Thinking on...Milestones

I think best when I am doing one of a few things:
a) showering
b) trying to fall asleep
c) running.

I prefer epiphanies to come while I am running versus the other times, but I'll take inspiration whenever I can get it! 

This week, I've been doing a lot of running and have been lucky enough to have some interesting thoughts while doing so. (Okay, I can't deny that some of these thoughts have occured in the shower as well...) One of these thoughts includes visions of laying on a beach with a frosty drink in my hand and a big floppy hat on my head, but that is beside the point...though highly tempting...

Mostly I have been thinking about milestones.  Life is full of milestones and it seems we are constantly involved in our own, and others' milestones in life. 

Being "young" (I'm not sure when I can stop calling myself that) and single (I definitely know when I can stop calling myself that) lends itself to the involvement of many other people's milestones on a regular basis.  Graduations, weddings, job opportunities, babies, etc. are all part of the transitional part of life known as the 20s and 30s.  I suppose my perspective on this is a bit biased, but run with it, okay?

Because everyone around me is involved in these momentous events, I seem to be a part of them as well.  In fairness, I have had a few of my own milestones to be at the center of as well.  The difference is,  at some point, people either keep having big moments, or they don't.  When you are on the "don't" end of that, things start to look a little different. 

I am starting to learn that, at some point, milestones aren't necessarily the "big events" anymore.  The milestones become smaller, more personal goals and dreams; things you don't necessarily get to wear a special outfit for. 

I know this isn't a bright new idea for most people, but I am glad I can see life this way.  It helps me realize that I am doing a lot of things that are still important, even when the world around me seems to be rushing in a hundred different directions and telling me that because I'm not rushing in all those directions, I must have reached a plateau in my "young, single" life.  I like knowing that I am actually the beneficiary of those small, purposeful milestones that few others really know about.  I'm glad I can celebrate my personal victories and daily achievements.  I'm happy that others are enjoying the "big" milestones, but I'm also happy celebrating mine.