As we step into a new decade, I’ve been thinking a lot about what I want the next ten years of my life to look like.
10 years ago I had a toddler and we were trying for a second child. 10 years from now my daughter will be a senior in college and my son will be a senior in high school. The older I get, the faster time goes. Kids seem to highlight that and what’s more, I’m coming to understand how raising kids is just a season of life. In ten short years I’ll be an empty nester.
Years to Come
When I think about what my empty nest will look like, I see myself writing. Long days of writing, broken up by leisurely walks with the dogs. The kind of writing I currently only get when I go on a writing retreat.
I also want to travel. That is to say, I see myself writing in little cabins in the woods, or in a cafe in South America. Adventuring with my husband and writing it all off as a tax expense because it all ends up in my stories.
A Transitional Decade
So this is a transitional decade. My kids will fend for themselves more and more while I write more and more. My hope is to build momentum until I’m publishing a book every two years and then pretty much just keep that up until I die.
Of course there are other things I want to do, like run a marathon, hike Half Dome, raft down the Colorado River. Hopefully I’ll work all those in somehow. The greatest tragedy of this life is that I’ll never do a fraction of the things this amazing world has to offer.
Doesn’t mean I won’t try.
Happy 2020, y’all. May the coming decade bring success and adventure in whatever way is most meaningful to you.
Jason Kincade says
I believe the purpose of life is to live forever, comfortably and happily, or die trying. You seem to be on that track.
As I’ve said before, I’m a fan of your work. Keep it up!
April says
Well said! And thank you. To another decade of trying – cheers!
michele says
you are wise and strong and an excellent mother..because now is the time for it. In 10 years you can be more selfish.
April says
Doing my best to lean into it (and looking forward to the future).