For twelve years, I held onto a mental list of thrilling experiences I would pursue if I ever stepped away from my traditional job. The allure of vivid hair colors and unique piercings captivated me, perhaps due to their rebellious nature. After departing from the corporate world in 2010, I dove headfirst into those experiences.
Mastering the Backspin
My first venture was mastering a backspin, a simple goal that my job hadn’t directly prohibited but one I never prioritized. With my children napping for three hours each day, I found the perfect opportunity to practice. Soon enough, I could perform it in public, even adding a cheeky ’80s flair at the end. However, my backspin career ended abruptly when I accidentally took out my husband’s colleague—a seasoned doctor—during a work event. I realized that I didn’t want to be a liability.
Funky Highlights
Next on my list: funky highlights. I embraced colors like pink, blue, and purple, reveling in the temporary nature of these bold choices. Walking into a meeting, I liked to think my hair screamed, “I challenge societal norms!” even if it was just for a few weeks.
Taking Up the Banjo
I also decided to take up the banjo. The question “Why banjo?” often arose, and my answer was simple: you never know when it might come in handy! Sometimes, I even send silly videos to my husband at work just to remind him of my adventurous spirit.
Getting a Nose Ring
More recently, I earned a few tears from my mom by finally getting a nose ring. This decision took years of contemplation. Pain isn’t exactly my favorite experience, and altering my appearance permanently felt like a weighty choice. In the past, I had attempted to get it done, but circumstances always thwarted my plans. One memorable attempt involved a piercing shop where a man enthusiastically chased us around the parking lot. After driving away, we accidentally ran over a possum—definitely not a sign to alter my face that night.
A couple of weeks ago, a friend invited me to accompany her for a piercing, and I knew the moment was right. We arrived at the shop in my minivan, a classic midlife crisis scene. Naturally, I went first. After signing some non-liability waivers and browsing stud colors, I had to sit with my head between my knees to avoid fainting. I learned my fainting tendencies the hard way when I got my tattoo. Fortunately, I managed to stay upright during this procedure, although I did let out some colorful exclamations.
Adjusting to My New Nose Ring
Adjusting to my new nose ring has had its challenges. For instance, during a spinning class, I forgot it was there and accidentally snagged it with my towel. The unexpected yelp I let out startled my instructor, who thought I was offering encouragement. I think I’ll be taking a break from spinning for a while!
What’s Next?
What’s next on my list? Everything! As I approach 42, I’m acutely aware of how swiftly time flies. My focus is on embracing life fully and pursuing the activities that excite me, even if they make me nervous. I want my children to remember me as someone who took risks and leaped into adventures, even if I occasionally fainted along the way.
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In summary, it’s time to stop waiting and start living boldly. Life is too short to hold back on experiences that bring joy and excitement. Embrace the leaps, even if they come with a few bumps along the way.