What Have I Done With My Life?
Posted: Friday, July 01, 2011
by Brianna Popsickle
Have you ever asked yourself what you’ve done with your life?
I asked myself that the other day after I saw on Facebook that a friend had purchased a brand new BMW. I googled it, and just as I expected, it was beautiful! Genuinely happy for her, I congratulated her.
We became good friends when we held similar positions in a large insurance company years ago. She was my matron-of-honour and I was hers. I left the company when I got married, following my husband wherever his work took him. She stayed and continued to take courses and move up the corporate ladder.
As a result, twenty-six years later, my friend, (still in the insurance business) travels each month to places across Canada and the States for work. She’s making big bucks and has secured an incredible pension. I however, am still working part-time and have long past given up the hope of ever having a pension.
The news of her BMW prompted me to ask myself what I’d done with my life.
When I mentioned it to my mother, she instantly replied, “Well Brianna, look at your kids and how they’ve turned out.”
“You can’t play the good kid card mom, “ I said. “Barb has two great kids too.” (Plus a career with a pension and now, a BMW, I wanted to add.)
I couldn’t help but think of a line in the new song by Adele, Rolling in the Deep. She sings, “We could have had it all.”
These days I’m wondering what ‘all’ is, and if it’s possible to achieve it.
I remember when ‘all’ for me was my husband hitchhiking a hundred miles to see me each weekend. He was everything to me.
I remember ‘all’ being the time I spent rocking my babies, and holding them long after they’d fallen asleep because I just didn’t want to let go. They were everything to me.
I remember ‘all’ being that feeling of pride when my daughter swam a race or my son played the piano or guitar. Their happiness was everything to me.
I think ‘all’ is different for everyone and changes throughout our lives.
Truthfully, I don’t think anyone can ever have it all. I know I couldn’t. If I‘d had the career I was aiming for, I wouldn’t have had each of the precious moments with my children that I hold so dear. If I’d had the career, perhaps my relationship with my husband would have suffered.
Who knows? It comes down to the choices we make and what we perceive ‘all’ to be.
My husband and children are still everything to me. But there’s another side to me, and I’d be lying if I said I thought I had it all.
But as I fire up my mini-van to pick up my son at the bus depot, then my husband at work, I realize how blessed I am. As much as a successful career, a pension and a BMW sounds incredibly sweet, I know I have it pretty good.
I may not have it all, but for all I do have, I’m truly grateful.
This Article has been viewed 903 times. (Not updated in real-time.)
More commentsOh Brianna, you just poured out your heart felt emotion...but was reflected here amazingly beautifully. CONGRATS for, "not have it all, but for all I do have."I am a man but a woman is more worthy to talk about the feelings of all these emotions...But as a human and a Christian I can say, we don't get all but we all get whats needed. I have never got what I wanted even today I think sometimes...what have I done with my life? But again God confirms..."everything is fine.."Great and inspiring article for man and woman both..Regards, ChiradeepOne thing is for sure, I write it the way I'm feeling it. I appreciate your comment Chiradeep, thank you.
Great writing, Brianna, and I am with ya on this. All is relative to our desires/needs/time of life. I am mostly content with my life, but always realize I could do/be more. With that knowledge, I want to keep trying and learning all my days on this earth, realizing that I am exactly where God planted me. I guess that is where the contentment comes into play. As always, a great read.I am for the most part, very content, but some days have visions of a red convertible Solaris pop into my head. I'm kidding, I don't often want for the matierial things, it's like what you said, sometimes I just feel I could have done more in different areas of my life. Nice to hear from you Lorrie!
When I was about 9 years old my great-grandmother, Nana Price died. I asked my mother why and I have never forgotten the answer. She told me that Nana had done all she needed to do. When you've got it all, there's nothing let to look forward to.Your mom was right. The getting there is half the fun and it's good to have things to strive for or look forward to. Thanks for reading Deborah.
That was a great article, Brianna. You do have it all and have so much to be thankful for.Thanks for reading and for commenting Taylor, much appreciated!
Hi Brianna. Great article with a great message. How true it is. Once in a while it bodes well to reflect on what might have been and what really is. If you then can truly appreciate what is good and perfect in your life, you have come out ahead. You have a great family and that is truly what is important. Cherish the loved ones in your life and blessings will follow. Heidi
Thanks Heidi. I agree with you. Thanks for reading and commenting.
Inspirational, lovely article, and it is nice to be reminded to remember the grass is not always greener on the other side....JillIt isn't always greener is it? But sometimes that's something we have to find out on our own. Glad you enjoyed the article. Thanks for reading and commenting.
I love this one, Brianna. You have a way with words. :)Thanks Jean. Nice to hear from you!
In New York City, in the poorer sections, BMW stands for, 'break my windows'........
My friend just returned from a trip to New York City. Luckily she flew and left the BMW behind. I'll pass on the tip to her though Paul. :)
More comments
We want your comments! If you can read this, you don't have javascript enabled, so you can't use this comment system. Please enable javascript.