What would you do?

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-09-2003
What would you do?
26
Wed, 03-08-2006 - 12:08pm

Not to sound melodramatic but I have kind of found myself at a crossroads and would really like to make the most of it.


So I've been thinking about things I might like to do. Things for me not for my children or husband. However, I've been a wife and mom my entire life and not even sure what I really "like" to do.


So my question to you all is: If you could do anything what would it be? It could be something for fun or a huge life changing thing.


Things I've thought about:



  • Taking a class on whatever looks good to me. Doesn't have to be job related or anything.

  • Take a fitness class.

  • Look for a new job.

  • Run a 5k (I lose interest in this one pretty quick) lol

Let me know what you would do. I'm hoping to get some ideas flowing for myself.


iVillage Member
Registered: 12-04-2003
Wed, 03-08-2006 - 4:58pm

WEll I'm not the most social person in teh world.

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-18-2003
Wed, 03-08-2006 - 5:27pm

WOW...Gretchen, this is an excellent thread that just got started!

~~ Steffy ~~
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-09-2003
Wed, 03-08-2006 - 5:46pm

Well I'm so glad that everyone can relate on some level. I have actually debated a couple of days about posting this thread. Didn't want to sound pathetic or something. lol


Just a shame we all aren't closer geographically. I could tag along to Miranda's yoga class, have Cher teach me to knit, check out ballroom dancing with happily, get Lori to inspire me to run a 5k, skydiving with Ann, and learn to hip hop dance with you. However, I firmly believe any dancing requires at least one shot of tequila! I'm thinking sky diving would as well. lol



iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Wed, 03-08-2006 - 7:10pm


Hey Gretchen - anytime you're in the neighborhood you can come & skydive with us. I didn't say anything about being sober - why do you think my friend is waiting to stop breastfeeding? We might be a little nuts but we're not crazy!!!

Ann

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-04-2003
Wed, 03-08-2006 - 11:29pm

ROTFL!!

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-15-2005
Thu, 03-09-2006 - 12:53am
I must be crazy, because I'd much rather do it sober, LOL. count me in too :)

The WeatherPixie


Don't you hate tickers? Well, here's mine:

And I had to add this one:

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Thu, 03-09-2006 - 7:36am

What a thread......interesting to read what everyone has to say about this.


You know living down in the islands we are a little remote, and don't have all the easy access that you mainland folk have. Not saying it can't be done down here, but things (in reality) are pricier than stateside.


I found the comment about family 'directing' your life interesting. It made me think of my childhood- my parents were busy people and never really forced me to do anything- but let me try it all ;-)


I took Irish Dancing for about 3 classes, gave up!
I did Ballet for about half a season, gave up!


For both classes I got all the stuff!! (My parents must have been livid with me, lol)


I eventually settled on gymnastics. Was pretty good at it too :-)


Right now I'm quite happy in life, and with myself- for the most part at least. I'm doing what I've always wanted to do, teach young children. My self confidence has grown so much since I was that shy teenager, many moons ago. It amazes me that I have friends who will not go out unless they have an agreed meeting time and place with others. I on the other hand prefer to keep things open and not have definite plans, lol!! Same thing for living alone. I know too many people who will not live by themselves, and will never ever sleep in a house on their own.


OK, seem to be going off topic here- let's see


If you could do anything what would it be? It could be something for fun or a huge life changing thing.


Money restrictions limit this, but possibly something for the future- learn to fly! A friend of mine did this a couple of years ago, and now he can just rent a plane and go off somewhere for the weekend. How cool is that?


Also go on a cruise!! My grandmother wanted to do this also- but not your typical cruise through the islands. She wanted to do an Alaska cruise, I would too. I can only imagine the beautiful views you'd have.


As for you Gretchen- I think the advice everyone has given is wonderful. And yes there are several factors to take into consideration for whatever it is you choose.


Money, time, interest, confidence.


Perhaps not only make a list of what you'd like to do or are interested in

_____________________________________________________

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-09-2003
Thu, 03-09-2006 - 10:45am

"I know too many people who will not live by themselves, and will never ever sleep in a house on their own."


This is one of my favorite things since Rich has moved out. Granted I still have the kids but I love being able to do my own thing in the evening. Not sure why I couldn't when Rich was there but always felt I had to be aware and/or considerate of what he was or was not doing. Think it caused me a lot of stress. The only thing that is odd is that I seem to have the TV on to sleep. I turn it down so I can barely hear it but feel like, for right now anyway, keeps my mind from going places I don't want it to go. lol


I have started my own list on 43things and I think I will come up with some type of system to rate them in doability. I don't have tons of money to play with at the moment and don't know if I will ever for some of them. However, I'm considering put "Meet people who can help me accomplish my 43things" as one of my things. lol Or maybe find "Wealthy Benefactor"


Cruise to Alaska would be way cool. I knew a guy who went up there and into Canada and came back with some way cool pictures of glaciers or whatever.


Avatar for lovmy2kids
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Fri, 03-10-2006 - 11:51pm

Gretchan I too can relate... I have so much to say but I will try and be brief....


I think taking a class, or joining a team of some sort would be a great start. Something that is just for you.

 

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-03-2003
Sat, 03-11-2006 - 1:45pm

Wow Getchen, this is such an awesome thing, to come into yourself this way.

When I turned 30, I felt a change come on. In my 20's I was in a sort of survival mode, trying to get by, finish college, learn about marriage, learn about my children, learn to save/spend money, bla bla bla....I turned 30 and looked back and though, "Ok, now I want to LIVE". I started thinking about my core, days of childhood, things I loved. (Im still doing this, to be honest with you). When I was a child, I tap danced for years, cooked with my mother and LOVED to be outside. Im still the same if Istop and feel it. I love dance (tap is my #1 favorite), I love cooking and share this passion with my DH, and being outside is still where I feel most at home.

SO, finding a tap class for adults (without surrounding myself with tiny little girls or senior citezens at the senior center) has been a real challenge for me here in my area. LOL The cooking classes are easier to find and many are offered as 1 day Saturday classes, which is great since that way you can try it out. Outdoor hiking is wondeful if Im with a partner. Im too afraid to go alone for safety reasons (this is LOS ANGELES).

What I have coming up:

I have a sushi class coming up next month, which Im not AT ALL intimidated by, Im really excited.

I have a SCUBA class starting in May, and IM TERRIFIED. Im not the best swimmer, I hate myself in a bathing suit and Im compltely intimidated, but I LOVE undersea life and really want to SCUBA off of Catalina Island, so here I go! (Making a nervous face....)

Think back to your core, write about it in a journal if you enjoy that sort of thing, and GO FOR IT. We're still young right now....I know I dont ever want to look back with sadness and wonder where my life went or where my personal energy has gone to...or who it all went to!

I cant take care of this family if I do not first take care of myself.

Good luck and PLEASE keep us updated.

What a journey!

: )

Mia