"You're either growing, or you're dying," he said by way of encouragement, attempting to cajole me into trying something new.

Growing or Dying. A sobering thought really - especially when taken at face value.

The statement had it's impact. The preferable alternative was obvious. I moved forward. Gingerly at first, and then, as my confidence grew, so grew my enthusiasm. In fact the momentum took me on to bigger and better things. To new horizons and even greater achievements. Dare I say, even a sense of fulfillment ?

Life was peachy, and I grew comfortable. Very comfortable! In fact, I all but wallowed in my contentment. After all, I deserved it, didn't I? I'd worked long and hard. I was enjoying my "just rewards".

And how I enjoyed them! Month after month -- or was it year after year -- I luxuriated in the comforts of a good life.

It's interesting how quickly we can - and do - become seduced by the "status quo". How we lose sight of opportunities and all too soon experience diminishing returns on our all but minimal efforts. It's almost enough to make one want to give up! Or is it?

Perhaps we all need time to bask in some glory, to contemplate the meaning of life, to recharge our batteries. And what better time than depths of winter to do so.

And now? Well, we could take a cue from nature... springing into action, refreshed, renewed and with a lifetime of possibilities ahead of us! Growing - it surely beats the alternative!

I know I'm game, how about you?