For twelve years, I held down a conventional job while secretly nurturing a list of exhilarating pursuits I promised myself I would tackle once I was free from the confines of corporate life. The idea of sporting vibrant purple hair and a nose ring captivated me; perhaps it was the thrill of embracing the unconventional. When I finally stepped away from that corporate world in 2010, I eagerly dove into my list.
Mastering the Back Spin
My first goal was surprisingly simple: mastering the back spin and showcasing it in public whenever possible. While my job didn’t explicitly block this aspiration, time constraints certainly did. However, the newfound three-hour nap window each day after having kids was the perfect opportunity for practice. Eventually, I added a touch of ’80s flair to my performance, striking a pose at the end like, “Oh hey, look at me!” Unfortunately, my back spin career came to an abrupt halt at a work function when I inadvertently took down my husband’s colleague, a seasoned ICU doctor, with a leg sweep. The last thing I wanted was to be a liability.
Colorful Hair Adventures
Then, I ventured into the realm of colorful hair. I experimented with funky highlights—pink, blue, and purple—transforming my look and, I hoped, sending a message at the PTO meetings: “I dare to defy societal norms, at least until the color fades in a few weeks.”
Learning the Banjo
Curiously, I also decided to learn the banjo. “Why banjo?” people ask, and I respond with a roll of my eyes, “Because you never know when it might come in handy.” I even began sending quirky videos to my husband while he was at work, a reminder of how he hit the jackpot with me.
The Nose Ring Journey
Among my various endeavors, the most poignant moment came when I decided to get a nose ring. This decision required considerable courage; I’m typically averse to pain, and altering my appearance permanently felt monumental. I had made several attempts in the past, but something always thwarted my plans. Once, my friend Clara and I drove to a piercing studio, only to be chased by a man waving us in enthusiastically. We left, contemplating our life choices, and then accidentally ran over a possum—definitely a sign to postpone any facial modifications.
Recently, when Clara texted inviting me to accompany her for a piercing, I recognized it was finally time. We picked up another friend who wanted a tattoo and rolled up in my minivan, embodying the classic midlife crisis stereotype. I was first to go; after signing the necessary waiver and browsing stud options, I had to sit down with my head between my knees to prevent fainting. The last time I got a tattoo, I discovered I was prone to fainting. Thankfully, this time I stayed conscious, despite occasionally unleashing a colorful expletive or two.
Adapting to Change
Adapting to my new nose ring has been a journey. Just yesterday during a spinning class, I forgot it was there and snagged it while wiping my face with a towel, yelping in surprise. My near tumble off the bike was narrowly avoided thanks to my clip-in shoes. The instructor misinterpreted my outburst as an enthusiastic rallying cry and cheered back. I think I’ll be taking a break from spinning for a while.
Embracing the Future
So, what’s next on my agenda? Everything. As I approach my 42nd birthday, I’m increasingly aware of how swiftly time passes. Living each day to the fullest and daring to pursue my passions, even if they frighten me, is now my daily mantra. I want my children to remember me at my funeral, saying, “Look at her, she was fearless.” “Yes,” they’ll add, “after she got over the fainting spells.”
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In summary, it’s time to stop delaying the bold pursuits that truly matter to me. Life is too precious, and I intend to embrace it fully, one daring leap at a time.
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