I’ve always had a plan for everything that happened in my life. When I met Will (10 years ago on April 7), I knew I was going to marry him that night. I have an album on Facebook titled “1/4 of the Plan” from back then dedicated to my plans with Will (don’t worry, I didn’t make this until AFTER we started dating). Good thing that didn’t scare him off, lol! The fall of my senior year in high school, I had been accepted to the University of Alabama; I had always known I would attend. When I was in DECA in high school I competed in Travel and Tourism, and I knew I would get a degree in Hospitality Management. Okay, so you kind of get the idea, I’m an extreme A-type personality that likes everything to go according to-you guessed it-plan.

However, I find myself in my 30’s in unchartered territory. I feel as though up until my 30’s, life was pretty much a dream (I’m very blessed for that fact).  After my grandmother passed in late 2017, I realized just how short life is. I also now see that my parents ARE getting older. My child is going to Kindergarten in the Fall. There is NO plan that can change or stop any of this. So now how does someone with my personality manage these changes that don’t come with a list to scratch off?

I’m learning ever so slowly (think slower than the a snail), to take life as it comes-literally one day at a time. I’m also learning how to say no to things that I don’t feel I can give 100% which allows me to say yes to more things I love, such as, spending more time with WM and Will, traveling, writing, etc.  I’m learning to be the best version of me. By being the best me, I can be a better mom, friend, daughter, sister, co-worker, etc. The younger me had a huge list that had to be scratched off in order to feel successful. The younger me also felt I had to be everything for everyone. I’m glad to see I’m finally shedding a little bit of her now. A part of her is still there but I just have to keep her at arm’s length.

I’m also learning to trust myself more and be confident in my decisions. It’s a struggle since I am a people pleaser (guess that’s why my jobs have been what they are). I’m going to try to live my life more in the moment and less by a list.

No, I AM going to LIVE my life more in the MOMENT and LESS by a list.