The End of a Decade

As I woke up this morning, I began to think about the fact that it was September 1st. To some September brings excitement that hunting season starts in Indiana. Others are ready to pull out the fall decor and pumpkin everything, and others are sad that summer is almost over. To me, the realization set in that this is my last month in my 40s. It’s nearly the end of a decade. October 3rd is very quickly approaching, and a new decade emerging.

I read an article lately that as people end one decade they tend to begin thinking about things differently, they start thinking about change and evaluating where they are, and what life looks like. Up to now, I don’t believe that I have ever ended a decade and given much thought to that. 30 didn’t bother me, nor did 40. 50 is not bothering me, I am so grateful to be alive and healthy, but I can’t tell you that I’m not evaluating so many things right now because I am. Where am I in life? Am I healthy, physically and mentally? Who is in my circle? Am I good wife, daughter, sister, bonus mom, Gigi, friend and colleague? How is my faith? How are my finances? Am I making the impact I want to make? Am I full of joy? Those are some questions going through my mind!

I don’t sit here today looking back full of regrets, although my regrets are many, I am looking back at the choices I made for opportunities to learn, to grow, and to be different. I am also looking back with some level of pride in just how far I have come and how much crazy, powerful positive change has come. I have had some pretty deep healing in so many areas of my life, and I am proud of that, but there are still wounds to be addressed and greater growth needed. So what is next? Have you ever asked yourself that question?

What is next? Do you know the beauty of that question? Being alive to ask that question. Being self-aware enough to answer that question honestly and being strong enough to make the necessary changes. As I end this decade what is jumping out at me the most is that nobody is promised tomorrow. I don’t have a ton of time left, I must make sure I am living it with purpose every single day. I don’t have time to allow drama and the wrong people in my life. I have to be super intentional about the people I let pour into me, and so do you! I don’t have time to fail to prioritize my health. I don’t have time to fail to love what I am doing. I don’t have time to fail to learn and grow every single day! I don’t have time to fail to make myself a priority! In doing so, this might require some changes. I think deep in my stomach I know that the next decade will bring change, but one thing my almost 50 years have taught me is that change brings new challenges, but it brings opportunities as well, and I will embrace life, and try to make sure that I am living life to the fullest. Full of love, happiness, compassion, and most importantly full of joy!

If you find yourself today at the end of a decade, look back for reflection, but look ahead with great antipication. Look ahead and ask yourself how can I make a greater impact and leave a legacy.That’s where I’m at, I want to leave a legacy. I want to be remembered for making a real difference in as many lives as I can and I will spend the next decade trying every single day to live that out.What will you do?

With love for you all,

Shauna