I don't believe in saving the "good wine" for a special occasion or using paper plates when hosting a party instead of the china simply because it makes for an easier clean up. I think that Saturday mornings are for playing on the floor with the kids and that the holidays should be taken slowly, with much thought put into gifts, traditions and shared time. I think that our time is finite and I don't want to miss one opportunity to grow as a woman and a mom, to create memories with my family and to show those around me how much they mean to me.
Though I've always felt that way, my priorities didn't always reflect it.
One of my biggest regrets is not traveling more when I had the time. No, I didn't have the money but I had my freedom - as a single and child-free woman, I had my chance to study abroad while in college and then after graduating, to backpack through Europe. I turned both down. Frankly, I was afraid that I'd miss something during my senior year at school and couldn't bear the thought of being away from my friends. After school, I had my sights on a job and graduate school and couldn't believe that taking even a few weeks away wouldn't be detrimental to my future.
I was right - I changed my future but who knows if it was for the better. I could have learned more about myself at a time when I was making important decision about who I was going to be out on my own, as an adult. I was shaping my life without even realizing it - and with a narrower perception of the world than I could have had.
Now, at this point in my life, I cannot image being more content with life, family and work but I can't help but wonder who I would have been if I had experienced more of the world before creating my own.
That's why, never again will I miss an opportunity that I know will better my life or show those around me what they mean to me. I encourage you to take that trip that you've been putting off until your 40th (or 50th or 60th) birthday. Don't wait to explore the places and cultures that call to you in your sleep. Sail the seas. Ride the rails. And then, come back home to tell your tales and to encourage others not to miss out on all that life has to offer.
November 26, 2009 5:58 AM | Reply
I too regretted not taking 2 years off to live in the UK and travel Europe and be carefree. But I try not to let it bother me too much now because I have had different experiences which have still managed to shape who I am and I think I can appreciate opportunities more now, than I did then.
November 29, 2009 1:15 PM | Reply
Thanks Alyson, I really enjoyed reading your 'Carpe Diem' post. I've always wondered the opposite. Who would I be today, if I had gotten married, settled down and avoided moving to different countries. Although, my family considers me to be too much of a risk-taker and so do I at times, I couldn't settle down without experiencing a few things first.
Life is so funny. I think no matter what, one would always wonder, what life would be like if I'd chosen to walk a different path. I am currently abroad in Italy, trying to immerse myself in the culture and language.
I came across your site while reading about various writing contests. I would like to participate. I'm originally from New York City & Austin, Texas but now live in Milan, Italy. I travel quite a bit and I hope others would be interested in some of my tales. :-)
November 29, 2009 6:54 PM | Reply
Thanks for the feedback, ladies!
Aiysha - definitely check out the entry form for the contest. You can find the link on the homepage of Women on Their Way. Entries close at the end of December so be sure to get it in prior to the 31st!