Midlife Crisis - I can handle this

It was a very simple gift, a mug that stated, "I'm Not 36 I'm 18 with 18 years experience". My husband meant well. He knew I loved mugs and that I would think this one was clever. As my birthday went on and I celebrated with my family my mind continued to race back to the quote, distracting me and nagging me.

36 didn't seem that old to me before I saw the mug, but when you say that I've had 18 years experience of being an adult, all of a sudden my whole life seemed unaccomplished. The first 18 years of my life I learned so much and tried so many new things. Every year I was growing and changing. When I looked back at the last 18 I didn't see as much growth. I saw a lot of things I had wanted to accomplish, but time had gotten away from me.

I decided I need a change. An EPIC change. In college I had to write my mission statement. Since that time it had always been Live Like Crazy. When I look back at the last 18 years I don't feel like I fully lived that statement. I decided that I was not going to turn 40 and feel the same as 36. I want to experience new things and new experiences. I want to step outside my comfort zone and

Live Life Crazy!

As I was discussing this idea with a few friends I realized I sounded crazy and that this might be exactly what a midlife crisis looks like. That made me nervous. I don't want to be impulsive and throw away parts of my life. I don't want to make stupid mistakes and regret everything I did. Those are all the things I associated with a midlife crisis. I needed to find a way to make a change and live life differently, but not completely lose my mind.

After thinking it through for a month I realized that I could make changes and do it in a productive way. To do this it will require reflection, planning, and determination. You have to take the time to look at your current life and be honest with yourself about what you want to change or grow to become. Then you have to set a plan and stick to it.

My personal solution was to come up with 400 goals to complete before I turn 40.

I know 400 GOALS!! That's crazy!

Yea..........that's the point. I want it to be extreme. I want to make big changes. I want to try

new things, go on adventures, expand my knowledge, and grow closer to those I love.

Big changes in life require big challenges!

I will be documenting my progress with these goals here and on YouTube.

Thank you for reading and I hope you will share this journey with me over the next 4 years.

Have you had a midlife crisis? What did your crisis look like?

Let me know in the comments below.