through something.  Even if they're not currently facing any demons, it's always nice to have a reminder that you are cared about.
Secondly, you never know how long you yourself have to pursue the things that truly matter to you and make a difference.  You should never waste a moment of your life on the things that don't matter or don't make you happier in the long run.  Take chances, and chase dreams that might seem absolutely insane.  Don't let the things that other people deem "possible" hold you back in any way.  Decide now was is important to you, and go after it with everything you have.  Whatever you decide on, you only have one life to make it happen, so much every moment count.  Don't spend your time on people who hold you back or wish you to be less than you can be, or on goals that are just there to be placeholders to keep you occupied until your life is up.  Live with a passion, and don't let anyone or anything steal the joy that you find in it.