This week in the class I teach I’ve been talking to my students about career preparation. Specifically we’ve been looking at our personal abilities, aptitudes, and values and kind of seeing how each of these might contribute to their future career choices. They’re mostly 13 years old and already some of them have clear visions about who they want to be when they grow up. It’s pretty remarkable. Especially considering that at age 31 I am still asking myself this question.
It’s a strange age, 30-something. All our lives, we’ve moved in steps together with our peers. We all choose our high school sports at the same time. Within a few years, we’ve all gotten our driver’s license and probably our first jobs. A few years after that, we’ve got a high school diploma and then a college degree. We’re all off in the workforce. We’re all newbie adults just finding to find a place to settle in. And that’s where all the similarities end. Suddenly we’re on different paths and time tables, falling in and out of touch for reasons other than problems and it gets tougher and tougher to determine if you’re on the right path. Are you growing up to be the person you’re meant to be? Are you doing what you meant to do?
I can look back on friendships, great great friendships, that have almost fallen to the wayside recently not because of any personal issues, but because our lives have grown soooooo drastically different that it’s hard to find common activities. I have peers whose fashion sense ranges from full out “mom” wear to slinky sexy club wear, and I’m still unsure of where I fall on the spectrum.
So what do I want to be when I grow up? I can think of a few....
I want to be a poster of wellness. Think Karina and Katrina, aka the Tone It Up girls. Holy girl crush. I think I’m in love. And on top of that their advice is sound and their workouts are legit. Right at my level and leaves me feeling refreshed. Try this Bikini Body Challenge workout and tell me you’re not drawn to them.
I want to be real. Not real like I don’t give a f**k about anyone’s feelings and I’m going to start swearing all over the internet. Not like that. I want to write honest pieces that people are affected by. I’ve found few bloggers as real as Erin Gray in this post. If you don’t follow her, you should. She’s inspiring and normal and a phenomenal writer to boot.
I want to have a kind heart. I’ve been successful at this in some realms of life and failed in others. I have a ways to go. I tend to internalize things and toil over them when I don’t feel comfortable and put people off. I’m hoping to stop doing this one day. I’ll let you know how it goes. I wish I could maintain a FUN, bright attitude all the time, but it seems I have a dark side that haunts me.
I want to be successful. I’m sick and tired of feeling like the best successes of my life were in my early twenties. There has to be more. Otherwise, why would people live so long? I want to establish new goals and ideals and values and hey.... maybe I ought to take my own class this year. After all, everything happens for a reason, and I've found that a great way to learn a new skill is by teaching it to others ;)
First of all, I'm so glad to be meeting another 30-something blogger! I am turning the big 3-0 in two months and was feeling a bit lonely!
ReplyDeleteI also very much agree that even the best of friends can grow apart. I had a friend in my teens and late 20's and we were very close, despite on being on opposite ends of the country, and I'm just amazed that I NEVER hear from her now. We went on totally different paths; I got out of college, went to work, and bought a house, and she is in the land of academia getting her Ph.D. (More power to her!)
I also sometimes feel that I accomplished so much more in my early 20's, but my big heyday is behind me. Hopefully we will both find our passions!
Can't wait to read more from you!
Terri
http://www.fangledfaith.com
I'll be turning 30 next month - and I can totally relate to this post.
ReplyDeleteThere has to be more - and you are so spot on - setting goals - working towards something.
I need to stop doubting what I do - and start trusting in myself.
Great post!
This is so very true. I remember my mom telling me that friendships won't always last, people move on, and I was sad when she told me that at a young age. But obviously now I know that and grew to understand it. Also I feel that because "I'm married" and somewhat settled down, that I tend to hang out more with couples who have similar interests. Although I have a few select friends who are still into the whole club attire on the daily. Weird how things change.
ReplyDeleteShowered With Design
I love this!! Things are always shifting and evolving and we're always growing and changing. I always want to be open to whatever life has in store for me. I still ask myself every day what I want to be when I grow up! I know exactly what you mean about wanting to be real. I feel like in the blog world everything is so perfectly balanced that when I come across a person/post who is just sincerely genuine, it's refreshing!
ReplyDelete