Of course, being the enlightened adult that I obviously am, my goal is not to take these as an example of what I haven’t done. Instead, my goal is to take this as a challenge – to grow, to identify what is going to take me to the next level, and to stop being afraid of the new, exciting things that life could present.

Read Inc’s 30 Under 30

In our hyperconnected world, I’ve come to realize there really is such a thing as over-sharing. While I still update my Facebook status on a regular basis, and I’ll continue to maintain my blog – I hereby promise to never over-share. I will not go into gory details about my illness, or those of my loved ones or pets. If I need you to know that I’m sick, you’ll hear that I’m sick of being sick, etc. And if you really really need to know what kind of sick I am, you can send me an email and ask.

The other biggest change is a new addition to the family. Yes, she’s a bundle of joy. But not the bundle of joy that you may think. In late November, I adopted a silky terrier puppy.  Claire is smaller than an average silky, weighing in at just 4.5 lbs at 5 months old. She’s quickly become the highlight of my days, and nights. (With the exception of the 4 am bathroom breaks, that is). The condo is now buried in tiny dog bones and squeeky toys. I never thought I’d be a purse dog person, but the moment I saw Claire, I knew it was meant to be. I’ll never doubt “love at first sight” again.

I’m also very excited about a new personal venture I’m working on. Details to come soon, but be sure that it may be something that changes everything (at least for me).

So, what’s new with you?

http://www.quarterlifecrisis.com/forums/

Once I get my registration approved (hello, administrators!) I look forward to connecting with the other 20-somethings, and sharing what I have learned, and getting some camaraderie with others feeling the way I do.

Now, here I am, in a job that most would envy – a marketing position in a growing segment of an industry I’ve loved. And somehow, I’m still not content. It’s not that my job doesn’t challenge me (it does, even on days that I’m not working), and that I don’t believe in what I do. I thought that my job would provide the fulfillment that I needed.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t.

Maybe it’s because I work from home. Maybe it’s because I’m not involved in the community. Maybe it’s because I no longer find common ground with the people I once considered friends. Whatever it is, there seems to be a void that no number of hours can fill.

About a year ago, I discovered “The Quarterlife Crisis” – a couple of books that talked about what it feels like I must be going through. I’m planning on looking into the online groups dedicated to discussing the phenomenon, and maybe starting a local group. Living in a college town, there have to be more people here who feel this way!

I’m also re-dedicating myself to documenting this process, here, on my blog. Maybe it can inspire someone else who’s struggling. And if not, at least it gives me a voice.

Here’s to the future!

My yoga studio, however, is not built by people who live with that logic. At both the old location and the new, each studio has always been a work in progress. Finishing work that hasn’t quite gotten finished, areas where touch-up paint still needs to be touched up. In the excitement of allowing others to discover the peace and beauty that is yoga, they’ve decided that it’s “finished enough.”

Interestingly enough, I’ve never heard someone say “I can’t practice here because that section of wall isn’t finished.” Nobody’s ever mentioned it at all. My inner demons point to the flaws and say “How terrible that they didn’t have time to finish the walls! If only they had planned ahead, or closed for a day to get it done.”  I’m trying to grow through yoga though, so while I lay in Savasana and look at the unfinished window sills, I recognize that we’re all bits of unfinished business. No matter how hard we try, the loose ends of our days and our lives will never be tied up in a nice, neat package.

Today, I’m just saying thank you to my practice (and to the studio itself) for reminding me that it’s ok when things aren’t buffed and polished to perfection.

But I tell you – when she promotes products, I think she forgets that the average American woman does not have deep pockets (or get free products to test). I was looking through June’s Beauty Products, and was absolutely floored when I saw a $28 lip stain, $78 body oil, and $175 perfume. Buying those three products costs more than a month’s worth of groceries for me – and probably at least 1 week’s worth for a family of 4. In this economic time, I still believe in the power of mampering yourself, but $45 lipstick goes beyond pampering.

Related Link: June’s New Beauty Products

I don’t mean to sound like one of those “find your authentic self” people, but that pretty much is what I’m trying to do. I was telling a good friend tonight that I default to “work” mode. It’s great for my employer, but not great for me. If I’m going to throw myself into hours and hours of work, I need to do more work on myself. If what I decide is my passion (for now) relates to work, then all the better for them. But I’d like to have a little something to default to after the 6-6 shift ends.

So, here’s a question for you: What do you default to? TV? Video games? Reading? Let me know in the comments!