If I Had To Do It All Again

I turn 30 next month - eek! But, now that I've spent 30 years on the planet, it's time to reflect back on what I've done, where I've been, and what the next 30 (and hopefully more!) years have in store.

I've done a lot in my life - more than most. I've finished college, served in the military, started law school, married my soulmate, lived and travelled in Europe, and have great friends. But, I can't help but wonder if I had to do it ALL over again, what would I do different?

Community theater has become an important part of my life in the last few years. From starring in a silly show in Germany to starting a theater in Iraq, to facing the ridiculously competitive community theater market in the Boston area, I've enjoyed every second of it. It makes me wonder that if I had it to do ALL over again, maybe theater is something I would have pursued professionally. Now, before you roll your eyes, it's true that I don't have the chops to be a professional actor starting now, but what if I'd pursued it earlier, as a child? What if I'd taken up singing instead of instruments, acting lessons instead of Science Olympiad? I'm fortunate that community theater gives me enough moments in the spotlight to never feel the impending sense of regret when people realize they've gone completely down the wrong path in life, but I wonder where I'd be if I'd given it a shot.

Or, what if I'd gone Air Force instead of Army? What if I got my second duty station choice (Fort Carson, Colorado) instead of my first? What if I hadn't gotten into at least one of the six law schools in Boston? What if I never followed up on that blind date that turned into the perfect marriage? What if I'd stayed Pre-Med in college? What if I hadn't auditioned for my first show? What if I had enlisted instead of going the officer route?

Believe me, I'm happy with my life, but if I could have the same people in my life, same friends, same husband, would I go back and do anything different? Hmmm....I don't know. I like to tell people older than me that "it's never too late" to do this or that. Maybe instead of looking back, I should keep looking forward!