So what’s next?
That’s the question everyone keeps asking me lately, which is fair, as today just so happens to be my last day in the Air Force!!!
There’s plenty more that I would like to say about my experiences and lessons learned while serving, but this isn’t a post about reflecting. Nor is it about looking forward. Believe me, I have many great ideas and plans for the near and distant future, but there will be time for that soon as well!
This is about taking a pause. A time-out of sorts.
So when people ask, “What’s next?” I tell them what I am most looking forward to is some time and space to think about my own life for a little while. I’m just so hungry for a break. Not a vacation. Not a day just to relax or “veg out” either. Just a break from the noise, standards, and expectations of the rest of the world.
You know, if your life is anything like mine, you haven’t had a real break in years.
Ever since the beginning of high school, well geez, school in general, our lives have been mostly mapped out for us. There are particular subjects we are required to take, standardized tests to pass, expectations we are held to, and standards we are measured against.
Pressure pours in from a variety of sources – our parents, siblings, teachers, friends, and society in general. Our lives are filled with making and executing plans to sweep us from one expectation to the next, taking us to where we want to go, or in many cases, where others want us to go.
During some of those most chaotic and stressful years of our lives, we are expected to make important decisions that will shape the rest of our lives, and for the most part, we are ill-prepared to do so.
We make these decisions without much time and space for reflection, and without any real knowledge of who we are, what are talents are, or what we are truly passionate about.
Now, I don’t really have any regrets about the path I chose or *most* of the decisions I’ve made, because they’ve led me to exactly where I am right now. And I have to admit this is a pretty sweet place to be!
However, if as a high schooler I would have had more time and space to actually stop and think about the direction of my life, without homework, standardized tests, extracurriculars, sports, and a bunch of other weight being piled on my shoulders, I may have had a better idea about my true passions and talents sooner.
By that, I mean maybe I would have realized sitting in a lab conducting research, writing computer code, and all that jazz isn’t really ME. Sitting behind a desk for hours on end really isn’t me either. My energy comes from being around people, being outside, and creating awesome experiences!!
So what’s next?
Something that involves all of those things for sure. But this time, before just leaping into the next chapter of my life, I’m taking a time-out.
Okay, it’s more like half-time during a soccer game. You know, a chance to breathe, grab some water, and stretch. It’s a time to reflect on how the game is going so far, to regroup, and strategize for the upcoming half.
I looking forward to time to just be without having to do for a little while. Time to disconnect from the noise and fast pace of the modern world and to reconnect with myself and mother nature.
I am looking forward to that time to reflect on the first quarter of my life – all that I have experienced and learned, all that I have loved and lost, all that I have gained and accomplished.
I am looking forward to really and truly thinking through my plans for the future, and asking myself “Why do I want to do this or that?” I want to make sure that the path forward is one that actually makes sense to me.
When was the last time you took a half-time break to really think about your life?
I know, I know. It can be so hard when we have so much stuff we need to do at work and around the house. And then there’s the things we really want to do. Like for me, I can’t wait to get started on all my great ideas for the blog, writing my first ebook, and training for my Himalaya backpacking trip!!
But back to the soccer game. If we just keep playing straight through without a break, what happens?
Well, for one thing, we start to burn out. It’s hard to maintain that same level of energy, determination, enthusiasm, and focus without a break. Moreover, we are so caught up in what’s happening in the moment, we barely have any time to reflect on the bigger picture. Is our strategy even making sense?
So for me, “what’s next” is a half-time break before plunging right into the next chapter of my life.
No worries, this doesn’t mean a break from you! It just means a break from having to “have it all figured it out.” I’m giving myself permission to really think through and explore the possibilities.
As part of this soul-searching stage, I’m instituting something I like to call: “Me Mondays.”
Me Mondays
That’s right, I’m officially declaring Monday as the best day of the week!!
For those of you who are already live in bliss on Mondays, kudos to you – I’m here to join!
From now on, I am going to take the majority of Monday to focus on activities that I enjoy, the ones that make me truly come alive. Things that stir my spirit and fill me with energy…
Like enjoying a lovely cup of french-press coffee on my back deck, journaling just for fun, going hiking with my dog, or curling up with a good book.
Honestly, I don’t know why I didn’t think of this sooner! Even if you’re still doing the 9-5 (which I’m not!! 
), it’s still completely possible to at least take one hour of that Monday just for you.
Do something you love and don’t even think about feeling guilty about it!
So starting this coming week, I invite you to join me in reclaiming Mondays and turning them into “Me Mondays!”
For those who are interested, I’ll be sure to post “Me Monday” updates on Facebook and Twitter, and I would also love for you to share YOUR Me Monday stories on the Community forum!
Be wise. Live life!
Hi Adrienne
Oh this is so exciting! I am thrilled for you about what is to come. And I so hear you on all that you shared, yes… we are ushered along and greatly impacted often by the expectations of others, to conform to the “norms” and such.
I loved this line: ” Just a break from the noise, standards, and expectations of the rest of the world.” YES! Oh how I hear you, this is why I changed my life in such a drastic way. Once I got that break, everything took on a new meaning and purpose. It truly is sweet.
And so here is to an awesome continued journey! And yes, Mondays are awesome
Looking forward to the new series.
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Hi Evita!!
I’m just floating on air from all the excitement today!! I can’t even begin to tell you how inspiring the way you live your life is to me. You are out there showing others that there is an alternative way to live, outside of all the “noise, standards, and expectations,” and I hope to do the same. I’m all about living life on my own terms now, and it feels amazing.
To an awesome continued journey! Cheers!
