Since 2020 is the start to a new decade and most of us were about 10 when the last began, it’s likely that this new year has us all feeling a little nostalgic and wistful. I’ve enjoyed comparing photos from when I was 10 to photos of myself now, listening to music that came out in the prime of my childhood and recounting memories from the last 10 years. But mostly, I can’t help but wonder what this next decade will bring me and where I’ll be by the end of it — besides 30 years old. So, in an attempt to be the least bit cliché as possible, I’m writing about my hopes for the next decade.
In 2030, I hope…
- I’m secure in a career that fulfills my aspirations. When people ask me today what I want to do after college, a variety of answers come to mind. I don’t have a set 10 year plan. I just hope that when I’m 30, I can confidently say that I’m satisfied with where I landed.
- I’m surrounded by people who love me. As much as I do hope to be married by 2030, I know that that isn’t the only possible happy ending for this decade. Whether or not I’m not living my romantic happily ever after, I hope that I have a solid support group of friends and family (just as I do now) to cheer me on.
- My friends and family are happy and healthy. As my biggest support groups, I want nothing but pure sunshine and rainbows for these people. Really though, if the ones closest to me are happy in 10 years, then I can’t ask for much more from the universe.
- The world is a more empathetic place. We, as a human race, are an absolute mess right now and there is not enough urgency to unite and solve our issues. In a world divided by race, gender, politics, class and hate, of course I wish for change in these next 10 years. It’s not too late to accept empathy as the answer to our toughest problems.
- One Direction reunites. Hey, I never said these were all going to be sappy. I love them now, five years post breakup, and I have no doubt that 30-year-old Haley would buy tickets to their reunion tour. Please, boys, do it for the fans.
Now that I’ve put all of that into the universe, I guess all I can do is sit back, buckle up and live. 10 years goes by quicker than expected, but I’m ready to see how it all plays out. Let’s do this.