This morning while I was still in bed and not yet fully awake, I had a thought that made me think, “Hm, well…maybe when I’m in my 30s.”

I can’t remember what the thought was, but I do remember my shock at momentarily forgetting I’m 35. Maybe I thought I was in my 20s for a second – I’m not really sure.

Seconds later, I was awake for good. I stayed in bed for a few more minutes and thought back to 25, then thought back to 15. And I don’t know how exactly it happened, but somehow the last 20 years passed in the blink of an eye.

I realized that 20 more would do the same. And by then I’d be 55.

While it’s not possible to slow time down, there must be things to make it seem like it’s passing more slowly. Right?

There’s no guarantee that we’ll be around in the morning, next week, next more or even next year. But I hope I’m around till 55, then 75, and maybe even 95, depending on how the aging process goes.

I can’t imagine the things I’ll see. The change in the world, the change in my life. The change I may see with jobs, with friends, with family. The changes I may experience in myself, in my views, in my beliefs, in how I’ll vote. The changes in how I spend my spare time, in how I spend my money, in how I view love, life and the pursuit of happiness.

At 15, I couldn’t have imagined what 35 would bring. And at 35, I can’t imagine what 55 will, either. But to think of the possibilities is nothing short of exciting.

Tonight I am thankful for this morning’s brain fog which sent me back in time a bit, and also helped me look forward. I’m thankful for its reminder to take every day one at a time, to cherish the ups and the downs and to never be surprised at what’s just around the corner. The last 20 years have been an adventure, and I look to the next 20 with anticipation.