Caution: Divorced Woman with a Bucket List

I visited a tattoo salon the other day. It was filled with college kids, men with tattooed "sleeves", young women with nose rings; oh, and a few middle-aged moms.

It's Time

The thing is, it makes sense now. All of those women doing crazy things when they hit a certain age. Especially, the divorced ones. It used to seem there was something wrong with them. They were unstable.

Perhaps they are a bit unstable. Aren't we all? And, maybe, that's what this is all about. Who knows? But, what is certain is that at some point it just seems the right thing to do. It's time to do all of those things you always wanted to, but never thought you actually would. All of the things husbands, parents, kids, or whomever may have talked you out of.

There is something incredibly freeing about doing something that you know others might not support. It's a bit like a teenager who finally turns 18 and believes he or she all of the independence in the world. They 'experiment' with things you always hoped they wouldn't, but knew they eventually would. They get their nose pierced, drink liquors, or get a tattoo.

That is what it feels like to be a middle-aged, divorced woman. A bit anyway. Like being a kid whose parents aren't watching so closely anymore. Of course, there is always someone watching―kids, a boss, friends―but there's definitely a lot more freedom and independence. It's not always a comfortable feeling, but it can be thrilling. Take advantage of it. It's time to start dreaming again.

Live Life

You might get a tattoo. You might swim with sharks or jump out of an airplane. Or, you might decide to move to a beach somewhere. Whatever it is, it's about more than just being in a 'phase' or having a midlife crisis. It's about living life to the fullest. Trying things just so you know what they are like. It's a way of being able to say, "Oh yeah, I get it. I've done that."

It's a way of relating to other people.

It's time to look back on your life and realize all that you have already done. Trips you took as a kid to the Grand Canyon and Niagara Falls. Visits to museums and Halls of Fame. Lessons on the piano, snow skiing or to learn how to bake. You've done things. Most likely, lots of things. But, what's left? What more do you want to do?

Life is about experiences. It's easy to sit back as a middle-aged, divorcee and feel "oh, woe is me". It's a lot more exciting to start taking advantage of all life has to offer at a time when there's little holding you back.

Make the List and Get Going

So, start making the list and, more importantly, start checking off the items on it. There really is no limit to what you might choose to do. Here are a few suggestions:

1. African Safari
2. Mission or Disaster Relief Trip
3. Play Paintball
4. Write a Book
5. Swim with Sharks
6. Be an Extra in a Movie or TV Show
7. Fall in Love Again
8. Go Skydiving
9. Get a Tattoo
10. Climb a Mountain
11. Visit Europe
12. Learn to Play Guitar
13. Drive Across Country
14. Go Scuba Diving
15. Sail the Caribbean
16. Walk Along the Great Wall of China
17. Fly to Paris for the Weekend
18. Spend a Weekend in Las Vegas
19. Spend a Day in Bed
20. Get a Puppy

There's really no end to the possibilities. It's all a matter of deciding what you want to do. Cross an item off, and add another. Edit the list as you go. If you're lucky, you might even find someone to share in the adventures with you.