My Top 20 Goals from 7th Grade (Humble Pt. 1)

I found my Top 20 Goals from 7th grade and let me tell you….after I read it, I had mixed feelings of humble and despair. The list’s WHOLE name was “The Top 20 Goals I want to Meet In My Lifetime”. To be honest, of those 20 goals, over 75% of them could have easily been accomplished within the next 5 years of my life. Apparently I had a hard time seeing a bigger picture for myself back then. That’s a little depressing.

The list is humbling to me because of how much I have been able to accomplish. But also humbling because of the lessons these goals taught me as I reflected on them below.

Goal 1: Become a famous singer

This was among my biggest dreams/goals. All I wanted in life was to be known and acknowledged for talent. I craved it and I was obsessed with it. At the time though I didn’t realize that I was only wanting the OUTCOME of the dream. Not the climb to get there. I never really had a roadmap how to make it happen, it was only ever a dream. I’m thankful now that I didn’t have the roadmap I needed. Because living in the spotlight wouldn’t have been for me. Singing professionally wouldn’t have filled my cup. Now, singing is a fun hobby I like to share, and I’m ok with that!

Goal 2: Or become a famous actress, because I love drama

This was SO false. I didn’t like acting! Really, I only like the thought of acting because of HOW I PERCEIVED ACTORS on stage. I ADMIRED actors for their art and dedication to memorizing and delivering their lines. Also…my sister was in school plays, which influenced this answer very much so. I’m shaking my head so much right now. I literally didn’t even know what I wanted.

3: Find my perfect man…hehehe

Yes that’s how I had it written on the paper…just like that *palm to forehead*. To be honest I’m surprised this wasn’t my #1 goal. I was BOY CRAZY all though school. I cringed so much reading so many notebooks with friends before finding this document. Each notebook was littered with sob story after broken heart story. “What should I do about this boy, what should I do?” IF I COULD HAVE ONLY PUT THAT ENERGY INTO SCHOOL…sigh. I’m happy to report though I’ve found my perfect man. So that my friends was a win. 13 years together this February and 6 of them married. I’m honored to be married to my best friend and partner for life.

Goal 4: Get my high school diploma

I think this was a great goal but I have to wonder that if there was a doubt I would get it (which is maybe why I wrote it down?) But, hey I did it! And I graduated with honors…who would have thought?! Definitely not me…

Goal 5: Go to college in Stevens Point

Again, my sister was going to Stevens Point and since she was paving the way, I just went with it. Did I really want to go there? Probably not. Because I didn’t! I went to UWGB and UW Marinette instead. I wonder how different life would have been if I followed this through. (But I don’t regret it 😉)

6: Get a college diploma

I did manage to get a college diploma! My Associates Degree. Which actually helped me to get a position or two in my history of jobs. Nailed it!

Goal 7: After college go on a trip to Ireland and New Zealand with Hannah

Hannah was my best friend from elementary to middle school. We did everything together. And after reading a lot of notes between us, she put up a lot with me (boys…). I have some of the best memories with her sleeping over at her parent’s house, they are a wonderful family. We grew a part over the years though especially in high school when our priorities changed (at least that’s what it sounded like from the letters). I hope she’s doing well and is happy. But we never went to Ireland, and I really wish we would have and the trip is still one of my goals. Sending love to you Hannah!

Goal 8: Play guitar

So I definitely started learning guitar but OMG my fingers hurt so bad. I am also incredibly impatient with not being good at things. So I never sat down and took the time to finish learning because all I wanted to do was play and sing (foreshadowing about my “Famous Singer” epiphany). PLUS for whatever reason, it is God-Awful hard for me to strum in beat while singing. I’m happy to report that I have since learned how to play the Ukulele but definitely only enough to play chords and sing. Which is fine for me, that still brings me joy since dropping the “all or nothing” mindset!

9: Bungee jump

I specifically remember writing this. In reality I wanted to put sky dive but I thought it was too scary so instead I put Bungee jump because it would be realistic. Although I did NOT go bungee jumping, I actually DID go sky diving for my 30th birthday (and it was the most incredible thing I’ve ever experienced!) You can read/watch my whole journey from my blog here.

Goal 10: Go to as many concerts as I can

This unfortunately hasn’t happened in the way that I imagined. Although I’ve been to quite a few concerts, I haven’t been to as many as I thought I would. Once concerts are a thing again (COVID) I think I will try harder to incorporate this goal more. Nothing beats live music.

Goal 11: Meet Ryan Cabrera

12: Meet Ashlee Simpson

Yeahhh I’m ok that I didn’t get to meet her.

Goal 13: Be a Storm Chaser or once chase a tornado

I had an unhealthy obsession with tornadoes. And to this day I still have VERY vivid dreams of tornadoes as well. I’m not sure why I wanted to chase them, maybe to prove I wasn’t afraid? They were fascinating, and yet I would go and sleep with my parents every time there was a thunder storm (just in case there was a tornado!). If I had the chance I would totally go on a tornado chase now. I’m adding it to my next list of goals. Anyone want to join me?

Goal 14: Write Left-handed

I have no idea why this was a goal but shortly after I wrote this list, I did force myself to develop my left-handed writing. It could pass for a 10 year old’s writing I think.

15: Write my own song/lyrics/melody

I have multiple songs I’ve written over the years. But it wasn’t until Music Theory in high school and college that I wrote my own song/melody for a class project. Was it good? Not really, but could be used for a church hymn!

Goal 16: Pass my drivers test the first time

You know, I had to take my temps (written exam) test a 2nd time, but somehow I did manage to pass my drivers test the first time! My parents were just as shocked as I was. And I still wasn’t able to drive to Green Bay until I was a senior….it’s fine. I’m ok.

Goal 17: Go see my pen pal in Texas

Amy Winters I met when we were out in Colorado on our first family trip. I wrote to her all the way through high school. I eventually added her on Facebook but then deleted my old account and I was never able to find her again after I started my new one. I’m really sad! With this list I found a bunch of old letters from her. I think I’m going to write a letter to the address I still have. Hopefully her parents still live there and will give it to her. But I never went and visited her. But I definitely would now if I could get back in touch with her.

18: Eat More! hehehe

I was really skinny in middle school (high dosage of Adderall) and I looked almost sickly (I found a few pictures today with this list). I’m happy to say I am no longer ashamed of my appetite and I EAT. And I’m in love with my body and how strong I am.

Goal 19: Clean my room COMPLETELY!

What the hell kind of goal is this?? My poor parents. At one point they told me “If you want to live in a pig pen then at least close your door so we can’t see it!” I still have a few old tendencies but I’m no where near what I used to be. Besides a few clean clothes in a nice pile on the floor needing to be hung up, my room is clean!!

Goal 20: Get through my years in high school

I did this. It was rough, I wanted nothing to do with school. My focus was everywhere else and I never fully enjoyed the ride. I was always waiting for the next best thing. I have good memories and not so good memories but I wouldn’t be the person I am today without them.

“Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards.”

–Soren Kierkegaard

You may not understand life and why it’s happening as you’re in the middle of it. As humans it’s hard for us to take a look back and celebrate all of the things we’ve done to get to where we are. It’s also incredible to see how much you can grow. My next Top 20 Goals That I want to Meet in My Lifetime is LEAPS AND BOUNDS more extraordinary and much less humble because I feel like I’m here on this earth to do something.

And maybe in another 20 years I can look back at that list and understand and see how it all unfolded. I don’t know about you, but I’m excited.

What’s your top 20 goals that you want to meet in your lifetime? It’s not too late to make that list.

Live from the heart, ❤Jen