Ted Talks-Adam Baker
I am slowly coming out of a pretty long low life cycle that I never thought would end. Now, I’m not sure what to be more alarmed by, the fact that I am getting old enough to have negative or positive life cycles that can last more than 5 years or that it freakin’ lasted 5 years?
It all seemed to begin with 9-11. Really, and then when things would slowly seem to be getting better something else would seem to happen. As I reflected on: loss of jobs, lack of money, lack of mobility, no love life, family stress, loss of friends, and debt one thing kept coming to me-I was the constant. I wondered as all these things were going on-am I a bad person? Why are these things happening to me? Am I doing something wrong? The answers were: No, it’s life, and no.
While there were good moments: Going to Buenos Aires, seeing my Grandma, learning Spanish, buying my condo, my job, hiking to Hanging Lake Colorado, babies (Bo and Tori) being born, and friends getting married…I felt like I was being left behind and my personal good moments seemed few.
Quite frankly, I had gotten stuck and had lost my passion for everything! When I was younger I loved to dance. I danced up to 25 hours a week and found ways to perform. The music, the camaraderie, the intensity were things that I thrived on. But then I got an office job and things tapered off in the way that they do when you work and commute. I loved music videos and was an extra in an R Kelly video filmed at Red Rocks (The Storm is Over) check it out on YouTube (skip to minute 2:54). It was on my list of things to do (be in a music video). I auditioned to be a Broncos Cheerleader (almost made it!) and auditioned to be a Nuggets Dancer. I auditioned to be on the Real World and Road Rules.
I tried to do everything on my list.
Then, as time went on I got tired and I got older and I began to listen to what people told me I could be. They said I was too old, too late, etc. Through doing (believing others) I limited my vision of what my reality could be. Luckily for me, I got tired of this limited reality and realized that in order to have the life that I want I have to make steps towards it and have a vision for myself. What am I willing to do? What is now on my list? What am I truly excited about and can’t get enough of? What am I willing to sacrifice for? What am I dreaming about? So, I came up with a list of things to work towards that is by no means complete.
Michelle’s List or Rediscovering my passion
1.) Blogging-I want to be employed as a full-time blogger and frugal living/frugal travel/frugal fashion consultant. Seriously. I want to help and empower others so that they don’t feel alone during the tough times. I also want to work in a way that allows me to control my schedule more.
2.) Learn to D.J.-I love a good party. Throwing one, cooking for one, etc. I love music and I want to learn how to D.J. There is an English Grandmother named D.J. Ruth who is my idol!
3.) Learn Spanish fluently and live in South America for a year (or two)-I love learning languages. I learned French before (but can only read it now because I don’t use it) and now I am learning Spanish. It is so fun learning another language and culture. In order to become fluent I would like to live overseas (working as a blogger!) and study the language
4.) Meet the man of my dreams-I am sure he is out there 🙂 So, I have started being a lot more proactive about this process (Match.com anyone?) Changing my coffee shop, etc. I am looking forward to family life. Any other ideas for me?
5.) Losing the stubborn 20 pounds-Ok, so I’ve gained 20 pounds since I started my job some years it’s up to 25 pounds. I miss being super fit. How serious am I (finally) about losing this weight? I have become a sort of vegan. So, during the week I don’t eat meat or milk products. During the weekend I can eat whatever I want. I don’t want to be a full-time vegan because I travel and in general I don’t want to say “no” when someone offers me food (and I like meat). But, I do believe in the health benefit and the benefit to the earth in consuming fewer animal products. And…it’s cheaper!
6.) Become more politically active-The election re-ignited a fire in me to be involved politically. I have even joined a political party after always being an independent my entire voting life.
7.) Pay off my debts-This will take at least 4-5 years to pay off everything including my condo.
8.) Become a millionaire-I would like to accumulate up to 1 million dollars (or more) in cash and assets in the next 7-10 years.There are other items on my list, but these are the ones that I’m going to share today.
You may notice that all of the items on my list will take time to achieve or fail at. This is the hardest thing to deal with. Slow and steady always wins the race. Impatience is also the enemy of progress. So, I will be practicing patience which is not a natural state for me. What are you passionate about? What have you begun doing to change your life? How have your finances (good or bad) affected your ability to do what you dream of doing? Give us ideas. Let’s change our lives!
So, I implore you to take an afternoon to journal, to walk, to meditate and think about what is important to you? It doesn’t have to be one thing. It can be many different things. What would make you happier? What would you enjoy working towards even if you were to fail at succeeding at that goal? What could you do to create change for yourself?
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I am an obsessive foodie, but not self-righteous with it, love travel, meeting new people, helping you look good, and am freaked out by people who don't enjoying reading...something! Grab a Perrier, read my blog, feel free to drop me a line! Hope to hear from you soon.
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This post really inspired me Michelle. I’ve been struggling with focus for sometime and although I started working on a bucket list again, it inspired me for my major goals for 2013 and what I would like to accomplish before I turn 30. Thank you.
Thanks so much Athena! I’m also sorry for the slow reply-I was out of town. Can’t wait to “set the world on fire” living our dreams. What’s on your bucket list? Hope you’re having a blessed day and Happy (early) Thanksgiving 🙂
Good luck with all your goals, that looks like many great things to look forward to! I have had ups and downs but usually the best way to start from a down is to set a small goal. Achieve it and be proud. Set a slightly bigger goal. Before you know it you’ll move mountains.
Thanks Pauline! My theory is if I meet at least half of my goals I’m doing pretty good! I am def. starting with the small goals first as I have learned the hard way in the past by trying to do too much too soon.