My boyfriend and I started a tradition a few years ago, to take a 7-day cruise vacation each year around my birthday. During this year’s trip, I turned twenty-five and it was a very emotional birthday. Although I may have exaggerated a bit, I felt as if I was having a mid-life crisis! Seriously though, I was turning the BIG 2-5! I kept thinking…OMG…that’s 5 years away from 30!
Although I was happy and super blessed to see another birthday, I was also quite scared. The truth is…turning 25 has been my biggest reality check. I’ve become more aware of both my personal and professional life…including finances, relationships and the future. It’s a sad day when you realize that you have to grow up. (Even as I write this post, I exhaled a big sigh) – Turning 25 made me question a lot of things. Is this the city where I want to stay? When will I buy a house? Am I ready to start a family? How do I increase my savings? What about retirement? How can I afford that fabulous trip to Bora Bora? When will I be able to buy my grandmother that black on black Lexus that I promised her when I was a teenager?
As crazy as it sounds, life makes you question life. Prior to turning 25, I had such a hard time figuring out what I wanted to do in 5-years. In fact, I didn’t even give it much thought – I simply glided through the days, weeks, months and years with a very very short-term plan. (However, let me add, it wasn’t that I didn’t want to have a 5-year plan, it was more so the case of me not being able to visualize 5 years. It wasn’t from a lack of trying.) But, for whatever reason – turning 25 has completely cleaned my 5-year window – oh honey it is so clear. If it were up to me, I might have delayed this reality check.
So there I was stretched out on a hammock in the middle of the San Salvador island of The Bahamas writing my 5-year plan. Not a bad scenery to dream about the future.
I created a list of 30 things that I wanted for my life over the next 5-years. Here are a few things that I listed:
(not in any particular order)
-Love the woman in the mirror daily
-Pray more out of gratitude rather than need
-Buy a Mac desktop computer
-Fix teeth and have cosmetic dentistry procedure
-Purchase 1st home with at least 80% down
-Be more confident and humble
-Take my grandparents on a vacation out of the country
-Buy a new (used) car – fully paid
-Trademark Miss Business in 2013 and release 1st product line by 2014
-Be happily, confidently and loyally married to a man that has faith in God and in himself
I challenge you to take some “alone” time this weekend and really think about your life. Remind yourself that not only does time not wait on no one but it never stops. Make a list of 30 things that you want for your life over the next 5-years. Be realistic but also don’t limit your possibility.
Cheers to getting older! (I’m kidding – Cheers to life, growth and contentment)
Image Credit: Shirlenelai Allison