Ren Reads (and More) | My Jordan Year

Author Lauren Beck offers thoughts and recommendations on books and a whole lot more. Find her column on The Alabama Take.

On September 4th, I turned 23. I entered what some people like to call my “Jordan” year. This is referring to Michael Jordan and the number 23 that he sported. I am not sure who came up with the names of certain years, but it is pretty cool to me. This past year was my Taylor Swift year because she has a song called “22” that talks about being 22 years old and living it up.

What does 23 have in store for me? That is what I have been asking myself the past month or so as my birthday has crept up on me. It has been hard to set some expectations or goals for the next year due to all that has happened this past year. If you had told the newly 22-year-old Lauren that she would still be here to celebrate the big 23, she would have not believed you. Seeing that I have cheated death and overcome illness in this past year, it is now time to look to the future.

So back to my question– What does 23 have in store for me? Since I can’t see into the future, I can only ponder what I hope this year holds. I challenge you to do this each trip you take around the sun as well! Setting goals, expectations, and bucket lists for the year ahead should not be reserved for New Year’s only. What better time to take a new path towards a “better” or more importantly, happier “you” than your next year on this earth?

So, let’s dive into what I want the next 365 (give or take) days to be about for me. Maybe you can make your own list. Maybe, this one will inspire you. Or maybe, you are just curious about me and my life which is totally flattering.

Lauren’s Jordan Year: A Rough Draft

➔ Grow my hair & obtain an awesome hairstyle.

◆ My hair has always been a big part of me and losing it was quite devastating. In this next year, I want to dedicate more time to growing out my hair and developing a hairstyle that makes me more confident and feel more like myself.

◆ This can be a goal for anyone, not just people who have lost their hair like I have! Getting a fresh cut, color, or new style altogether can make your confidence go through the roof and give you that reset you've been looking for to make you feel like “you” again! After all, it is just hair and I promise you, it will grow back.

➔ Try new things.

◆ Since I have been given a second chance at life, I want to live it to the fullest. In the past, I have been more reserved and less likely to try new things or take chances. In the upcoming year, I want to change that. I want to be more spontaneous and do things I would not normally do. I want to get up one day, decide I want to travel somewhere, and just do it. I want to eat food that I never liked before my transplant and try foods I have never been brave enough to try before.

◆ Again, you do not have to have gone through what I have to set this goal for yourself. Life is so fragile and precious and you only get one try. DO WHAT YOU WANT! Try everything!

➔ Cherish the little things.

◆ I have learned that this is one of the most important parts of life. You never know when the certain little things you do/experience could be your last. Like seeing a rainbow after a storm. Or looking out your bedroom window to see deer grazing in your yard. Or laughing with your best friend in the wee hours of the morning until tears are in your eyes. Or cuddling with your dog (or cat for all my kitty owners). Or having your family all at home, in one place, at the same time to eat a home cooked dinner.

◆ Whatever the little things you do encompass, cherish them. They sometimes turn out to be a bit bigger than you think. As you can see, I expect many good things for year 23. Do not let that fool you, however. I know that I am not in total control and that bad things can happen. I think the biggest lesson I have learned recently and my biggest advice for you is that bad things are allowed to happen. They are a part of life. You cannot control the bad things that happen to you. What you can control is how to react to them. You can choose to surrender to them, or you can choose to make that bucket list and try and live your life to the fullest on your next trip around the sun.

I intend to make my “Jordan” year live up to the name– legendary.