Growing up, I wrote this saying on a standard 8x11 piece of paper: "What are you willing to SACRIFICE for something BETTER?" If I'm being honest, I don't think I can trace back where I learned the quote, who said it, if I just made it up. That phrase has driven me through each chapter of life.
Just about 2 years (and only 2 blog posts) ago, I decided to create what I affectionately called my "30 to 30"--30 goals before I turned 30. I think the pairing of my "30 to 30" supported by my "What are you willing to SACRIFICE for something BETTER?" mantra gave me a fresh drive to LIVE life in new ways.
Around the same time, one of my best friends, Eric, suggested a life-changing book: "Feel the Fear...and Do It Anyway" by Susan Jeffers. Although I prided myself in being a bit of a "live life to the fullest" type, there were definitely areas in my life where I could benefit from shaking things up. I love myself a good routine, a familiar schedule, and the assurance of a plan just as much as the next person. But in July 2017, I recognized a plateau in my life. And I don't know about you, but that nudge to grow is a little bit of a mix between "hooray! new life adventures ahead!" and "nah...I'm good where I'm at"...both feelings for me come from the stomach--a rush and a drop, depending on the approach.
Well, I did. My "30 to 30" was AMAZING. I LIVED. And it was wonderful. I really did milk a cow. And I about cried. Ha! No lie. I made up that silly goal when I was a kid to milk a cow. And I did it! Just milk a cow. Ok, it was about a month after I turned 30....but whatever.Her name was Minnie the Cow. As I approached her I said, "I'm sorry Minnie, I know this is a little awkward for you..." but I'm sure in my mind I completed our conversation with something like, "...but thank you anyways for helping me achieve a lifelong goal of milking a cow. You are that cow, Minnie. And I thank you".
Besides milking a cow, I:
- got to run my first 10K
- donated items to charity more intentionally + frequently than I had been before
- was able to explore Mexico + Portland
- saved my money in better ways
- took a cooking class (farm to table style)
- took my niece out for an Auntie date (just the two of us. She picked McDonalds)
- developed my spirituality in personal ways and in temples more regularly than I had in the past
- studied scriptures and developed my faith in more sincere ways
- applied for lots of jobs + doctorate school
- fell in love with violin lessons
Here's the thing: I didn't finish everything on my list. Whan whan.
But here's the other thing: making this list ignited two things in my approach to LIVING LIFE: intentionality & zeal. Sure, zeal is an old fashioned word, but it's appropriate.
Here's what else I did this year, that two years ago, was NOT in my plans or on my "30 to 30":
- Hold my nephew on the day he is born (6/6/17) (kind of a big deal for me. I wasn't able to hold the other two on the actual days they were born)
- Traveled all over to: Guatemala, Puerto Rico, Bioluminecent Bay Kayak, Snorkling @ abandoned ship & catamaran, Yuca Falls hike- Puerto Rico, Aruba, St. Marteen, Curacao, Bonaire, Las Vegas, Arizona, Denmark, California, Utah, Zion National Park
- New job (UVU Assistant Director @ CAL)
- Moved to a new state
- hikes in gorgeous mountains
- painfully mourned the death of my favorite person: Grandpa Davis
- gave myself more permission to slow down
– let myself be vulnerable
– let myself be vulnerable
- dated all in
- was super honest with myself and others (more than once)
- felt heartbreak
- learned
- grew
- took risks
- fell in love...for real...and was bold and honest about that love from the beginning
- had the courage to be SO vulnerable
- married the man I met and fell in love with (!)
- celebrated this love with 3(!) wedding celebrations + 1 temple sealing ceremony
- laughed more
- laughed more
- cried more
- was grateful, happy, sad, humbled, frustrated, anxious, discouraged, hopeful, energized, and everything in between
- quit my job to move to California with Jacob (he accepted an offer at Amazon in the Bay Area).
Let me tell you. I couldn't have written this. Life has been a beautiful, wild, full of adventure, fear, opportunities, support, love, people, challenges, lessons, humility, gratitude, and so much more. I recognize the blessings that this story has been infused with. I recognize the PEOPLE who have been supporting me throughout this ENTIRE journey. It's so humbling to think about the sacrifices people have made in order for MY life to be better. It's remarkable to think back and wonder about the past few years and what they have turned out to be.
xoxo,
Amy
Amy
