15 Things – 5 Reasons Why

Posted on | August 20, 2009 | No Comments

Back in June, I presented my list of “15 Things to do Before I’m 30.” I made the list just in time for my 27th birthday in mid-March. With the six month date quickly approaching (leaving me with two and a half years to finish), I thought I’d take stock of my progress.

Total tasks: 15
Tasks left: 14

So……I obviously haven’t gotten very far. I wish I could say that I was actively trying, but in all honesty, I sometimes forget about the list. I need to find new ways to hold myself accountable. And while it wouldn’t be the end of the world if I didn’t complete the list, I made it in the first place for a reason. So starting with this post, I’m going to publicly remind myself why each task was placed on the list. That way, it’s out there for the whole Internet to see. And if I don’t follow through, I’ll only have myself to blame.

Tasks 1-5

1. Lose weight and get into shape.
2. Go skydiving.
3. Get a tattoo.
4. Have something I’ve written published in a national magazine or newspaper.
5. Fall in love.

The first task is pretty obvious. I want to be healthy. I want to live a long life and see my grandchildren. The CDC estimates that approximately 66% of adults, age 20 or older, are overweight or obese. I’m not looking to be a size 2, but I would like to feel good about myself. And while feeling good about myself isn’t solely tied to my weight, it’s definitely a part of it.

Tasks 2 and 3 were added to help me confront my fears. I like to pretend that I’m fearless when, in reality, the list of things I’m scared of is pretty long. I don’t mind flying, but I’m not crazy about heights and jumping out of an airplane is probably a really dumb idea. But I also suspect it’s an incredible experience. I’m also afraid of needles, but I’ve always wanted a tattoo. I guess I felt that in confronting these two specific fears, I would learn how to take on the other fears that aren’t as easy to conquer.

Task 4 has been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember. I love writing and I happen to think I’m pretty good at it. I put this task on the list for a couple of reasons: first, because it really would be cool to see my name in print; second, to motivate me to keep writing, even when I’m too tired; and third, to remind myself that I have to chase my dreams and make them happen myself. I can’t just sit here and wait for my fairy godmother to wave her magic wand. If I want it, I have to do everything I can to make it happen. That way, if it doesn’t happen, at least I can say that I tried.

Task 5 is trickier – probably the most difficult task on the list, since I can’t do it alone and I can’t control what another person does. I never thought falling in love would be so hard, but then I also had some crazy ideas about what it meant to fall in love. I know what you’re thinking: 27 and she hasn’t fallen in love? Well, I’ve tried. I’ve had my share of relationships and I certainly thought I was in love a few times, but in retrospect, I’m just not so sure. When I think about ex-boyfriends, I feel a sense of nostalgia for old friends, but nothing that comes close to feeling like I lost the love of my life. I don’t know – maybe I have unrealistically high expectations. Or maybe I really haven’t met the right person yet. Either way, the task stays on the list to remind myself that sometimes falling in love isn’t easy and sometimes you have to work at it.

Stay tuned for more posts about the other 10 things on the list.

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