Times Flies & Simple Goals for 2020

***

When I think of how many years I’ve walked these streets in Annapolis and then actually count them, I can get a little uncomfortable with the passing of time. I moved to the Annapolis area when I was 13. Now, I’m in my fifties. Time flies. We all grow older, I understand that. Seeing lines on my face or under my eyes grow deeper reminds me of time slipping away. And, as I’ve had some health issues this year, I’m more aware than ever that time is fleeting. One kid in college. Another going off to college in 2020. The years begin to meld and you count your lucky stars that you’ve done what you can with the time you’ve been given. There’s more I’d like to accomplish and do with family, friends, teaching and writing. I’d like to travel more. Read more. Play more. Give back more. Love more. Drink wine more. Let loose at concerts more. Sing in my car more.

.

Simple stuff we sometimes take for granted.

.

And so, these are some of my goals for 2020. To forget about aging and the lines on my face and the grey hairs and the kids being grown and needing me less and less.

.

Time to just live. Stroll the streets. Take photos. Window shop. Sip coffee at cafes. Be present. Belt out those songs. Taste delicious food. Read more. Travel more. Spend time with people I love more. Maybe even write another book.

.

Today reminded me to try to take it slow even when time moves fast.

***

Stephanie Verni is Professor of Communication at Stevenson University. She has authored five works of fiction and one academic text on Event Planning. Her character-driven books are typically set in Maryland to showcase the beauty of her state.