I found myself reminiscing about my formative years a few nights ago, and was taken back to high school and the dreams I had for myself as a teen. 30+ years later and my life couldn’t be any different than I expected.

Once upon a time, I was going to teach music. I even applied to college as a music major after having played flute all through middle school and high school. Music defined that time of my life and everything I did revolved around it. I haven’t picked up the instrument in over 25 years and would need a massive refresher course to read music again, but every once in a while I miss it.

I also dreamed at that time about getting married and having a big family. I wanted 6 kids. What was I thinking?? Ultimately, I’ve chosen to not marry or have children. It was difficult grappling with this decision over the years, but I think it was truly the right decision for me. And while I may sometimes wonder what life would have been like with a partner and kids, I know that I am happy in the life I have now.

There have been other dreams throughout my life as well, but it’s those from my teenage years that I look back on most fondly and indulgently. My life is so utterly different than I would have ever imagined it back then… but I think it is exactly what it is supposed to be now.