It occurred to me today that for the first time in my life the path of my life is totally, 100% up to me. It is freeing, exciting and terrifying all at the same time.
When you are a child you are expected to go to school through high school. And then, if you are like me, you are expected to go to college. After college, I went to law school of my own prescription. And then after law school I worked hard to achieve in my professional career. At this point, lots of other women also take the mommy track - get married, have children, etc. When you do that much of your life is prescribed for you by the growth and care of your children (and husband).
I realized this morning that my life and where I go from here is 100% in my own hands. I don't have children to care for, a husband to care for, I've reached the highest position in my chosen field (as a government attorney). Now I get to the fun stuff - what do I want to do?
I came up with some small things that I'd like to try: rock climbing, rafting the Colorado River, taking a cross country bike tour. And some bigger things: own my own home, drive a convertible, think about the next career steps for me (consultant?, bigger agency?, specialize?, move?).
These are exciting times, and at 34, my whole life is ahead of me and I have been relieved of all societal expectations. The rest of my life can be lived exactly as I want to live it. If I want to move to Mexico and open a bar, I can do it. If I want to escape to Darwin, Australia and be off the map for a year or so, I can do it. If I want to get married, have children, a picket fence and a dog, I can do that, too.
What a great opportunity!
So, dear reader, take care of yourself - I'll be planning my next move.
1 comment:
This post is amazingly prophetic. I sit here, 3 years in the future. I own a convertible, I own my own adorable home, I have a great dog that I took hiking a couple years ago. I'm seriously considering a fantastic trip to Greece this summer. I've made it!
Post a Comment