I first heard that line in high school.  I reverently employed it, to ensure I always had a good time and never got to the point where I wished I had gone home an hour earlier.  Now I find myself using the same phrase and meaning in various areas of my life- most recently regarding moving.

I am not purporting that a nomadic life is what I am after- or that I would even be happy that way (I don’t think I would).  What I will say is that living in a place, forming groups of friends, working for something you believe in, establishing favourite restaurants, getting to know your way around and generally finding things that connect you to the place and the people create your world and your happiness.  It is easy to stay there- until it is time to go.

Leave while the party is still fun.  The world is big.  There is much to experience.  People to bring into your life.  Projects to get involved with.  This is how my inner dialogue runs every time I gear up for a life change- and every time I go somewhere new I feel anxious excitement that turns into exploration and creation which leads to honest affection and appreciation for what and who I have experienced by making that change.  So here I go again!  It is time to enjoy a new party (for a little while anyways).