Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Time To Ponder


Good morning, loves.  Hope your week is off to a wonderful start. 

As I mentioned yesterday, J is away all week on a business trip and I'm left with alot of time to ponder.  It's been a busy time as of late. A lot of good, beach weekends, vacation, birthday celebrations. And some bad, a long illness that took a lot out of me.  But things are starting to calm down and I'm now faced with the realization that I just hit a major milestone in my life.  I know 40 is just a number.  I don't feel old, and I don't even think that 40 is old.  But I'm suddenly feeling the need to step back and evaluate my life.  Where I am and where I'd like to be. 

I'm very fortunate.  I have a wonderful life. I'm loved more than I can even really understand. I have an amazing job.  A wonderful family.  And I live very comfortably. I travel and really get to do whatever I want, whenever I want.  I don't have things to tie me down. 

But there are things that I thought I would have at this point in my life that I don't have.  I thought I'd have children, I thought I'd own a home.  But as I said, I don't really have things to tie me down and because of those things I'm able to live the life I do.  A part of me wishes things were different but I am extremely happy with the life I have and I choose to live my life with no regrets.

That being said, I'm thinking of putting some things down on paper.  Things I'd like to accomplish and experience in my life.  I guess it's a sort of bucket list but I don't want to be morbid about it.  I can't really make a 40 by 40 list because that seems to have passed me by.  And I don't want to do a 50 by 50 list because that's way too far off.  Maybe I'll just make a list of goals for the short term and see how it goes. 

Let's see where this week of alone time gets me.  Look at me being all reflective. Js gonna wonder what on earth happened to me!  I promise to share the list once it's complete.

Have a wonderful day, loves.

xoxo

Images: 1, 2 Images edited by The Alternative Wife

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38 comments:

fashion doctor said...

darling,i'm 45 years old and i'm happy with me.have a wonderful week! xoxooo STELLA

The Dainty Dolls House said...

I can understand what you mean..there are things I've not done yet, but I will do it and so will you :)) All things come in their own time and as long as your happy and living life and not just existing, then all is fine :)) Making a list to check off is a good thing :)) xoxo

Ann said...

Life is good,
as you already have pondered.
Good to know you love the life you have and that you are thankful for the things you have... and as they say these days, 40 is the new 20.

O said...

Such a beautiful reflection. I am going through a similar process (going 30 almost), but my list of expectations is a bit longer :). Life is good when you are loved and healthy. xoxo

lorenabr said...

These days 40s are the new 20s - everything is the way you want it to be for a reason :)
I am in my mid 30s, no kids so far and things are falling into place...
To me you sound happy and fulfilled. I guess we all have a list in mind...

hope in high heels said...

Milestone birthdays always have that effect on me. there's rarely any other time when I press pause on my life and step back and think about where I've been, where I'm going and what I really want. I look forward to seeing your list when it's done - am certain it will be inspiring! hope you're having a fabulous week so far!

Unknown said...

believe that ALL things happen for a reason - good and bad - and as much as u look back and say i wish i really had this or that - as you already realize you have such amazing blessings in ur life that people only DREAM about - i know there's a few of ur 'norm' that's a dream of mine! - but having a "bucket list" is a FAB idea! - i have one - and even if u don't do them all - no biggie - u just do ur best! - xoxox

*Much Bliss*
Erika~Tiptoe Butterfly~

Christine @Fancy Function said...

I think that's a great idea! I did something similar in the beginning of the year- just started writing down some goals for myself (short and long term) and it has really helped me focus and actually accomplish many of them. :)

SabinePsynopsis said...

I totally understand your feelings, Dawn... When I hit 40 I was getting very restless. It wasn't about anything I didn't have, but about the dreams I had when I was 18, and then life came along and often made me forget about them... It's not called the midlife crisis for nothing :) xoxo

Unknown said...

Time by yourself is so important for reasons like this! I swear a little alone time gives me a new lease on the life that I have. You have accomplished so much in your life! You should be so proud :)

Samantha Green said...

"I am extremely happy with the life I have and I choose to live my life with no regrets." -- this is a great quote and i'm going to remember this every time i look back and think about the things i might have done.
the best way is to look forward and make plans for the future -- you are so right! great post!! :) xx

Lindsey @ be pretty said...

Nothing better than time to reflect on the life that you live... Girlfriend, you are one talented, sweet, caring, career driven women! You have a lot to be proud of... don't let little things get you down. I do believe in lists... make your list and see what positive additions you can set as a goal! One by one, whatever little void there might be in your heart, with the help of J the two of you can find a way to fulfill whatever happiness you feel y'all need... that might be a summer beach home in Charleston... and if that's it - I'll be down every weekend to visit! Luver you!

Priscilla Joy said...

A list sounds great.
I have been pondering lately as well, and though, 30 is just a number too.... the closer I get to that day (just 4 more months to go, I too am making that list).

ENjoy the day. SMile loads.
xx

Alexa said...

I love your idea of a list Dawn. It's such a good way to step back from it all really. I'm interested to see the things you want to do/accomplish.

Leslie said...

I think it's wonderful that you are pondering where you're at in life. We all look at our lives and have areas that still need tending to or perhaps things we wish would not have happened, but when it's all said and done.. hopefully we feel fulfilled. I think different decades present with different objectives. The 50's list is more about personal health and appreciation for family :)

xx
leslie

Anonymous said...

That was a good reflection, like a window into your mind. I'm looking forward to that list ... maybe I will get some ideas ;-)

Angie said...

