Sunday Sip 🎲

From YOLO to TIRO

Usually, Sunday Sip topics swirl like balls in a bingo cage, bouncing, jumping, and jostling to be the first to land on the page. One idea popped out this week and found its place, quickly followed by another, nearly filling the “B” column on my imaginary Bingo card. These initial ideas were congruent and fit together nicely. But then, an oddball idea sprang onto the page, creating havoc. It sat solo in the corner of the bingo card, gloating. Ignoring it was futile; my brain fixated on this strange idea occupying the corner of my Bingo card.

Fine, let's talk about it. “YOLO” has been bouncing around in my thoughts like a yo-yo since I first heard it while listening to “Between Two Kingdoms” by Suleika Jaouad. Curious, I had to Google its meaning: You Only Live Once. I also discovered I'm about a decade late to the carefree YOLO party. Perhaps it's my age, but I find myself agreeing with Snoopy!

Still, I scratched my head, letting the acronym roll off my tongue, “YOLO.” Isn’t it obvious that we only live once? However, further research revealed that the YOLO movement is about being carefree, taking chances, and living in the moment.

When I think of being carefree and taking chances, I picture toddlers running through a sprinkler. They laugh and grow bolder, taking more risks and reveling in the cold water. They are living in the moment, not worrying about falling or their wet clothes. They simply don’t care.

Ok, I’m not immune to YOLO. I am human. But my moments are more like FOMO (fear of missing out). While snorkeling on the Big Island in Honaunau Bay, otherwise known as “Two Step,” my sister announced she wasn’t missing out, gathered up her snorkeling gear, and took off. She’d heard from a stranger who’d set up camp on the beach near us that the best snorkeling was off the edge. “But,” he’d said, “the drop off was scary, and waves were a little unnerving.” 

I watched her march off, determined not to miss out. She left her beach shoes on the lava and jumped in. 

Photo by Greg Davitt

I wasn’t as brave. Jumping off the two-step ledge wasn’t for me. I took the long way to the best snorkeling. This required navigating the coral and current.

Photo by Chuck Marshall

Inspired by this, I’d like to suggest a new movement: TIRO (Time Is Running Out)! I’m not planning to kick the bucket anytime soon, but the reality is that there are fewer activities I can realistically pursue, like climbing Mount Everest. TIRO emphasizes the urgency of checking off bucket list items without being reckless.

Balancing YOLO and TIRO in my life will require me to embrace spontaneity while acknowledging my limits. It’s about finding joy in the present while planning for new adventures. 

As you sip your coffee, I ask you: How do YOLO and TIRO show up in your life? Are there moments you’ve seized or opportunities you’ve missed? Perhaps it’s time to embrace both philosophies, taking chances and making the most of every precious moment.

In Other News! 

My article, “Crafting Legislation: The Michigan Brewers Guild is advocating for changes to Michigan’s nonalcoholic beer sales and direct-to-consumer shipping,” was published in Michigan The Great Beer State Magazine not long ago. I wrote it in November, which feels like another lifetime. When Chuck handed me the magazine, I could feel my old friend, Anxiety, sneaking into my chair to read the article with me. You could say I have shades of “Imposter Syndrome.” It's not the full-on version, just hints of it. 

After I got enough nerve to read it, I thought, “Damn, not bad if I do say so myself.” Then, of course, I wondered how much my editor changed. Only a few edits, which significantly improved the article. (A good editor is worth their weight in GOLD or BEER!) 

Substack Restacked

After listening to “Between Two Kingdoms” by Suleika Jaouad, I felt bereft, like a best friend had just moved away. The memoir of a life interrupted made me reevaluate my own life. One reviewer mentioned, “I’d follow Suleika anywhere.” I totally get it now. 

I was over the moon when I discovered her brilliant Substack Newsletter! The Isolation Journals with Suleika Jouad. Get over there and subscribe!  

Upcoming Events 

Since I started this missive late, I’ve got just one event this week: Steampunk on the Bricks!

Final Thoughts

Thanks for hanging in there to the bitter end! Let me know your thoughts about YOLO or TIRO and if you check out Suleika’s Substack or book. I’d love to know what you think.