For twelve years, I was entrenched in a conventional job, diligently maintaining a list of thrilling activities I’d pursue if I ever ventured away from the corporate grind. I can’t quite explain why the idea of sporting vibrant purple hair and a nose ring was so enticing; perhaps it was the allure of breaking free from societal expectations. When I exited the corporate world in 2010, I wasted no time diving into my adventurous pursuits.
Mastering the Backspin
The first item on my list was to master the backspin and showcase it publicly whenever possible. This was never an act my job explicitly prevented me from attempting; it was merely something I hadn’t prioritized. With my children napping for three uninterrupted hours daily, I found the perfect opportunity to practice, and before I knew it, I was spinning with flair. I even threw in some ’80s-style drama at the end, propping my head on my hand and saying, “Hey, oh you’re here!” Unfortunately, I had to retire that move after an incident at my husband’s work event where I accidentally took out a 50-something doctor with a leg sweep. I certainly didn’t want to be seen as a liability.
Funky Hair Highlights
Next on my agenda was experimenting with funky hair highlights. I explored shades of pink, blue, and purple, often going for bold streaks or even an all-over transformation. At the Parent-Teacher Organization meetings, I liked to think my colorful hair conveyed a message of challenging societal norms—at least for the 4 to 6 weeks before the colors faded.
Taking Up the Banjo
I also took up the banjo. “Why the banjo?” people often questioned. My response was always, “Because it might come in handy someday!” accompanied by a knowing eye roll. Sometimes, I create silly videos to send to my husband at work, reminding him of how lucky he is to be married to me.
Getting a Nose Ring
Among my many escapades, the most recent venture that prompted tears from my mom was getting a nose ring. This decision took years of contemplation. I’m not particularly fond of pain, and a permanent facial alteration felt like a significant decision. I made several attempts to get it done before, but fate always intervened. Once, my friend Claire and I drove to a piercing shop, only to be chased around the parking lot by an exuberant man trying to usher us inside. We fled, and in our hasty retreat, we accidentally ran over a possum. Clearly, that night wasn’t meant for making major decisions about my appearance.
A couple of weeks ago, when Claire invited me to accompany her for a piercing, I felt it was time to finally go through with it. We brought along our friend Sarah, who wanted to get a tattoo, and rolled up to the shop in my minivan—truly the epitome of a midlife crisis. Since I had previously fainted while getting a tattoo, I knew I had to go first to avoid any potential fainting spells in front of my friends. After signing some liability waivers and browsing through stud options, I had to take a seat with my head between my knees to stave off any dizziness. Thankfully, I didn’t faint this time, although I did let out some colorful expressions when the piercing was happening.
Adjusting to My New Nose Ring
Adjusting to my new nose ring has had its challenges. Just the other day, while spinning at the gym, I forgot it was there and inadvertently snagged it with my towel. I let out a yelp, nearly losing my balance on the bike—thank goodness for my clip-in shoes! The instructor, mistaking my outburst for a battle cry, cheered me on enthusiastically, which left me feeling a bit embarrassed.
What’s Next?
So what’s next? Everything else. As I approach 42, I’m acutely aware of how swiftly life is passing me by. Each day, I am determined to live fully and pursue the things that excite me, even if they terrify me. I want my kids to remember me as someone who bravely took leaps of faith, despite those occasional fainting spells.
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In summary, life is too short to wait on the sidelines. Embracing new experiences, regardless of their challenges, is essential for personal growth and fulfillment.