Go Have Some Adventures!

My oldest daughter recently said to me, “Mom, go have some adventures.”

And so with those words and the blessings of both daughters, I'm embarking on an adventure-filled new chapter. I don't have a set plan or schedule, only a growing bucket list of things I want to do, things/experiences I want to have, and things I want to be.

Not having a schedule to adhere to is taking a little getting used to. As I'm currently planning a trip, I was worried about not being able to lock in dates to visit certain people and places. Then my daughter said, "Mom, it's okay to be flexible. You don't have to have a set schedule, just go with the flow." And she's right. I can always change my flights, extend my hotel stays, and rearrange my plans. I should remember that being flexible and adjusting to shifting winds and new opportunities is the same thing I tell my coaching clients when they're procrastinating on making a decision. Just make the decision. You can always adjust.

Road trips are definitely part of the plan. One of my bucket list items since high school was to be a photojournalist. I did become a professional photographer and I do write, just never really put the two together. I've always dreamed about photographing little vignettes of life and writing about it and I'm finally going to do it. Even got a new lens for my camera just a few days ago. So this blog will be a reflection of that journey.

Next up on the bucket list--a 5-day golf school/vacation in August (Florida, the Carolinas, or Maui maybe?) and photographing the fall leaves on the east coast (something that's been on my bucket list for years!). I'm also looking to reconnect with people I haven't had a chance to talk to in ages. (I'm sorry if I shut people out last year and missed calling anyone back or didn't respond to a text...for 10 months I was really, really busy and focused on getting my house ready for sale, clearing 24 years of stuff out, and moving to my new place. Last year was incredibly stressful/emotional and I'm happy to have all that behind me.)

I'm in a great new chapter and I figure it's time to enjoy life and encourage others to do so, too. For those of you who've known me for awhile, you know I've been through all the hard stuff--death of a spouse, my own cancer experience, toxic work environments, stress that nearly killed me...if any of you are going through tough times I say it's maybe time to re-evaluate what's really important and start living your life.

So what's on your bucket list?