Life doesn't always go according to plan, but it seems as if you have many blessings to be thankful for. I am turning 45 next week and I have to tell you that my forties have been my best decade yet. No rush to 50 though!! A list is a great idea to keep your priorities intact.
Warmly,
Angie

Elle Sees said...

when i was 18, i made a 30x30 list. i did everything but have a family and learn to drive a stick shift!

Unknown said...

I definitely thought things would be a bit different at this stage in my life too, although there is very little in my life that I would change. Of course, there are still things I wish & hope for! May you tackle all of your goals & wishes~

Rowena @ rolala loves said...

40 is not old at all. Some reflection is always good to put things in perspective and open us up to new possibilities on the horizon. I look forward to seeing what you come up with.

Thanks so much for all your sweet support and friendship Dawn! I know my recovery will take time. It's just my impatience gets me sometimes. It was so cool to find out that you were also into gymnastics when you were younger. Perhaps it's something you might want to revisit as part of your new life experiences. There's always NY Trapeze school ;)

Rowena @ rolala loves

A Brit Greek said...

Hey Dawn,

I always thought i'd be in a cerain place at my age too and it's sometimes hard not to compare... But it sounds like you have a plan up your sleeve, so that's very exciting lady! Can't wait to hear more!

Thank you so much for your answer on my random question! It was really interesting, only because I was talking to a friend about the fact that she only ever uses Lancome and she would never change up her products...

Anyhoos, Sending you some big squeezy hugs love!
x.o.x.o

Bonnie said...

Calling something a "bucket list" sounds morbid and dark to me. I prefer to call it a "wish list" or a "to-do" list that is a bit more ... motivational ... than a normal to-do list. If you want something, go for it. Seize the day -- It sounds cliche, but it is true. Life doesn't last forever, so if you want something, work hard to get it before you miss the opportunity. Enjoy life. Always.

http://www.glamkittenslitterbox.com/
Twitter: @GlamKitten88

Anonymous said...

I can't wait to see the list and I think it's a great idea :)

Anonymous said...

I know how you are feeling. At 25 I began to question everything and I turne 30 in December and things got confusing again and I'm sure they will at 40. I think it's great you have some alone time to reflect and making a list sounds great! Xo

Stesha said...

This year of 35 has been a big reflection for me. I have my family... children and husband. Even the pets, but now I'd like something just for me. A business? A interest? Whatever it is I plan to discover it in these next few months.

Hugs and Mocha,
Stesha

Unknown said...

Reflection is really good, and so are short term goals. I wish you the best of luck in this endeavor!

Anonymous said...

It's such an interesting experience to realize that your life has ended up looking like you might not have expected it to. But I think it sounds as though you have a fantastic outlook on your life-- you are grateful for the wonderful blessings, and beginning to realize certain desires. I firmly believe there is no right timeline for life; there is no specific age that things are supposed to happen, because everyone's path is different. I love your inclination to live at your own pace, and to welcome this new awakening within yourself.

B. in the Know said...

I love that you are taking the time to reflect - it is so good for us to do from time to time - and even better that you are acting on it by creating a list to hold yourself accountable. I am excited to see what you come up with! And isn't it funny how life never seems to work out the way we would have thought or planned it, but it is almost better that it didn't?!
Much love,
B

Jessica said...

I can kind of relate. I'm not 40 yet but today is my birthday and I have to say that I'm disappointed. Not with the fact that I'm older but with the lack of accomplishments I thought I would have by now. I was just thinking after I woke up this morning that basically the only things I have accomplished so far is having a rather useless law degree when I don't even know if I want to be an attorney and why more student loan debt than I want to think about. So I'm hoping to spend the next year or two doing some planning and figuring out things and making some changes to my life.

honey my heart said...

you may not be where you thought you'd be, but you're happy! and that really is all that matters. hope that you week is going good :)

Anonymous said...

Sounds like you are living a wonderful life. I have 2 teens I'll happily ship your way... Hee hee. My solution to kids? A lap dog. They are like children, loyal as hell, and you can put them in the kennel when you travel without DSS knocking at your door! Can't wait to see your list. xo

Unknown said...

I would love to see your list! I think it's really important to write things down. It gives you a sense of accomplishment and let's you see when priorities need to change or when your goals do.

I'm sure there are things you thought you'd have by 40, but I'm sure there's plenty you have that you never even thought about. Cheers to a blessed life!

Can't wait to see your list! xoxo

A Casa da Vá said...

This is beautiful my friend! I do believe in the power of declarations thou, so the bucket list sounds like an amazing way fro you to accomplish even more amazing things in your life!
Can't wait to see your list...

Beijos,
http://acasadava.blogspot.com

trishie said...

40 is definitely the new 20. Your life sounds wonderful. I do sometimes wish I could travel more but with a mortgage I can't. A list of goals is useful at any stage of life I think. Can't wait to see the list when it's complete!

Elly @ Caribbean Living said...

Well I look forward to seeing the list Dawn! I'm sure it will be fun and fabulous.

Danielle's Sweets said...

I know exactly what you mean. I just turned 38 two weeks ago, and it's an eye opener. I thought some aspects of my life would be different by now, but that's not saying I'm not happy. It just makes you think. You have inspired me to make a list for myself. I can't wait to see what wonderful things you are looking forward to in the future!

Danielle xo

Rachel {little bits of lovely} said...

It is never too late to explore opportunities of the heart. Don't ignore the fire inside, go and chase it and explore it - you have nothing to lose! xx

Test said...

You know I know how you feel... It's always to have a list of things we want and look forward to get... Call it a desires list... Something very glamorous! Make it in nice font on the computer so it's nice to look at... Have fun with it my dear!!! Hope you're having a great day!!!!