Incredible Experiences and Glorious Mistakes of my 20s
Yoga on the Rockies
Incredible Experiences and Glorious Mistakes of my 20s
When you're feeling nice and stuck in a mucky rut, it's time to trick that anxiety and remember we have a choice to give it a good optimistic kick back!
When the Eeyore clouds start rolling in, I immediately turn to an all-time favorite distraction, whether my whiny butt feels like it or not. Without giving myself time to find excuses, I pull out a quick and meditative activity to clear my mind and remind me that I can choose moments of peace rather than endlessly dwelling on sorrows. It takes just one time refusing to give in to anxious thoughts to realize how possible it is in every moment to practice letting go.
I had an unusually happy day yesterday, leading me to reflect on the fullest moments and relish in gratitude for them. I was thrilled to be mindful of my spontaneous and challenging adventures, the kind you never see coming but that make you feel undeniably alive.
I realized I made a pretty sweet day for myself! Most important is the making for myself part as I recalled mustering the courage to push myself into every experience. I triumphed in moments that would have been lost entirely without my willingness to overcome my anxiety.
The most rewarding distraction I can think of is literally counting your blessings, so I've created a list of my favorite experiences of my twenties so far, the ones that made me feel alive. This kind of rejuvenating reflection dumps a bucket of ice water on our sleeping ambitions, reminding us that our futures contain as many endless possibilities as we are determined to fill them with. Realizing the exciting moments of my past propels me into making even better moments for my days to come.
Creating this list has shown me all of the wicked scenes I've been through and the rad accomplishments I've achieved. I can look back on my twenties so far truly in awe of the person I've become.
With my dedication to a more peaceful yet adventurous life, I've proudly pushed myself into these unforgettable highs and lows of my twenties...
Explored the highest elevation and the 2nd-lowest elevation in the country, the Rockies and New Orleans
Bartended for a summer for cash quick
Frequented comedy shows downtown
Obtained a Bachelor's degree in English
Went snowboarding at Sugarloaf Ski Resort in Maine
Went tailgating A.K.A. dance-partying in the Muni lot
Experimented in college (smoking cigarettes, piercing my nose, and consuming grotesque vodka)
Traveled solo to over half of a dozen states
Spent summer nights with neighbors listening to country music
Made money writing
Stayed in upper Manhattan twice
Saved a pedestrian who was hit by a car in a blizzard
Went to Disney World
Worked at a coffee shop through college
Attended the infamous Ohio University Halloween Party
Attended a wine fundraiser at the Galleria downtown
Made a lot of fantastic mistakes and actually thought they were great ideas (like online dating and getting tattooed by friends)
Told my family I was seeing a girl from said online dating
ROAD TRIPS ROAD TRIPS ROAD TRIPS
Photographer and provider of "something borrowed" shoes for my friend's wedding
Trespassed at night to explore The Ridges in Athens, Ohio, one of the most haunted places in the country
Cleveland Pride
Rode every roller coaster front car arms up at Cedar Point
Crashed a sailor's tournament on Put-in-Bay Island
Discovered a lifestyle of yoga and meditation
Ladies camping weekend on Kelley's Island
Helped raise a girl in grade school
Lived on the Gulf of Mexico
Took advantage of every offered motorcycle ride
Watched my best friends settle down and have babies
Cooked Thanksgiving turkey for a dozen Air Force Lieutenants
Went to an 80's dance party
Decided on a cosmetic surgery
Stayed at Hocking Hills cabins several times
Dreaded my hair
Gremlin's 2nd birthday
Received an assist in yoga from a yoga master
Triumphed in many otherwise all-male poker games
Bought the SUV I always wanted
Frequented a pool hall, and took advantage of their old jukebox
Attended and hosted dinner parties with friends
Entered and won poetry contests
Assisted the director of an upcoming sci-fi radio show
Traveled with my sister to visit out-of-state relatives
Bottled my own beer
Went out to breakfast countless times at local dive diners
Rescued my cat Gremlin, then saved her life with surgery
Embraced my nerdiness and my hippie side :)
After making this list, I realized I am way cooler than I give myself credit for ;)
What experiences are on your list of awesome adventures?? Maybe it's time for a brand new exciting path to begin...