When I Grow Up!

Who knew that at the tender age of 28, I would still be trying to figure out what I want to be when I grow up. Sometimes the not so gentle reality hits me and I realize that I'm already "all grown up", then I panic because maybe this is something I should've settled on already. But then my more calm, less controlling self chimes in and reminds me that I am " a work in progress" we all are. There is no point of completion when it comes to defining what's to come of your life...career...love life...etc...As long as you're traveling on a road that's continuously moving, you're on the right track.

What's become clear to me, is that I can't define my path, God has to do that for me. He puts things in front of us and people in our path that are meant to affect who we are and where we're going. For me, there are three essential elements that you should incorporate into your life plan and look out for to further define what you and God are working to create:

1. Your Inner Circle - Substance and Quality are key when it comes to the people you surround yourself with. You can have 158,896.2 Facebook friends, but of them how many can contribute anything to your life as a person, a woman/man, your spirituality, health, career, your soul? Keep counting, I can wait...What you'll find is that there are very few and if there are some, have you taken the time to reach out to them to begin to foster a connection that's more meaningful than occasionally replying to each others wall post? There are people out there, they have the career you want or that have connections that can get you there, people who may be your soul mate, or have have a relationship with God and can help you get closer. Build strong allies with you inner circle, help them help you! God puts people in front of us for a reason, determine what their purpose is in your life and latch on to that and create the inevitable - what God has planned for you.

2. Don't Come Up for Air - You have to keep going! Yes, you got your degree...what else, Yes, you've found your husband...what else...yes you love your job..what else? There is ALWAYS something else. Never be content in just "good enough". Imagine how much more you can do? Yes, navigating through everything and figuring out what's next is difficult but keep at it...because you'll never truly be fulfilled until you get there. The journey is what gets my adrenaline going! I get amped up off of what's to come, knowing that there's something next...It's a great feeling when you don't know what to expect, but you know its going to be something great...like a surprise party. Make that list, and keep checking things off - when you get to a point where you're having trouble figuring out what else...because you've accomplished EVERYTHING, that's a good place to be in, but it's still not over, because there's always something else!

3. You Deserve It! Sometimes we get so caught up in doing, that we don't take the time to reflect what we've accomplished and how much we deserve do much more! I'm not narcissistic or anything, but sometimes I have to stop and tell myself, girl, you're the shit! and I don't mean physically, but mentally, spiritually, emotionally, all that! I look at how far I've come, and I revel in the fact that, here I am, so much more closer to the woman I've always dreamed of becoming. It's funny, the other day at the gas station this older gentleman, maybe in his 60's, middle class looking guy was pumping his gas, and said "how are you doing sister?" and I replied, "fine", he said " you are really beautiful". I don't know what but I'm always surprised when people say that to me. And he wasn't saying that to flirt or anything, he just wanted me to know. Sometimes I think that's God sending us friendly reminders...

I'm no expert in life, but I know a little about a lot of things. I use these things to move me forward and I always like to share where I am i the process. I hope this brings you closer to answering that question you're 1st grade teacher asked you decades ago...What Do You Want To Be When You Grow Up?