Cassandra's Blog

Long ago in a faraway galaxy I came upon an article in Ebony magazine by Laura B. Randolph titled “The top 40“, during my middle 20’s to 30’s transition period. In my mind set at that time i thought “the top 40″ was a hit list of music’s top 40’s songs. But as I read further, it was “The” list of tip toeing into being 40 as a woman. I kept that list in my diary for many years, as a reminder to myself that my day will come when I will be writing my top 40 list. Two years ago I began adding to that list at the age of 39 preparing for my next stage in life. Ok, I hit the 40 mark and now there is so much to review, evaluate and sort through in my life. My patience is short, my mind is more astute, and my body is speaking a different language unknown to me. Words and phrases flow from my lips like secret prose, I am embracing these changes (I sure there will be more) and just going with the flow.

Well here is my Reinvention in Process “top 40 list”: {the ♥ notes goal(s) completed}

1. More quiet time for reflection, relaxation, and meditation.

2. Spend time with people who like me, and care about me. Ignore (and stay away from) people who put me down or treat me badly, because they can not handle my “True” self.

3. Do things that I enjoy or that makes me feel good, and reward myself for my successes.

4. Improve my talents in music and art.

5. Be my own best friend first and do things that are good for me. ♥

6. Set goals and work to achieve them ALL.

7. Eliminate the baggage and bad habits that are holding me back, and discover how to break through and reach my higher ground. ♥

8. Get rid of excuses and get moving my body. ♥

9. Do not wait to exhale. BREATHE!!!!!

10. Say good-bye to friends and acquaintances that are chaotic, unbalanced, unhealthy, and not real/honest. ♥

11. Wade in the waters of LIFE.

12. Read more books, magazines, etc...Covering a broader view of world events, politics, culture, history, general genre, and literature.

13. Learn to knit.

14. Update my sketching/drawing skills. ♥

15. Complete my Masters Degree, and obtain my PhD.

16. Meet people who are on the same path and interests as me.

17. Say no to people who do not value my time or respect me.

18. Travel (see as much of the world I can in my life time).

19. Transition to Raw Vegan lifestyle.

20. Do not waste time on unnecessary people, places, events, etc... That will not be of benefit or improvement in my personal or professional life.

21. Go deep sea diving.

22. Learn to ride a motorcycle.

23. Become a writer.

24. A set of luggage. ♥

25. A passport. ♥

26. Complete my Associates and Bachelors Degrees. ♥

27. A library card…used often. ♥

28. A mammogram. ♥

29. A savings account, IRA and a 401k. ♥

30. Learn at least 3 foreign languages.

31. Become an avid runner.

31. Take more photos of my life’s transitions.

32. A great hairdresser, gynecologist and stockbroker. ♥

33. A good bra. ♥

34. A soul mate. ♥

35. Volunteer for a cause…Susan G. komen,World Wild Fund, there are many causes that touch my heart to list. ♥

36. Learn to dance…the Tango.

37. Learn to box.

38. Skydive…to overcome my fear of heights.

39. Backpack around the world.

40. Make films/documentaries that praise the many lives and voices of women.

I am sure my list will grow as I become older and my circumstances and environments change, but for now I am humble with my list.

~Cassandra~