I Made A Deal With The Devil 51

Okay, okay, settle down! I know what you're thinking: "Deal with the Devil?! Seriously?" But before you start picturing me signing contracts in blood (ew, gross!), let me explain. This isn't about selling my soul for fame and fortune (although, hey, a girl can dream, right?). No, this "deal" is far more… strategic. And infinitely more fun.

You see, I turned 51 recently. Yep, I said it. Fifty-one! And let's be honest, sometimes hitting these milestones can feel a little… daunting. You start thinking about wrinkles, and creaky joints, and the ever-growing to-do list of things you *should* have accomplished by now. Sound familiar?

But then I had a thought. What if, instead of focusing on the "should haves," I focused on the "could haves"? What if I treated my 51st year as an opportunity to shake things up, to embrace the things I've always wanted to do but never quite got around to? That's when the "deal with the devil" – or, more accurately, with my own procrastination – was struck!

The devil, in this case, is that little voice inside your head that whispers things like: "You're too old for that," or "You don't have time," or the classic "You're not good enough." We all have that voice, right? (Don't lie!) And it's a real party pooper.

So, How Did I Make This Deal?

Simple. I decided to ignore it! (Most of the time, anyway. It's persistent, that little devil.) I identified those things that truly sparked my interest, the things that made my heart sing, even if they seemed a little… well, out there.

First up: learning to play the ukulele! I know, I know, slightly cliché for a mid-life crisis, but trust me, it's surprisingly therapeutic. Plus, I can now serenade my cat with off-key renditions of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow." She's not impressed, but I am!

Next, I decided to finally tackle that novel I've been dreaming of writing since, well, forever. It's terrible so far (seriously, *terrible*), but the important thing is, I'm doing it! I’m putting words on the page, even if they're mostly about a talking squirrel who solves mysteries. (Hey, who knows? Maybe it'll be the next big thing!)

And finally, I'm taking a pottery class. My hands are perpetually covered in clay, my creations look more like abstract art than functional dishes, and I've already broken three throwing wheels (oops!), but I'm having a blast! The point is, I'm creating, I'm learning, and I'm challenging myself.

Why You Should Make Your Own Deal

Look, I'm not saying you have to learn the ukulele, write a novel, or become a pottery master. (Although, those are all excellent choices, just sayin'.) What I *am* saying is that life is too short to let fear and self-doubt hold you back. It is never too late to pursue that hobby you've always dreamed of, to learn a new skill, or to simply try something new.

Think about it: What's one thing you've always wanted to do but haven't? Maybe it's learning a new language, taking a dance class, traveling to a far-off land, or finally starting that business you've been brainstorming. Whatever it is, I dare you to commit to it. Make a deal with yourself to embrace the unknown and step outside your comfort zone.

It's not always easy. There will be moments of frustration, doubt, and the occasional (or frequent) feeling of utter incompetence. But trust me, the rewards are worth it. The feeling of accomplishment, the joy of learning, and the sheer fun of pushing yourself beyond your limits are priceless.

And who knows? Maybe you'll even discover a hidden talent or a newfound passion. Maybe you'll meet some amazing people along the way. Or maybe, just maybe, you'll prove that little devil voice wrong and realize that you're capable of so much more than you ever thought possible.

So, what are you waiting for? Go make your own deal with the devil! You might just surprise yourself.

Feeling inspired? Awesome! The first step is identifying what truly excites you. Make a list of all the things you've ever wanted to try, no matter how silly or unrealistic they may seem. Then, pick one and start small. Join a class, watch a tutorial, or simply set aside some time each week to dedicate to your new passion. The world is your oyster - go explore it!