Revisiting 25

Last August, I went out on a limb and created a list of 25 Things to Do before I Turn 25. When my blog crashed last week, and I was forced to go back through all of my posts—debating which ones to keep and which ones, if any, to delete—I stumbled back across this list. Needless to say, moving to Alaska and changing locations and surroundings doesn’t exactly make it easy to accomplish some of the things on this list.

Going to a University of Alabama football game? Not likely to happen within the next year.

Treating myself to a Spa Day on an Island that doesn’t even have a spa? Probably not in the books.

Photographing five Weddings? Doubtful. Especially considering that I have no desire to do wedding photography.

That being said, I did manage to knock a few things off this list; or at least, start to knock them off.

The husband and I did take a little mini-vacay last summer just the two of us. We spent four days and three nights at Panama City Beach, Florida before he left to go back to school. I did start on Little Man’s baby scrapbook. I also started a little journal for him. You’d probably know it as my monthly Letters to my Son feature. I didn’t buy a Kelly Moore bag, but I did get one from Jo’s Totes that I love just as much.

I think it’s great that we set expectations like this, goals and wish-lists to give ourselves something to strive for. It keeps us motivated. It keeps us looking forward and expecting the next thing.

What can I do today to prepare me for something even better tomorrow?

As I approach my 24th birthday (ahem. On Sunday. Hint hint), I see myself changing and growing and progressing in different areas of my life. I am recognizing now, more than ever, who I am and what I want out of life.

I already have an amazing husband. I have a healthy and happy son. I am taking steps toward owning a thriving Graphic Design Business. I’ve discovered which areas of photography I love the most, and which areas I want to pursue. I’m happy with where I am in life right now and where my life is going. Sure, I have bad days. But who doesn’t?

If I were to revamp this list of 25 things, I’m not sure I could fill it up again. I want so much out of life.  Sure, I could add an ongoing list of things that I’d like to purchase; I’m still hoping to upgrade my camera to a snazzy new Canon 7D. And, I’ve been eying an iMac for months (which would be beneficial both as a photographer and a Graphic Designer. Ahem. Husband). And what photographer doesn’t want a new lens every now and then?

But otherwise, I think I just want to keep growing. Keep learning. Keep moving forward.

I want to keep loving my husband and my son with everything that I have.

I want to continue to nurture and hone the skills I’ve been given; as a writer, as a photographer and as a designer.

I want to continue to use my talents to better myself and help provide for my family in any way that I can. And I want, more than anything, to use what I’ve been given to give glory back to the one who first gave it to me.

24 is going to be a good year.

I just know it.

Do you set yearly goals every year? What’s on your list of “thing to accomplish?” Are you any good at checking those things off, or do you fall off the bucket sometimes?

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