I’m thrilled to say that I have finally reached a stage in my life where I’m able to make good on all the promises I made to myself years ago. Of course it doesn’t happen all at once. For instance, I currently don’t have the funds or vacation time to take a month long trip to New Zealand to fulfill a lifelong dream of visiting the Shire. That item remains on my bucket list. However, I was recently reminded of goals that I set for myself long before I came to Indiana by a little golden book. My mom gave me Everything I Need to Know I Learned From a Little Golden Book by Diane Muldrow as a high school graduation present. It was fitting at the time as I was moving out to begin life as a slightly more self sufficient college student.

This book has become my all time favorite self help book for a number of reasons. It’s beautifully illustrated pages describe the life that I have always wanted to live. There are a few things that I already have a good start on like treating myself and staying clear of shady characters. I have recently made music a part of my life by joining the Valparaiso University/Community Concert Band. Someday I’d also love to be better at keeping in touch with old friends and making new ones. I want to exercise everyday, go dancing, learn to cook and sing even when I can’t hold a tune. 

It seems like this little golden book was made just for me. Without meaning to, I’ve used it as a template for many of the decisions that I made in the last four years. I always enjoyed the illustrations associated with each life goal but never gave much thought to them until I moved to Valparaiso and began work in the steel industry. One of my favorite pages is the “Work hard” page which I only recognized as an illustration of a basic oxygen furnace after accepting my current job at a steel mill! My goals all seem to be wrapped up neatly in one little book.