Adrienne,
You are so brilliant to be thinking this way early in your life. Your entire life will be so much richer and more meaningful for having done so.
I agree with you fully ~ we need time away from all the pressures and expectations for personal reflection. Otherwise, we just get caught living on automatic and end up empty or semi-empty in the end. I full support you. And what I a great idea to create a structure (“Me Mondays”) to support you in the process.
Enjoy!
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Hi Sandra,
I really can’t thank you enough for how supportive you’ve been over the past year, and thanks for the kind words and vote of confidence here. I know there are a lot of people who think I’m a little nuts right now, but I’m confident that great things lie on the horizon. I just need some time to see them clearly. I’m sure people thought Emerson was nuts at the time too, and look how much inspiration he’s given to the world!
Adrienne,
I can so relate to the idea of taking a break. I often feel, even when I have a day “off,” that I am not really “off,” in the sense that the wheels are still spinning in my head.
There is nothing so wonderful as some time – whether an hour or a week – when you can just step back from everything and take time to meander … time to noodle and ponder and marinate in your thoughts. Those are the times when the really important observations, insights, and epiphanies appear gently before us – guiding us to “what’s next” with compassion, patience, and joy.
I’m in a cycle of go-go-go!!! at the moment, but looking forward to my own time out this fall. Enjoy yours and here’s to everything I know you will discover!
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Jamie,
Beautifully said!! Yes, yes, and yes! Looking forward to all of that.
So what is it that you’re working on right now in your go-mode? Any big projects in the works?
I’m in the process of writing my first ebook now…super excited about it!
P.s. I loved your last article about why people share content…I hadn’t thought about it like that before. I always love a new perspective.
Adrienne,
I’m working on some projects for new clients (which is very exciting and fulfilling), but have my sights set on late September to write MY first e-book for MY business (instead of someone else’s!).
I’m really looking forward to it … chomping at the bit, as they say!
Glad you enjoyed the post about why people share content. TKS for the kind words.
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Adrienne,
I sense, very much, the joy within you at where you’re at right now…and that is so, so wonderful (and I’m so happy for you)!
Life is what we make it – and that’s in the choices we make. Love how you are viewing Mondays… May these moments be filled with all sorts of good…
Much love,
Lance
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Hi Lance!!
Yes, I’m definitely a believer that we are where we are as a result of the choices we’ve made…and where I end up tomorrow will be a result of the choices I make today, and I tell you, I can’t be more excited about tomorrow! I’m trying to decide what I should do for my very first Me Monday.
And what about you, how is everything going? How is that play of yours coming along? Have you already performed?
Adrienne,
Thanks for asking – everything is going wonderfully here!
We just had the final performances this past weekend. What a great experience this was, being a part of it. And after spending most nights of the week together in rehearsals, this week has seemed a little strange (not having them).
Happy Wednesday! (hmmm….maybe that could be “Wacky Wednesday” to go along with Me Monday’s!!!!!!)
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Hi Adrienne,
I thought I better slip this comment in before your *Me Monday* shows up manana.
“I am looking forward to that time to reflect on the first quarter of my life – all that I have experienced and learned, all that I have loved and lost, all that I have gained and accomplished.”
I’ll tell you this…when I reflected on my first quarter a quarter was still worth something…in fact I could buy five hamburgers for a dollar!
Interesting how later in life I thought that it would of been good for me to of gone into the military right out of highschool. I finally did get some of the discipline the military offers from becoming a stagehand (chain of command).
You see Adreinne, if you are fortunate enough to live several quarters you will be constantly re-defining yourself. Improving on, and also keeping some of the unique character that is *YOU*. The *YOU* that has been shaped by the unique people and experiences along the way.
“Moreover, we are so caught up in what’s happening in the moment, we barely have any time to reflect on the bigger picture. Is our strategy even making sense?”
I think it is super wise of you and your husband to go on your journey to the Himalaya on a backpacking trip…step back from everything and try to envision the larger picture that is yet to be.
‘Burn some fat off the soul.’
This was a major theme in Hemingway’s ‘The Snow’s of Kilimanjaro’.
“Harry… have you gone hunting lately?
and
“Kilimanjaro is a snow-covered mountain 19,710 feet high, and is said to be the highest mountain in Africa. Its western summit is called by the Masai “Ngàje Ngài,” the House of God. Close to the western summit there is the dried and frozen carcass of a leopard. No one has explained what the leopard was seeking at that altitude.”
Harry later solved his uncle’s riddle by finding himself…
God Speed!
Rand
Dear Rand,
Happy Monday! As the first part of my Me Monday, I’m heading out for a nice long walk with my dog…I also happen to be wearing my new hiking boots so I can break them in for the trip.
I’ve never actually read “The Snow’s of Killimanjaro,” but I think I’ll have to take a look at that! I’m about to start reading another book called, “Sacred Water,” which happens to be about one man’s spiritual journey through the area in India that I’ll be hiking through.
And yes, life is definitely a continuous process of evolving, and I know there will definitely be many stages of re-definition, as you said. At different points of my life I am always re-defining myself. What does it mean for me to be a high school graduate? A college graduate? An Air Force officer? A wife? A writer? Hopefully someday I’ll be asking myself, who am I as a mother? An entrepreneur? A grandmother?
Hopefully one day I can say things like, “Why, back when I was reflecting on the first quarter of my life, we still had these things called quarters…they were money made out of metal…”
Good post. Sometimes we really need to sit and think about the things we really want.
Thanks Christy, definitely what I’ve been doing. I’m thinking 35 days backpacking through the Himalayas will help with that too!