My only child is now 18 and she will be heading off to college in a few weeks. I thought this would be a sad time for me – you know with the empty nest syndrome and all – but I’m actually excited. Very excited. Shoot, probably too excited! LOL For the first time in my adult life, I feel that it’s ok to focus on ME. Although I will be a mom for as long as I live, I have birthed and raised another person to be an independent, productive member of our society. I have laid the foundation. I have nurtured her physically and emotionally. I have molded her mind and spirit. I have exposed her to the world. I have prepared her for LIFE. And I am proud of the results. Now, I look forward to seeing how she carries the torch.
In the meantime, I’m experiencing a shift in my own life. Things that were once extremely important to me (ex: career advancement) are no longer a priority. Things that were once a dream deferred (ex: international vacations) are now coming into focus. Don’t get me wrong – I always have been and always will be goal oriented, but my perspective is changing. I’m beginning to question the “why” behind what I consider important and the value it adds to my life. I don’t know what is causing this shift, but it’s a welcome change. I am happy. I feel free. And I look forward to what my future holds.
As I prepare for this new phase of my life, I’ve noted a few things that have risen to the top of my goal list. In no particular order of importance, I call them 30 in My 30s:
FITNESS
- Run a 5k without walking
- Run a 5k in under 40 minutes
- Run a 5k in under 35 minutes
- Run a 10k
- Run a 1/2 marathon – maybe in Paris
- Run on the beach
- Overcome my fears and learn to swim
- Reach my “happy” weight
- Maintain my “happy” weight
- Wear and look FABULOUS in a bikini
FUN
- Take a solo beach trip
- Spend a weekend at a spa resort
- Vacation in Jamaica
- Vacation in Barbados
- Vacation in Europe (again)
- Vacation in the Motherland
- Take a cruise for my birthday & Christmas
- Go wine tasting in Napa Valley
- Take a gourmet cooking class
- Go hiking or mountain climbing
FINANCE
- Sell my townhome
- Buy a cute 2 bedroom condo
- Increase net worth by $50k
- Maintain $50k in liquid savings
- Maintain debt freedom (sans mortgage)
FAMILY
- Nurture and strengthen my relationships (friends and family)
- Attend my daughter’s college graduation
- Prepare for my husband
PHILANTHROPY
- Inspire and help others to improve their finances and fitness
- Become a mentor to a teenage single mom
Well there you have it – my list of 30 things I’d like to accomplish while in my 30s. *raising my wine glass* Here’s to enjoying the rest of my 30s and living life to the fullest!
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