Bright Wishes for the Future..

Hello again friends!

Once again, it is about that time when I take a step back and really contemplate my life. I've recently read several articles relating to why one should not be disappointed about having a definite life plan in one's 20s. Being Ashley, of course I always want to explore the opposite opinion. Which led me to question this theory. Why can't I have everything figured out?

Well for one thing, life very rarely works as planned. Regardless of your personal allegiance to a higher power/karma/the impact of the universe, it is almost impossible that your life will go exactly as planned. There are many unforeseen and external circumstances that can never ever ever be predicted, making it very difficult to decide exactly what will happen to yourself 5, 10 or 15 years from now.

Even as a lifelong follower of Christianity, I have a difficult time accepting this concept. I thrive off of schedules, make a lot of to do lists, and very rarely do things spontaneously. Lately I have been researching prospects for my first house, and it became evident that I just don't have it all figured out.

So what can I do here? Save every penny of my pay check that doesn't go toward bills? Live with my parents for 10 years? Sell my soul on Craigslist?

Nope. I just accepted it.

I accepted that I won't be able to buy a house today, or tomorrow, or next month, or maybe not even next year.  I accepted that there is no use in pretending that I won't spend any money on thing that I don't need (because let's face it-I just like buying stuff). I accepted that I simply do not have it all figured out.

The next thing I did was...make a list. Surprise! But this time, I made a list of my dreams. Aspirations, goals, to achieve sometime before I turn 30. This wasn't a usual Ashley list with due dates and reminders. In fact, none of my list items even related to work (but one of them does relate to school). I listed things that I would like to accomplish for my health, my financial stability and for my soul.

Some of my items are a little silly, and some are very serious. But, they are my goals. My dreams. My aspirations. They are things that directly relate to my interests, and things that I believe will truly make me happy. I very much look forward to adding onto this list, and watching it change and grow in the future.

I heard a great sermon this morning questioning "Why not?". Honestly, I don't see why I can't do all of these things. I certainly plan to do them, and I hope that you all dream big too.