As I look back over my 20s I think I was far too serious for such a curious, outgoing and fun-natured girl.
Here's the sum of my 20s: college, career with federal government (attended law school in the evenings), Lawyer.
Boring.
Sure I had fun, but I missed out on studying abroad and Spring Break because I was always preparing to do "something". Back then my career aspirations came first. In remembering that girl, I see an anxiety ridden girl afraid of venturing off path, even though I am an off-the beaten path type of girl. But as I look forward to entering another decade, I am resolved to spend more time doing the things that I love the most: exploring the world and studying the human experience.
So I've already began to think about how I will make it work and as I reshape my priorities, they look more like this:
1)Travel
2)Family
3)Career
I am reminded of my grandmother, a woman before her time. She was born in 1932 and raised eight children as a housewife. I watched her teach herself to speak Spanish using audiocassettes. But unfortunately she never made it to Spain, Mexico or even the Bronx, to experience the joy of engaging in Spanish conversation.
My grandmother's story ignites a sense of urgency within me and soothes the anxiety I sometimes feel when I think about my desire to obtain the additional titles of wife and mother.
My fears of venturing off path are replaced with a new fear: this may be my only opportunity to spend time doing what I want to do without having to consider needs of others.
I will celebrate my 30th birthday aboard a cruise to Mexico with fifteen girlfriends.
I represent women that desire to strike a balance among ever-changing and competing interests: professional, self-actualization, happiness and family. I am a woman on my way.
