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January 08, 2007
The Best Things I've Ever Done For Myself
In the spirit of "2007--grab it by the balls", I thought it would be appropriate to figure out the best things I've ever done for myself, in hopes that it will inspire me to go more good things (and avoid the crap ones).
LASIK EYE SURGERY
Why it was the best: Even though it seemed incredibly expensive at the time, getting my eyes fixed has been a miracle. It wasn't that I was completely blind, but waking up in the middle of the night and being able to read the clock across the room is a magnificent thing to behold. And its not like I'm being taken home by a new fella every night, but the ability to spontaneously decide on a sleepover without worrying about whether I had a stockpile of contact solution in the trunk of my car is shining beacon of joy.
What else could inspire such wonders: Admittedly, LASIK was pretty much a one-hit wonder. While there are lots of health-body-related things I'd love (laser hair removal comes to mind), I don't know that there's anything quite comparable to the gift of 20/20 vision.
BUYING A CONDO
Why it was the best: Living on my own, in a delightful place, made me feel like an independent woman of means. Filling it up with my own stuff, arranging it just so, throwing dinner parties--it all made me feel like I was in control of my own life. Even if I wasn't dating anyone fantastic, or really enjoying my job all that much, knowing that I had a place all my own to come home to was enough to make me happy.
What else could inspire such wonders: For starters, getting out of my parents' house would probably make me feel more confident (although would admittedly create more financial stress). There was something about owning a place that was significantly different than renting, and so buying a new place--even if it's out in the boondocks, should be at the top of my list.
THE BIG IDEA
Why it was the best: I admit that it's a little premature to say that the Big Idea is one of the best things I've ever done for myself, but it has been an eye-opening experience. To know that I have the energy and the drive to take an idea and turn it into a thriving business makes me very happy--and has taught me where my strengths and weaknesses are as a businessperson. Still to be determined are the Big Idea's long-term potential and financial reality, but for now I can say that it's been a net positive experience.
What else could inspire such wonders: Getting to the point where the Big Idea is on really solid financial footing is the next big hurdle, and I'm well on my way to a sink-or-swim turning point. I think that with enough hard work and time, 2007 could be the year that it all solidifies. Or else, the year that I realize I need to get a traditional job.
TRAVEL
Why it was the best: Travel is great for two reasons: first, it actually does broaden my horizons, makes me step out of my comfort zone, and allows me to see amazing places that pictures on the internet just don't do justice. But it also allows me to have something special, something to hold on to the way others hold on to their significant others. Ok, so it doesn't keep me warm at night, but knowing that I've climbed Mt. Nemrut in eastern Turkey is consolation for not having a boyfriend. Really, it is.
What else could inspire such wonders: There are so many places left to see that it's a bit overwhelming at times, and can quickly become a bank account disaster. Fortunately, I have gobs of frequent flier miles to use, and so planning a little (say, 4-week) solo getaway this coming fall is a great motivator to work on the Big Idea to ensure it's financial security during my absense. So let's vote: Morocco-Algiers, African Safari, or Argentina-Chile?
NOTES
It's strange that the things I *thought* I would write about ended up not making the list. Breaking up with a particular boyfriend back in college, just weeks before he would have proposed, is something that I think was a good idea--but given how moody I am about the whole relationship thing, perhaps I would have been happier just tying the knot with Mr. Bad Dancer. Who knows? And I thought that giving up my romantic/conservative notions of sex would also rank high--it's certainly benefitted me in the short term. But now as I survey the landscape of available men, I realize that having "fabulous in bed" as a qualification for a meaningful relationship has narrowed down an already microscopic playing field. So perhaps my mother was right: it's better not to know what you're missing.
