What do I want my life to look like?

My therapist asked me this question last night.  I didn't have an answer for her in the moment but I think that was more because I hadn't yet put into words my vision and less about not having a vision.

I want to continue in my career.  I'm passionate about what I do and want to continue to expand my skills. But I recognize that given our current climate, that might not be possible, at least in the ways I want it to be.  And I'm okay with that.  I've pivoted through major career changes before and continued to grow each time and I can do it again, if that is what it comes to.

I want to grow as a person, lean into authenticity, find more ways to give back, continue to strengthen my communication skills, and better connect with people around me.  I'm taking steps in that journey through my relationships through my church, classes like Improv, and working with a therapist to get my mind in the right space to support this growth.

I want a balanced social life.  I'm an introvert that needs time alone but who also gains so much from connections with others.  Choir and church are part of that.  It would be nice to on a fairly regular basis, add something else to that.  Right now, that something else is an Improv class.  There may be other classes, activities, or groups I try in the months and years to come in that same vein.  I'm also really working towards building friendships with people I am meeting through work, church, etc.

I want to continue to connect with nature, to get out and hike more, visit more gardens, bird watch, etc.  This feeds my spiritual needs in a way that goes beyond what my church does.  It also is my creative inspiration for my photography and writing, both of which I want to prioritize.

I want to travel.  I want to see new places.  I have some trips planned with family coming up but I also want to head out on my own.  I think solo travel teaches you so much.  I would love to work up the nerve to land in a city like Paris or Madrid and explore a city like that completely on my own.

I want to continue to save in hopes that I might still be able to retire at the age of 60.  I may have to tweak this goal a little bit over the years because I don't want this to be at the expense of living now but I would really like to still feel young and able to do a lot when I enter retirement.

And finally, I want to be happy with myself and living alone such that I only add a partner to my life if I meet someone who truly adds something really positive.