#17

In keeping with varied topics, I return today to my list of "30 Things to do Before I'm 30." Because #17 was, in large part, the catalyst for this blog, it only seems right that a discussion on my list of "30 Things to do Before I'm 30" starts with its completion. But first, a bit more background on the list. I created it when I turned 21 because, after graduating from college, I realized there were no more milestones before turning 30. After 21, there were no more "big" birthdays. No more semesters. No more summer breaks. No more predictable life events. Being the dramatic individual I can sometimes be, I panicked. Yet, in the midst of my freak-out, I had the soundness of mind to set goals for myself accomplish over the next few years. It is not a "bucket list"--I don't plan on dying at 30, and life is hardly over at 30. The list ranges from mundane (trying sushi) to slightly exotic (fly an airplane). The only rule is that completion of an item cannot be contingent on another person. For instance, "get married" is not an option because that depends on another person (unless I pull a Gaga and "Marry the Night"...) At age 21, I wanted to be married. Somewhere along the way, falling in love became the end game for me. I assumed I would meet someone in college, fall madly and deeply in love, get engaged, and then get married the year after graduation. When this didn't happen, I found myself staring down 30 all alone. I won't lie and say I didn't mourn the dying of that dream. My entire life was planned around this imaginary man. At age 12, I determined to wait for the right guy; early journal entries even document prayers I've prayed for Mr. Right. When he didn't show up according to my schedule, it was devastating. "30 Things to do Before I'm 30" saved me in a way. It look my focus off of what I didn't have and on to everything I had the freedom to achieve. For a 21 year old trying to find her feet, it was and continues to be a source of empowerment. It has kept me on my toes and prevented me from becoming lackadaisical. It is so easy to just exist in this life. I want the dash on my tombstone to reflect a life of fullness, a life lived to the hilt!!

Which brings us back to...

#17 - Run a 5K (for starters)

This race was special to me for several reasons. Not only was it on my "to-do before 30" list, but it was my first race, and it benefited a cause close to my heart: the fight against human trafficking. As I debated running a race, I received an email from Shared Hope International, the organization I interned with while living in DC. A Maryland-based church was hosting their second annual 5K Walk/Run in Annapolis to benefit SHI. I figured one race was as good as another and this one would help me check an item off my list while supporting a cause I believe in. Traveling to the race was half the fun! I ended up shaving a minute off my training time and met some great people in the process. My pacebunnies, who I'll call Ben and Babs, both work in DC. We had a great time chatting post-race and made plans to bump into each other again next year. 

That's part of the fun with my list. They're not just items to cross off a list--they're full, multidimensional experiences. I eat sushi all the time, and I loved flying a plane, but I didn't really have to work for them. For my 5K, I had to dust off the running shoes and put the training time in. I enjoyed myself so much, I decided why not run a marathon? It's another experience for the list!

Depending on one's perspective, I had the opportunity or misfortune to experience a life-changing moment last month. It reminded me that life is a journey is full of abrupt stops and sharp turns. I do not want to go too fast or too slow; I do not want to constantly be looking over my shoulder, wondering if I chose the right path, worrying about the road I'm on. Our experiences and decisions shape us. Instead of wondering what life could be like, go out and live it. See for yourself.