For over a decade, I held a conventional job, during which I maintained a list of exciting pursuits I would dive into if I were free from the constraints of the corporate world. I can’t quite pinpoint why vibrant hair colors and body piercings seemed so enticing; perhaps it was the allure of rebellion. After stepping away from corporate life in 2010, I wasted no time in crossing items off my list.
Mastering the Backspin
The first was simple: mastering a backspin and showcasing it publicly whenever the opportunity arose. This wasn’t something my job had strictly prohibited; it just hadn’t made it onto my priority list. With my kids napping for three hours each day, I suddenly had the time to perfect my spin. I even added a touch of ’80s flair to the finale, lounging my head on my hand as if to say, “Oh, hey, look at me!” Unfortunately, I had to retire the spin after an incident at my husband’s work event, where I accidentally took down a 50-something doctor with a poorly timed leg sweep. I certainly didn’t want to be a liability.
Funky Hair Highlights
Next, I decided to add some funky highlights to my hair. I experimented with pink, blue, and purple, sometimes opting for a single streak and other times going all out. Walking into PTO meetings, I imagined it conveyed, “I’m not afraid to defy societal norms (at least until the dye fades in a few weeks).”
Picking Up the Banjo
I also picked up the banjo. “Why the banjo?” people often ask. Because you never know when it might be useful, I respond, rolling my eyes as if it’s obvious. Sometimes, I even send videos of myself playing to my husband at work, just to remind him of how lucky he is.
Getting a Nose Ring
Among my various adventures, the most recent one that left my mom in tears was getting a nose ring. This decision took me years to muster the courage for. I’m not particularly fond of pain, and altering my face permanently felt like a big deal. I had made several attempts in the past, only to have my plans thwarted—like the time my friend Clara and I went to a piercing shop, only to be chased away by an overly enthusiastic employee. As if that wasn’t enough, we ran over a possum on the way home. Clearly, that was not the night for making significant life changes.
A couple of weeks ago, when Clara texted me asking if I’d accompany her for a piercing, I knew the moment had arrived. We picked up our friend Mia, who wanted a tattoo, and pulled up to the shop in my minivan, embodying a midlife crisis cliché.
It was clear I would go first. After signing a few liability waivers and looking at stud colors, I had to sit down with my head between my knees to stave off fainting. I discovered my tendency to faint when I got my tattoo. Thankfully, this time, I remained conscious, although I did let loose some colorful language.
Adapting to the Nose Ring
Adapting to the nose ring has taken time. Just the other day, while at a spinning class, I forgot it was there and accidentally snagged it while wiping my face. I yelped and nearly fell off my bike, fortunately saved by my clip-in shoes. The instructor misinterpreted my outburst as a battle cry of encouragement, so I’m not planning to return anytime soon.
What’s Next?
What’s next on my agenda? Everything else. As I approach my 42nd birthday, I’m increasingly aware of how swiftly life passes by. Each day, I strive to live fully and pursue what excites me, even if it terrifies me.
At my funeral, I want my kids to say, “Look at her—she wasn’t afraid to take risks.” To which they’ll add, “Yeah, she really was brave—once she got past those fainting spells.”
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In summary, I’ve chosen to stop waiting and start living boldly, defying norms and embracing all the exhilarating experiences life has to offer.
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