Life Well-Lived, Vol. 1

My good friend and fellow blogger, Kelsey, has recently been posting in a series called "Life Well Lived" every Wednesday.  I have been inspired by this, and have decided to start doing the same thing.

She describes it in this way:

For me, thinking about the things that I’ve experienced and being joyful for those moments, means more than reaching into a future that I can’t control.

Well said, Kelsey!  So, without further ado...here is my first Life Well Lived list:

1. I have graduated from college.

Sure, a lot of people have done this...but I was the first person in my family to get a college degree.  I'm very proud of this fact, and I hope to some day continue that list of firsts by being the first to get a Master's degree.  Now deciding on one...that's the tricky part.

2. I have held a newborn.

One of the most amazing things I've done in my life recently was hold my "niece" (she's my cousin's daughter, so she's not reeeeeeeeally my niece...but I'm Aunt Mandy to her, so we'll accept it) a few minutes after she was born.  A brand new, tiny, squirmy little life...just trying to keep her eyes open and figure out what the heck is going on.  My uterus fluttered a little bit when I was holding her in those first few minutes of her life.  Incredible feeling.

3. I have trashed a wedding dress...and was on The Today Show doing so.

When my wedding photographer, Lynn Michelle, was contacted about doing a Trash the Dress segment for the Today show, she called me and some friends up, and we jumped at the chance to do something FUN with our wedding gowns we knew we'd never wear again.  The segment also featured clips from MY VERY OWN wedding video!  Very, very cool.

4. I have bought a completely impractical dress...just because it was beautiful.

When I lost a lot of weight last year, I wanted to reward myself.  I paid more for this dress than I have ever spent on a non-formal (wedding, prom, bridesmaid, etc) dress.  I have worn it ONCE.  And I don't even care. I love it and I can't wait to have a chance to wear it again.  Kelsey was with me when I bought it!

Now, it's your turn!  Post 3-5 things that you think makes your life well lived, and shoot Kelsey an email and let her know!