#503: What Am I Going To Be?

I confess…
I’ve spent a lifetime pondering the question.

“What am I going to be when I grow up?”

In elementary school…
I was sure I was going to be an animal photographer and take pictures of all the dogs at dog shows.

In middle school…

I became a good golfer, and was certain I was going to be a pro.

In high school…

My grandmother wanted me to be a lawyer. So I did, too.

In college…

I was going to be a U.S. Senator.

As a young adult building my career…

I was going to be an awesome success as an entrepreneur.

In my 40’s…

I was going to be an inspiring author, speaker and motivating difference-maker. And if Oprah knew who I was…well…that would be cool, too.

But it wasn’t until my 50’s…

I discovered what I wanted to be MOST of all when I GROW up.

I just want to be kind.

Kind…to people I know and those I don’t.
Kind…to animals, the earth and even tired worms crossing sidewalks.

Sometimes I think I’m getting good at it…and some days I fail miserably. But no matter the day, where I am or what I’m doing, there’s always an opportunity to practice.

So…yeah…THAT is what I want to be when I grow up.

Kind.

I guess with age I’ve learned to aim higher and dream bigger…
because it’s the greatest aspiration I’ve ever dared dream.