I’m turning 30 this year. In just a few months, actually. I’m almost there. I know there were things that I wanted to do with my life, and things that I wanted to achieve… and for the most part I consider myself to be relatively successful in reaching my goals. Of course, it took a village, but I like to feel that I’ve had a big part in these accomplishments. I’ve learned a great deal from all of them.

When I finished college, I said there were 5 things I wanted to do by the time I turned 30.

1.) Buy a NEW car

2.) Get married

3.) Buy a house

4.) Have a baby

5.) Publish a novel

I’m proud to say that I’ve reached four of those goals. Actually, by the time I’m 30, I will have accomplished #4 twice. Should I feel bad that I haven’t accomplished #5? There are other things in my life that I’ve done, things that I’m proud of, that should also count in this list.

-My family is Debt-free.

-I’m a college graduate, with a Bachelor’s of Arts in Film Studies and a minor in Creative Writing.

-I wrote a 50,000 word novel.

Of course, re-reading my list of accomplishments, I keep adding “but…” to each item. “but we have no savings”/”but I don’t have a job”/”but it needs editing”… It’s my job to add the buts to my list, and also my job to smack myself back into shape. I’ve accomplished great things.

I’m hoping that I’ll hit #5 within the next 18 months, though I’m not sure exactly how that’s going to happen. I’m still forming a plan. Hopefully my writing can catch up. No one is perfect at everything, sometimes we need a kick in the backside to keep moving. Now I’m hoping for (striving toward) mine.