Turning the big Three-Eight
March is my birthday month (yes, I’m a Pisces through and through) . . . and this year I’m turning 38, I am strapped into the roller coast seat, off we go, closer and closer to forty. Here I come. When I was younger, 40 was incomprehensible. Surely I would have winked out of existence before that. (Not a lot of high goals as a child.) But here I am, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, so to speak. To celebrate turning 38, I have created a Memory Map. I began with a big wheel, divided into four wedges, each representing a decade. Then, in each wedge I created a collage of memories — and here’s where the real gift to me came in: I allowed myself to CLAIM ONLY POSITIVE MEMORIES. The dark stuff is there, of course, it’s always with us to one degree or another. In the fourth wedge, I wrote See Bucket List. I have 24 months before I am 40. I decided to come up with 24 random things to do, believes I need to roll with better, ideas, all kinds of things, let’s go!!! Things to do before I turn 40: Host Parties- Host many parties at my home, and really go for it! After all, I have been talking about having all my friends over for ages. Make New Friends- I love my friends, but it’s time to branch out. Go to a friend mixer, head to a bar alone, or walk right up to people I don’t know at a party for a long chat. Volunteer- Helping others who are less fortunate than me, just because, a great routine to put into practice for the future. You Do You- Volunteering is great, but make sure I am giving myself the time I need, too. Take one hour a day, once a week, to do something for yourself instead of someone else. I am allowed. Travel- Go somewhere international—or domestic!—where I have never been before. Whether that means with my favorite plus-one, a group of besties, or solo. Consider being a little selfish by planning the trip first and inviting friends later. To ensure I am taking the trip that I want to take. Take a Leap- Do something I have always wanted to do, but might have been scared to in the past. Whether that means going up to a single guy at a bar or skydiving, I know what makes my stomach churn…time to do that. Plan My Retirement- That’s right, you read that correctly. Start saving money or buy real estate. It doesn’t have to be scary if I don’t leave it all until it’s too late. Get Lasik- That is right, I accept that even in my old age I do not take care of my glasses like I should, time to level up. Indulge- Go ahead and indulge in the things that really make me feel good. Get that weekly acupuncture or massages. It is fine, I have earned it. Don’t Overthink- Don’t give a damn what anyone thinks. I have gotten this far, so I am clearly doing something right. And don’t let anyone tell me otherwise. Go for It- Go for it, whatever it is, without hesitation. Try out for that show, apply for that job, tell that crush I like them. What do I have to lose? You’re nearly halfway done. Stop Wasting- Stop wasting everything—it’s just unnecessary. And that sentiment applies to everything: food, extra commodities, friendships, time… Shop Smart- Stop buying unnecessary things and try to curb your “need, want, have” attitude. It’s high time that I learned to shop better, not more. Don’t Hoard- Why have I kept everything from your college English paper to the note I received from my first crush? I have enough stuff. Go through my life’s possessions and lighten my load. Give More Compliments- I know I am thinking them, so why not share? The recipients will be so thrilled. And, while I am at it, learn how to take a compliment, too—because I know how awful I am at that as well. (Striving to be the drink women in the bathroom at 1 am.) Get Dressed Up- Get dressed up more often because, why not? Even if I am only heading out to the corner store, slip into a dress, or throw on a pair of killer earrings. After all, what am I saving those fun pair of heels for—dinner with the Queen? Print Photos- Print photos and create beautiful photo albums. It’s a great activity to remember and reminisce about my life and friends as I put it together—and I will have something to show for my work that my family and friends will appreciate, too. Be Friendlier- Say hi to people, hold the door open, let someone cut in front of me in line. Whether I know them or not, it’s an action that will not only be appreciated but also paid forward. Apologize- There’s always that one person I have owed an apology to—for a long time. Now’s your chance to make amends and bury the hatchet. Play Cards- Start a weekly card game. Or maybe a rotating game night! Any excuse for getting friends together on a more regular basis. Do What I Want- Do whatever I want to do, not what people want me to do. It’s time I learn to think of myself, too. Build Something- Try building something with my own two hands, even if it’s just with Lego bricks! Even if it fails, I will be glad that I tried. Quit- Really quit that bad habit for good. Or, if quitting isn’t in the cards, quit saying you’ll quit and just be gentle with yourself. Start Your Midlife Crisis- Yup. Freak out, and then move on. Pisces where you at? Creeping to 40 where you at? What’s on your bucket list? Manifest in the Midwest
