Tag: life

2030, Adulthood, Adventure, The Future, Unpredictability

Who Will I Be In 5 Years?

Carmen Watts

The year 2030 sounds like an eternity away; even the number itself looks futuristic to me. That year will mark the beginning of a new decade while also being the ten-year anniversary of the historic event of the COVID-19 pandemic. There will be a decrease in 2000s parties and a rise in 2010s parties, filled with Gen Alphas wearing clothes I wore in middle and high school. Yes, 2030 may sound far away, but the reality is it’s only 1…2…3… 4…5 years away. Instead of being 21 years old, I will be 26, and instead of college assignments being due, I will have college loans due. 

2030

At 26, my frontal lobe is going to be fully developed, so the excuse of being young and dumb won’t fly anymore, and I will have to start using retinal creams to prevent wrinkles. If these things sound a little scary, I am sorry to break it to you, but welcome to adulthood. Despite all of these slightly not-so-exciting factors, I’m actually super excited about the age of 26. More specifically me at the age of 26. 

Embracing The Unknown

The years between 21 and 26 will be life-changing for me because I have big plans. In that short time frame, I will transition from the bubble of college into the real world. But that is it; well, that is all that I can tell you. If I want to be honest, I can’t tell you where I am precisely going to be in five years. I mean, I can guess, but I have a better chance of telling you what gender my first child is going to be. For the record, I won’t know any time soon. Yet I am still excited and fully prepared for the unknown, the change, and the unpredictability. I don’t want my 20s to follow a script—I want it to be an adventure. To do things I haven’t done and see things I never thought I would. I am not saying I don’t have a plan; I am just not limiting myself to one.

One Girl, Many Versions

Carmen Watts, age 26, moved to San Francisco and works in Public relations, living in a cute light blue house. Carmen Watts, age 26, moved to NYC, working in a corporate communications role and renting an apartment in Chelsea. Carmen Watts, age 26, living in Houston, engaged, working in Public relations, and has a house with two dogs. All these versions of myself can be me in 2030, and I will be grateful for any of those scenarios or other ones I can’t even imagine. As long as I stay true to myself and my goals, whatever timeline I fall in will be great. So yes, I am excited to live my next mysterious plot. 

Blog

Romanticizing Your Life

Carmen Watts

“It’s rainy and cloudy outside today, which is such a bummer. I can’t even go for a walk, and I have so much homework to do. Ugh, it feels like today is going to be the worst day ever!” Did that make you feel gloomy? It definitely did for me. But how about we switch that mindset? Yes, it’s a rainy day, but that makes it a perfect opportunity to watch movies like *Twilight* to match the weather. If you look closer, the clouds are diffusing the light and making the leaves on the trees look greener. I have homework to tackle today, but with the rain falling outside, it’s the ideal setting to light a candle, play some Lofi music, and get my work done. It almost makes me feel like a Hogwarts student! Today can actually turn into a nice, cozy day. Much better, right? 

This is an example of switching your mindset to a romanticized life. Ever since I picked up this advice from one of my favorite podcasters, Tam Kaur, Romanticize your life; life has felt so much sweeter.

Why Should I?

Your outlook on life greatly influences how you experience it. Approaching the natural events that occur in our lives with a positive perspective allows us to appreciate the small things, making it feel like we are treating ourselves daily. Spoiler alert: we are treating ourselves daily, and by romanticizing this self-care, our days can feel less stressful and more enjoyable. 

Now How?

Okay, good. Now that we understand why I romanticize my life, let’s discuss how I do it. Imagine you are always in a movie where the main character is you. Would you be interested in watching that movie? Back in high school, I wasn’t interested in the movie I was starring in. Every day felt like it was on repeat, except for the times I went out or went on vacation, which were only a small part of my year at that time. This feeling continued into college, where I spent the year feeling dull until summer break or a party came along. However, normal days can be incredibly beautiful. 

For instance, waking up and making coffee before class while listening to your favorite soft music and scrolling through Pinterest. Take a moment to notice how beautiful the sky looks or how comfortable your pajamas feel. Before studying, put on a nice outfit and spritz a lovely fragrance. Romanticizing your life is all about setting the scene in your own grand movie. Noticing all the elements, characters, smells, tastes, and emotions that are intertwined at this moment. 

Romanticizing not only makes you happier, but it can also elevate you to your higher self. By living with intention and visualizing your life positively, you can create your dream life. So go out today and appreciate the beauty in both simple and complex moments. You only live in this movie once, so live as if you are trying to win an Oscar!