5 Years to 40

Reviewing how I can better approach life over the next 5 years (and beyond.)

In two days, I will turn 35 years old. 

Reaching the mid-thirty mark has prompted me to consider what areas of my life need some attention so that the 40 year old version of me can be proud. 

It’s not the first time I’ve done a review of sorts as it relates to my life. In fact, I’m in a perpetual state of analysing my position in the world and considering how I can make moves to live more optimally. It’s in the application where I tend to fall short. 

Now though, I’m in the season of taking action, where introspection becomes proactivity. I’ve lived long enough to experience the feeling that time goes by exponentially faster with each year that passes, and I believe that living without intention means running the risk of living an unfulfilled life, which is a deeply held personal fear.

I want to make changes that will help align my daily actions with my core values and ultimately impact future iterations of myself in a positive and purposeful way. This is the goal across several areas of my life such as health, creative expression, work, personal growth, and service.

At this important juncture, I am not just contemplating change; I’m committed to it with every fibre of my being. 

In pursuit of this commitment, I’ll first delve into the crucial realm of Health & Wellbeing–the one which ultimately underpins the other areas.

Health & Wellbeing

Over the last few years, some difficult health related events (namely 2 emergency c-sections, infections, multiple nasty viruses and a few mental breakdowns) pushed me towards the upper limits of resilience–revealing just how fragile health can be.

I came to understand through these lived experiences that good health is the most fundamental foundation on which to build. Without it, there really isn’t much else. It can be the difference between living well and dying prematurely.

With this in mind, I’m aiming to get laser focused on the decisions I make that impact my overall health and wellbeing. I’m particularly interested in deep diving into 3 areas: Food, Sleep & Exercise. 

Food

My relationship with sugar is arguably the most pressing issue. Frankly, it’s an addiction that I’ve only recently come to fully accept. As any addict knows, it’s easy to justify reaching for the thing that gives us temporary relief whilst choosing to ignore the long-term repercussions. My compulsion to use chocolate to get a hit of immediate gratification will be costly should I continue it. With a family history of diabetes, I know that it is too highly possible for me. The effects of over-consumption are not as easy to ignore anymore; I can no longer tolerate the crashing lows in energy and inability to focus. This will be managed on a daily basis and my goal is to be in control of when and how I consume food, instead of letting it control me. 

I’m not looking to make any drastic dietary changes or cut out certain food groups necessarily, but I want to become more in tune with how I feel with the food choices I make. I am leaning towards a more low carb, high protein way of eating.

I recently learned the importance of limiting eating to between certain times so I’m going to commit to an eating window, ensuring I do not eat sooner or later than I need to. 

Sleep

I’ve finally admitted that previous declarations about being a “night owl” were really just excuses to stay up late and avoid being disciplined.  

In learning about circadian rhythms, I’ve come to understand that poor sleep can have drastic ramifications for health both in the short and long term. In terms of how I’ll approach this practically, I will work to create an environment that prioritises sleep whilst following a fairly strict sleep/wake schedule. 

Exercise

I’ve made several attempts over the years to integrate exercise into my life but I failed to run the course. My aim is to find ways for exercise to become part of the everyday. With 2 active young children, I want to be able to move freely and energetically with them; modelling how vital movement is in order to live a long and healthy life. 

Whilst highlighting the 3 areas of food, sleep and exercise I am also cognisant of some worthy psychological focuses. I am making a commitment to maintain only the relationships that support my higher sense of self by not being so lenient with who I spend time with. In addition to that, it’s vital that I learn to develop social connections in places where I can learn continually, especially from those further along their path of actualisation. 

Creativity

Over the years, I’ve swayed back and forth between creating and not creating through several mediums. Songwriting, writing, blogging and video production have all been explored at some point, with little to show for the efforts. The reality is, I’ve never made creative expression a non-negotiable. I’ve told myself it’s unimportant, that it’s silly and of course that I’m not good enough.

In the upcoming five years, my focus will be on cultivating a creative practice—dedicating time and effort to bring forth concepts and ideas, ensuring that I make room for this aspect of self-expression to evolve organically, unrestricted by external constraints.

Work & Money

By the time I turn 40, I want to be running a successful business in the online space that offers substantial returns that enable me to invest and build long-term, generational wealth. 

I view this as a pivotal time in history as it relates to opportunity, particularly given my social status as a working-class, thirty something, mother of 2 with no formal education. I don't exactly fit the mould of a high-earner, but that realisation fuels my determination to think differently and actively seek innovative solutions. 

Having stepped into the world of entrepreneurship over the last 3 years or so, I am more prepared to elevate my efforts. I am driven by a desire to build, to create something substantial. 

Though the road I'm taking may be risky, if I focus my efforts and limit the risk as much as possible, it’ll allow me to earn money that can change the trajectory of my life and that of my children. Failure isn’t an option. 

Personal Growth

I aspire to have a growth mindset. This ultimately means I want to seek value in the journey rather than simply labelling something either as a success or a failure. This includes continual self-reflection so that I can adapt to meet inevitable challenges as they arise.

I want to hold myself to the highest standard of mothering. Even though I may fall short, I commit to holding myself accountable and working hard to ensure the misses become less frequent. I will ask myself questions such as where did I go wrong and how can I improve? I want to learn how to carry myself in a way that enables me to show up and support my children as they need at any given time. I’m determined to lead by example and instil in them foundational values that will carry them through the rest of their lives.

The idea of living a life that includes service is important to me. Exploring how I can make a positive impact to the lives of others, in a way that is sustainable and true, is an important next step in self-actualising. As I garner wisdom, it seems unfortunate to not share it with those who may benefit. I’d love to get to a place where I’d serve as a truly selfless endeavour. 

On a daily basis, self development will look like doing many of the things I don’t want to do. Maintaining a level of self discipline will ensure that I don’t succumb to temptations that offer immediate gratification and long term negativity, but instead focusing on the hard work now for long term benefits. 

Here’s to 35

As I embark on this journey into my mid-thirties, I'm not just setting goals; I'm making commitments. This reflection is more than a snapshot; it's a pledge to my 40-year-old self.

I'll face the challenges of health, creativity, work, and personal growth head-on, with courage and unwavering dedication.

Here's to the next five years—a journey of purpose, growth, and relentless pursuit of a life aligned with my core values. The future is shaped by the choices I make today, and I'm ready for the challenges and triumphs that lie ahead.

I hope you’ll join me.

Until next week.

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