7 years

Funny, I was just watching an episode of "House of Cards" earlier today and Claire was talking about how she was taking marriage 7 years at a time.  There is also, of course, the infamous 7 year itch, but also lucky number 7.  So, today's topic for the 30 day writing challenge is to discuss how your life will be in 7 years.

My first inclination is actually to talk about what my kids will be doing in seven years, but that doesn't really explain what my life will be like, other than missing my kids who with any luck will be on their own, or mostly so seven years from now.  My youngest should be a sophomore in college by then.

It's amazing how certain aspects of the future seem so clear.  My children will be adults.  I will be seven years older.  I will be making concrete plans to secure my financial future.  I will not yet be ready to succumb to the gray that is already appearing in my hair.  I feel confident I will still be healthy (maybe even healthier), energetic and able to enjoy this stage of life.  I envision more freedom to travel, be with friends and explore my own interests, whatever they may be.

Other things seem so difficult to imagine.  What will our financial situation be like?  Will my husband's business have been wildly successful or a bust or just the right amount to make us comfortable.  What about me?  I've recently started on a direct marketing adventure, something I never imagined myself doing, although I love the product (more on that some other day).  Will I be successful?  Will this company even be in business in seven years?  What will my spouse's health be like.  He constantly jokes that he will be dead long before he retires, but anything is possible.  Am I prepared to enter the next phase of my life on my own?   What will the world be like?  Will there still be Facebook?   Much of the future is outside of our control.  That is part of what makes living so exciting; waiting to see what happens next!