to thine own self be true
April 18, 2008 by mrsvendsel
My friend over at Moot Thoughts and Musings recently blogged about her 30th birthday, including the things she was thankful for having experienced and accomplished in her twenties. With my own 30th birthday approaching swiftly, I thought it might be nice to do the same. So I have begun to reflect and perhaps you will see a similar post closer to doomsday my birthday. For now though, I thought this might be a good time to share the beginnings of a lifetime wish list of sorts which I started some time ago. Mindy (ever the list-maker!) told me that she keeps a list of things she wants to do before she dies, and has a scrapbook for marking when she crosses off one of those items. I think this is such a lovely idea, and a nice antidote to lamenting my lost youth. I must confess that 30 has seemed an intimidating birthday ahead. There are many milestones I thought I would have already accomplished by now. But regret is certainly not a productive activity; it ranks right alongside worry and fear.
I would much rather look forward to the future, but even a future-focus is frought with some difficulties, as the admonishment of James warns, for tomorrow is not a promised commodity. “Teach us to number our days,” says the Psalmist, “that we may present a heart of wisdom.” My favorite morning prayer begins: “O Lord, you have brought me in safety to this new day…” Each day is a gift, and I hope that reflections of these sort would enable me to be more fully present in the here and now, however much of that here and now God is pleased to give.
One additional thing I should like to point out is that this is a “To DO list” and as such is action-oriented. It might be profitable and wise to create a “To BE” list with a more spiritual, ontological flavor to it. (Be more prayerful, more meditative, etc.) For now these are items I want to actually do in years to come. Some of them are similar, some are silly, some are serious. All are me, unashamedly me. It will no doubt change as I grow and change, but here are some of my heart’s desires, in no particular order …
1. Drink tea in a cottage in England
2. Visit Oxford
3. Gaze at sheep in a green field in Scotland
4. Share a pint with Mike in a pub in Ireland
5. Wander the Louvre
6. Stand on the shores of Prince Edward Island
7. Write a book
8. Finish my Reading List (ha!)
9. Learn (at least some) French, Italian, and German
10. Make a Quilt
11. Learn to Knit
12. Sew my own clothing
13. Get my professional counseling license
14. Give back to the educational institutions that shaped me
15. Mentor a young person (or two, or twenty…)
16. Record my family history
17. Plant a tree
18. Grow a vegetable garden
19. Grow a flower garden
20. Climb more mountains
21. Go sailing on the ocean
22. Become a Mother
……………………………………………………..
So, what would your list say?
Well, I’ve shared a pint with Mike in Oxford…well, I don’t think any of us had enough money for beer AND food, so we probably all ended up sharing shepherd’s pie.
I know for most people, 30 sounds not so fun. For me, honestly, I can’t wait to be 30. I think that is the age when people actually take you seriously. You’re an adult, you’ve had life experience, you’re educated and independent, and so what you have to offer means something. Now, I am not saying that right now at 24 I don’t have anything to contribute, cause I certainly think I do. But I think 30 is an acceptance age for the whole world. It’s the age when you aren’t “so young” , but still not old enough to be considered out of touch, ya know. I think 30 is great…and I think it will look espically good on you!
Your list is lovely! I think the scrapbook idea is wonderful too.
:0)
Well your 1-6 are some of mine as well.=)
And I haven’t forgotten about your picture, I just always remember when I’m going in to his room to put him to bed…
I also had contemplations upon turning 30. Why is that?! You can read them here:
http://the-blue-notebook.blogspot.com/2006/10/thoughts-on-30.html
Many happy returns!