Have you ever found yourself in a state of reflection wondering, “What in the world have I accomplished?”. Often times I get stuck in a rut thinking that I haven’t “done” much or I don’t have a clear vision in life. It is frustrating because I want, so badly, to make an impact and to believe that what I am doing is worth something. I recently celebrated my 32nd birthday and, for quite some time, I’ve felt the need to revisit a personal journal entry I wrote just prior to my 30th birthday.
My Birthday Reflection:
In early January of 2019, just before my birthday, I compiled a list of accomplishments. It was my way of gathering my thoughts on what I was most proud of. It started off small, in other words, I felt nervous naming my what I had achieved, like it wasn’t important. However, as I spent more time on it, I eventually had 30 things that I was truly confident in declaring. Afterward, I compiled a list of 30 dreams that I hoped would come true during this current decade of my life. Slowly, I have begun turning some of these dreams into goals and some of those goals into plans. In celebration of my 32nd birthday, I added to the list and I’ll continue with each birthday to come.
Reflection of Things:
- Had a poem published through a Montel Williams contest at 10
- Started my first full-time job as a teacher’s assistant at 18
- Was the lead in a Murder Mystery Dinner my freshman year of college
- Was an RA my junior year
- Fell in love with line dancing
- Went on a mission trip to Uganda, Africa
- Passed all of my teaching tests on the first try
- Received my BS degree in Elementary Education
- Got my first teaching job the summer after graduation
- Lost 60lbs
- Quit a job because it was better for my health
- Overcame anxiety
- Celebrated my 25th birthday in the Florida Keys
- Asked a guy on a date
- Dated & Got married to my first & only “real” boyfriend
- Adopted 2 dogs
- Completed 2 full years of classroom teaching
- Embarked on a new career
- Moved out of Florida
- Lost 30 more lbs
- Bought a house
- Had a baby
- Cut off individuals who do not add value to my life
- Began using essential oils
- Began a Rae Dunn collection
- Started Learning Italian
- Adopted a cat
- Began Making Farmhouse Decor
- Got to be “a girl that stands at the front of the church” (bridesmaid)
- Started a blog…oh hey!
- Remodeled our kitchen
- Grew my online teaching business to bring in additional income
Learn More About Me
It is clear that we can’t live in a state of reflection. At some point, we have to look ahead to the future. I am of the mindset that dreams are wishful thinking until we turn them into goals and develop action plans to achieve them. For instance, some of these items I am working towards while others I have yet to embark on. Nonetheless, I’m looking forward to what I can do throughout my thirties and beyond!
Dreams:
- Get out of debt
- Return to Africa
- Do a missions trip as a family
- Become a stay-at-home mom
- Build our dream home
- Have residual income
- Visit NYC for the first time
- Go to Hawaii
- Go to Ireland and Scotland
- Visit China to meet my students
- Dye my hair purple
- Stay in a tree house hotel
- Be confident in my skin regardless of my weight
- Be able to bless my parents financially
- Read one book a month for a year
- Deepen my relationship with friends
- Master 3 different lettering styles
- Begin attending church regularly
- Maintain a clean & clutter-free home
- Make my bed every day or convince my husband to 😉
- Be fluent in Italian
- Write a book & have it published
- Act in a play again
- Take classes in event planning/hosting
- Purchase a high-quality camera and learn some photography skills
- Regularly wake up before my daughter to read, pray, drink coffee or whatever I decide to do that morning…perhaps shower even
- Take a Disney Trip with the family
- See Hamilton…not just his grave
- Host, at least, one holiday family gathering at my home every year
- Attend craft/painting classes every few months
- Travel somewhere new for my birthday every year
- Finally, send out Christmas cards…maybe
For the Birthday To Come…
In short, I intend to, eventually, move those dreams onto the “things” list and dream even bigger for the future. Having these lists has reminded me of my purpose, given me direction and helped outline steps to continue walking in my calling.
If you haven’t already, consider compiling a list of things and dreams of your own. It doesn’t have to be related to your age and it could be longer or shorter depending upon what you desire. I’d love to hear what things you are proud of accomplishing and your dreams or goals for the future. Share them in comments below!
-Lauren
Mark says
Thanks for your blog, nice to read. Do not stop.