Maybe I'll be the coolest 40 year old?

I often wonder if others go through a period of their life when they ask, “Whoa, how did I get here”? Not to ask in disgust rather ask in surprise. I truly can’t believe I am where I am.  When I was in my 20’s I thought I would always rock a nose ring, adorn a couple-few-many tattoos and work as an artist or music journalist.  

Well, I’m about to turn 32. My nose ring and eyebrow barbell have long been gone. I try to hide the 3 tattoos I have and I am an executive in Public Relations.  I’m not unhappy by any means.  I do very much enjoy the field I’m in and career I’ve built for myself. I’m married to my best friend and love of my life. We live in a cozy apartment on the North side of Chicago.  We collect records and craft beer labels. We are always on the hunt for the next punk rock show and take advantage of all the free/cheap activities this great city offers.  We truly enjoy cooking and live as if we aren’t in a recession or a 1 income household. (He’s from Ireland waiting to get his work card, all of that in another post).  We have great friends and family. We are obsessed with movies and try to watch one daily.  All of that is great, but I can’t help to feel should I be doing more?  Volunteer for a cause I am passionate about?  Invest in one of my hobbies. I use to do open mic poetry and knock on art gallery doors to get my work seen.  I haven’t done either in YEARS!

I use to hear my siblings or other people say how wiped they were at the end of a work day. I never understood until I entered the workforce.  I am grateful for the course my life has taken. I am grateful for the career. However, something deep inside me is trying to come out. It hit me last night that my art supplies has been stuff in a closet. I moved to a smaller apartment 5 months ago.  With limited space, sadly, I thought my art easel and supplies didn’t warrant floor space residency. That changed last night. Bryan and I moved things around to make room.  I feel whole again. I feel inspired. It’s easy to moan, but it’s just as easy to make changes! Life is TOO short to waste on "shoulda, woulda, coulda!" Just as important it is to make a living to pay my bills, rent ect… it's equally important to make a LIVING.  Can you relate?

Canvas with awesome red bow is from Bryan. He gave it to me on our wedding day :)