One day at a time. That’s been my mantra for the past 25 years.

If the past two decades have taught me anything, it’s that life can change in an instant. In 1997, I was a shy 14-year-old with dreams of becoming the next Fox Mulder, searching for extraterrestrials with the FBI. Then a devastating illness sent me on a very different path.

I now use an electric wheelchair to get around and it’s been more than 9,000 days since I last walked on my own two feet. I now try to enjoy the here and now and not put too much thought into the future.

But as I approach my 40th birthday, my future is starting to appear closer than ever.

I never really thought much about what my life would be like in 20 years. It seemed too far away to give it much importance. Besides, any story about a 60-something quadriplegic generally involves some shady group home and a questionable nurse’s aide. Something I prefer not to think about too often.

While that future was anything but rosy, its impending arrival can’t be ignored.

My inevitable entrance into the 40 club has me taking stock of everything. Don’t get me wrong, I have lived an incredible life. Yes, I am disabled, but that doesn’t mean you have to feel sorry for me. My life has been plenty fulfilling and I have accomplished great things. But as I creep towards the back nine of my life, I’m realizing I am running out of time to achieve some of the things I have always dreamed about.

Dating, marriage and fatherhood are starting to feel more like pipe dreams than actually attainable goals with each passing year. As I have grown older, I have thought about these things a lot. According to my daydreams, I’d be a pretty good boyfriend, husband and father. But as of now, that’s all it is. A dream.

Watching “The 40-Year-Old Virgin” hits a little differently nowadays. 15 years ago, it was a hilarious, raunchy rom-com. Now, it’s more of a cruel, unintentional autobiography. A cinematic reminder of what I haven’t, and may never, experience.

As you read this, don’t be sad or depressed about my situation. I don’t think my life is unfulfilled. I’ve got to happily twirl my prom date across the dance floor, chat with Bill Murray and win a power soccer national championship. Everything that I may have missed over my life would have only improved my life. The proverbial cherry on top.

That being said, this year and starting my fourth decade on this earth may finally be what I need to get out of my comfort zone and get a little more adventurous. Have a little more fun in that present I’ve been going on about.

Who knows, maybe I can do my own time heist and find that magical future I’ve been dreaming of. If Captain America can do it, why can’t I?