By David Tepera, February 15, 2026

How many of you say “when I retire, I’m going to …” – fill in the blank. Once the kids are out of the house, I’m going back to school, start a business, chase dreams, travel, or take the time to improve my health.

Let’s be for real, we all have reasons to put our lives on hold. I get it. I was a single parent for over ten years and my children needed guidance, discipline, respect, God, including the lessons to be a productive citizen in this world. I will have to boast, I succeeded with that task because Dylan and Daylyn chose occupations to impact lives. I’m sure there are many of you just as proud as I am.

Now, no more excuses or procrastination because it’s time for you to be you. You’ve sacrificed enough. Don’t put off tomorrow, so start making today to be about you. Yes, you deserve it. It’s not about being selfish. It’s about living the life you are meant to have.

I don’t care what your physical situation may be, get up, get back in this world and enjoy it’s beauty.

For those of you who were disciplined and accomplished a retirement plan, are you reaping the benefits and enjoying the extra time, or still penny pinching and going no-where as your health declines?

Look, it’s your money, so get out there and go out swinging. Quit worrying about what you’re passing on to the family. Most likely, they are going to have an estate sale, make money on your stuff, and move on.

I’m sorry. I know I’m being a little harsh, but come on, I want you to stop waiting, it’s time for you to be you. There is a point for all of us to not care what other’s think.

Yep, it’s time to wear what you want, eat what you want when you want. You are not on other’s time schedule, so enjoy the moments.

Even though I feel the world is flying by me with all the technology, I’ve finally reached the age that I don’t care what people say or think about me. I used to get down on myself for all the dumb decisions in the past, but now, I learned to just laugh at that old fool trying to figure himself out.

Life is closing in, so it’s time for you to be you.