Is my life different than where I pictured it at age 10, when I had just begun seeing the world for what it could be?
Absolutely. I haven't written a bestseller teen fiction novel, don't have my dream mansion, nor did I become Amish (at least the kind portrayed in Lurlene McDaniel novels). But I'm okay.
While I understand that my generation has dreams, I don't understand the urgency of getting there. It seems like we are in such a rush and the world wants to rush us. Rush to graduate school; rush to get a job; rush to the alter, buy a house, have babies. Then what? Die. Not really, but you catch my drift.
And no, I am absolutely not saying that my friends who are hitting these milestone moments are doing it wrong. Far from that! I am thrilled to celebrate each and every moment with them; I will be at every party, shower, move, and DIY or furniture building project they throw at me. What I am saying is, I'm 25 and I am no closer to knowing all of who I am as a person than I did when I was the little girl with the mullet in the first grade.
What I do know is I want to have what I have now. No, it's not perfect. Yes, I do still want my mansion, a bazillion dollars, and a movie deal based on my bestselling series. I'm just trying to do it right. So you wonder, how do I do it? Hence my plan for living in the now:
- Make plans but not deadlines. (Boyfriend isn't getting pressure from me for that ring, but I know it's in our plans. I haven't set a date on finishing a novel, but plans are in motion to do it.)
- Don't hurry through the moments. (With Boyfriend working some nights, I have been spending a lot of time getting to know what I like and don't like, and teaching myself things. I like to run, although I pretty much hate it while I am doing it. I like yoga and grilling. I like the feeling of sitting on the couch knowing you've earned it because you kicked ass that day. Like Aristotle said, “Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.”)
- Be present. (When I am with my friends and family, I am going to make a conscious effort to put my phone away. I was just Pinterest-ing anyway. I dare you all to do the same.)
- Get active and make the memories count. (Who cares if the house is a little messy? Do you want to remember cleaning the house or taking an adventure? We are half-marathon training, soon-to-be kayaking, camping, create-our-own-adventurers... even on weeknights. I've spent too many nights or weekends sitting on my butt.)
- Be happy right now. (Stop wanting for "life to start.")
