I’m Going Somewhere and I’m Taking People With Me

I don’t know what it is about my birthdays that give me the extra boost I need, but this one is no exception. Today I turn 32, and I just have to tell you, I’m going somewhere. If I knew it in my bones when I was 21, it has increased 100 fold by this 32nd milestone. And, I’m writing to you today, because I want you to come with me.

I was having a conversation recently with my dad about age. By someone’s accidental inputting, our insurance company had documented Tony’s age as being 5 years old than he actually is. We discussed how strange it would be to find out one day that you are in fact 5 years older than you thought you were (“Oh, my, I’m so behind”) or 5 years younger than you thought you were (“Oh, wow, I’m so far ahead”). We tend to hinge so much on our age. If we’re 30 and we aren’t married yet we may start to sweat it. If we’re 35 and we haven’t had a baby yet, we may feel the pressure. If we’re 40 or 50 and we’re starting over in a new career, we are convinced we are behind the times. But my dad has a good perspective. My dad who has successfully and creatively re-invented himself several times in his life. From public education to nutritional sales, from self-employed financial planner to college professor, his life has had its share of risky leaps at all different ages.

“Pick an age,” my dad says.

“What?” I reply, a bit confused.

“Just pick one. What age do you want to be? What age would allow you to do what you want to do? Pick that age and act like it.”

I can remember going on a walk with Tony. We were pushing a baby stroller. Probably a double stroller. And probably I was pregnant for a third time, so it must have been about five years ago. It was before California. Before Oklahoma. I distinctly remember walking the streets of Cincinnati. There was a passion burning inside of me for life. I remember telling him, “I feel like we’re on the verge of something big. Like we’re standing on the edge and life is just about ready to open up for us in a big, beautiful way.” I could feel excitement as it raced through my veins. I could sense adventure. I could breathe in a hopeful future. And it didn’t happen immediately. Actually it was months later, but wow did life change.

I am there again. I don’t know if this feeling comes in seasons or if one can manage to hold it close consistently. But I am there again.

There is something big on the horizon. I don’t know what. I am not alluding to some well-kept secret that I’m waiting to spring on you at just the perfect time. I’ve just got a sense, and what’s crazy is that it feels even bigger this time than last.

But this time, I’m going vocal with it, and I’m taking people with me.

If you are tired of your age or your weight or your career or your bad habits or your role in life, you might just be in need of an adventure.

And I don’t know exactly where I’m going, but I’m going somewhere. I’m embracing what I do have, and I am marching on towards what I long to have, and I’m not stopping.

At 33, maybe even before 33, (call me crazy, but for some reason next May keeps coming to mind) I am not going to look the same as I did at 32. I am not going to be believing the same lies, I am not going to be slave to the same bad habits, I am not going to let dreams go un-pursued and I am certainly not going to settle in and get comfortable in an age that is just a number.

Pick a number. What age do you need to be so you can live out the life you so desire?

Then come along. I can promise you if you stick close, we’ll get somewhere because I’m not staying where I am any longer, and I know you don’t want to either.

Tagged as: Inspirational, self-help