This post is one I wrote for Leading Associates on June 11, 2009. I’m proud of the posts I wrote for LA, and I wanted to include them here at Trina Left Iowa.
This Saturday will mark my 25th year of life on Earth. Unlike many other birthdays, this one is a major milestone year for me. My life isn’t exactly planned out, but there are things I would like to do by the time I reach 25, 30, 40, 50, 65, etc. This year the annual event has caused me to do a deeper than normal self reflection, and I’ve been brutally hard on myself.
The first thoughts that came when I realized that I was actually going to be 25 were very negative ones. I haven’t gotten a masters degree, I’m not living in the downtown of a glamorous city, I’m not in love with my job, I’m not one step away from engagement which will lead to marriage prior to 30 and children prior to 35, I haven’t lived in Europe, I’m still 10 lbs heavier than I want to be, I don’t have enough money for the down payment on a house, I still don’t know what I want to be when I grow up…and the list goes on and on. I began to feel bogged down by my disappointment with myself.
Suddenly I snapped out of it and realized that I’ve done quite a bit in 25 years. I began to pat myself on the back for all the things I have done and recognize those accomplishments. Here are some things I will be celebrating on Saturday:
- I went to the University of Iowa scared with an undecided major. In five years, I studied biology (not an easy subject) and graduated with honors and with distinction.
- While at school, I joined a sorority and began to meet people from all different backgrounds. Also, I worked in a lab and made amazing friends that I’ll never forget. I learned a lot about myself during those years.
- I left Iowa!!!!!! I’ve had the travel bug since I was a little kid and knew I wanted to leave the Hawkeye state. I do miss that sweet corn and those country roads…
- I moved a lot and didn’t go insane. I moved to Plano, then did a two-week stint in Chicago, moved out to Rhode Island and finally came back to Dallas. Each place has been unique and interesting its own way.
- I got a job with a huge corporation. I may not love corporate life, but I have grown infinitely as a professional because of it.
- I have been in love twice and know what I want in a relationship. I won’t stand to be treated like crap as I did in my early years. This alone has been a huge growth and given me confidence I never had.
- When it comes to babies, I’ve got two nieces that make me light up with glee. They are perfect!
- I have been to Europe!!! I’ve visited London and Paris and can’t wait for the next trip.
- Hell, I’ve spent a summer in Okinawa, Japan. How many people can say that they learned how to scuba during their summer in Oki?
- I have done every kind of yo-yo diet there is, and I’m learning to accept my body. I can be healthy and still be me without trying to drastically overhaul my physique.
- I AM FINANCIALLY INDEPENDENT FROM MY PARENTS!!!!!!!!! This is huge. I’m building up a cushion, saving for retirement, paying all my bills and chipping away at the stupid amount of student loans. I still think my dad is in shock.
- Seriously – who does know what they want to be when they grow up? Every project/assignment I tackle helps me to answer this. Maybe I’ll move this one as a goal for 65…
My new promise to myself is to do this positive reflection each and every birthday. I am going to sit back, think of all that I have accomplished, reflect on what my experiences have taught me and celebrate another year of life. I am going to attempt to enjoy the ride more often and not be so hard on myself. After all, if I can be financially independent from my parents, I can do just about anything.
You can find me smiling this Saturday June 13 at one of the Uptown Dallas pubs.