At 25, settling down and starting a family can seem like the next step in life, but that’s not always true. There’s an entire world out there, and I have a few things to accomplish before I say, ‘I do’.
I have a list. It’s not very long, but it’s my list.
Having these things under my belt before opening the next chapter in my life will help me not only appreciate what I have, but will also prepare me to take on whatever is thrown at me next. I’m not saying that I wouldn’t want to see amazing places or have thrilling experiences with my significant other, but doing something for yourself is the most rewarding feeling you could ever have.
My To-Do before ‘I do’ list.
1. Get A Degree From Graduate School
Maybe this doesn’t seem like the most thrilling thing to accompl
ish, but let’s face it. Once you get engaged things just start snow balling and next thing you know you’re raising three kids and barely have time to shower, let alone go to school. Having a Master’s Degree to fall back on in addition to my Undergrad not only makes me feel more secure, but will give me a great sense of accomplishment. You should always find something to proud of yourself for; this is what it is for me.
2. “Ball Out” In Las Vegas
You don’t stay young forever, so you need to totally live it up while
you still can. I’m not saying I want my friends to find me on a roof somewhere, but I want a weekend I’ll never forget [or remember]. If you don’t take advantage of your youth, you’ll live with regrets and that can cause huge problems for the future. Maybe my weekend won’t be in Vegas, maybe I’ll end up in a different party city. Regardless, I will get my solo crazy on.
3. Have My Own Place
Not with a roommate, not in college house. I want to live totally alone for at least a little bit of my life. I know it’s not easy today, especially with student loans and the cost of living, but I don’t need a pent house on Park Ave or anything even close to lavish. Having 
something that I can call my own is a huge step in becoming an adult.
Aside from that, I’ve been told living alone teaches you about yourself in a way that nothing else will. Whether it’s finding out I’m actually a neat freak or stressing over how to make ends meet, a humble abode that belongs to only me will make me stronger and more wise.
When you have no one else to fall back on ( or clean up after), you discover what you really want and need in life.
4. Travel To Another Country
A must. I need to step into the waters of a different world at least one ti
me before I start a new life. I want to go to a land most find pointless or crazy to visit, just to say I’ve been there. Maybe I’ll go with a friend, maybe I’ll end up there by myself. Whichever it is, enduring a new adventure will only enhance who I become.
5. Establish My Career
Careers change. You can lose a job and end up somewhere you never imagined you’d be over night. I want to be prepared if that happens. Jumping into a relationship with the expectations that someone else can or will take care of me is not how I was brought up and is not how I ever intended to live my life.
There needs to be a plan. I will not let my relationship be destroyed by financial issues, or allow my significant other and I to point fingers and play the blame game if we are faced with losing it all.
Securing myself in a field or career is more than just being able to say, “I can do it on my own”, it also says, “Don’t worry, if things go south for you, I got this.”
