Next year, I will be approaching the big 25! This may be a milestone year for many, but for me, it is even more significant. My brother and one of my best friends, passed away at the age of 24. I never actually realized how short his life was until I turned 24 myself. After my 24^th birthday, I thought of all of the things I have done and still have yet to do. I have so much more life to live and it saddens me that my brother didn’t get that chance. So in honor of him and for myself, I am making a to-do list.

Often times, we set goals for ourselves that no one knows about. We may not want to share because of fear that people may see our dreams as crazy or unrealistic, but seeing as we serve a very extraordinary God, we are entitled to our very extraordinary hopes. However, when we don’t share our visions, sometimes we forget about them and fail to go after them because there is no one to hold us accountable for them.

With that being said, I made a list of 5 things I want to do before I turn 25. Realistic or not, these are things that I want to do and since I’m sharing them with you, I expect to be held accountable for them and maybe I’ll even get some help with completing a some of my tasks. I encourage you to make a list too; No matter how old you are or how silly your dreams may seem. Share it and go for everything your heart desires. Life is too short not to live.

My 5 Before 25

1. Apply for and get accepted into graduate school.

This goal seems so simple, but I have been dragging my feet on this one for a number of reasons; the biggest one being finances. However, I can’t pray and expect God to provide for something that I haven’t even taken the first step on. So, I’ll go for it and if it’s in his will, it will happen.

2. Audition for the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders.

Anyone who really knows me knows that I love the Dallas Cowboys. (Don’t judge me or my team!) I’ve always wanted to be a DCC and if you’ve ever seen their tv show, you know how hard their auditions are. I want to try out anyway. Success or failure, at least I can say I did it!

3. Record an EP with my own songs.

A lot of people don’t know I sing and I write music. Well, now you know! I have a million songs in my head and I would like to record them and share them.

4. Audition for The Voice or American Idol.

Now, I said I sing, but I never said I was a Mariah or Whitney. However, I am a firm believer that if you don’t use it, you lose it. So, I always thought it would be cool to audition for one of these shows and who knows? I just might make it on tv and get to share my gift with the world. If not, I won’t get discouraged. What God has for me is for me.

5. Become debt free and splurge on a big vacation.

This last goal may not seem unrealistic to some people, but for those of us who literally struggle just to make it every day, a real vacation, seems very unrealistic. So, I’m making it my goal to have all of my bills paid and have enough money saved up so I can go somewhere beautiful where I can enjoy myself and sing “Don’t worry. Be happy!”

There you go! Of course I have many more goals in mind, but these are some I decided to share. Don’t forget to share yours and comment below!

-Jamie Rachelle