20 days before I have to tick a different box…

I cannot believe that in 20 days I will be 21 with 14 year’s experience!  That is crazy!  Today I allow myself to cast a retrospective eye over my life.

I don’t think I have accomplished half the things I wanted to by the time I’ve reached this age.  I probably won’t be able to establish world peace or end world hunger in 20 days.  Normally when I read these type of posts I see people chasing down ridiculous bucket lists in a short space of time.  I read of those that want to lose 20kg in 20 days, those that want to read the entire Lord of the Rings series (like you didn’t had the last 30 odd years to do just that!) and those that want to see every corner of this world before they turn a certain age.  Then there is me.  I am content with my life.

Yes, who doesn’t want a house slightly bigger than a shoe box or a half-decent car that doesn’t break around every corner or even just a dishwasher?  Those are my aspirations also, but right now, today, they are not my dreams.

I dream of a happy life and a happy life can come in many different forms.  For me, a happy life symbolises having a family that is content not only with what they have, but also with each other.  A happy life is the freedom to walk down the street knowing that you will be safe to go about your day.  It is waking up pain-free and embracing each day as if it is the only day.

So here is my (very small) bucket list for the next 20 days:

 

• Wake up each morning saying ‘Carpe Diem!’
• Drinking in at least one sunset and one sunrise, knowing that the best is yet to come.
• Go for a walk and make sure that I stop and smell the flowers at least once during the journey.
• Smile.

 

What would you like to accomplish before your next birthday?