Amanda Lamb: 29 years
79.3 years, if we’re lucky. That’s the average lifespan of someone in the United States according to the World Bank. 79 birthdays, 79 Christmases, 79 new years. By midlife, the majority of the time that we will spend with our children in our lifetimes has already passed. The majority of the time that we will spend with our parents in our lifetimes has already passed.
I’m keenly aware that my mom didn’t make it to 79.3. Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about how precious time is, and how it’s the one thing that we can’t buy, we can’t get back, and we should never waste.
I’m often reminded of my favorite quote by the poet Mary Oliver: “Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life.”
So, I’ve decided that its time for a new chapter. After 29 years, I will leave WRAL in January. Even though it was my third job in television, I consider WRAL the place where I grew up as a journalist in front of a live audience. I will always appreciate the opportunities, experiences, and lifelong friendships that I made here. North Carolina is also the place where my life happened outside television, a place I now consider home. I got married, had children, wrote books, experienced tragedy, and joy, and I did it all in the public eye. I will never forget the support you gave me over the years especially when I had a sick child and when my mother was dying. Your kindness and compassion meant more to me than you will ever know.
I have spent more than half my life here. And it’s this number, 29, that is motivating me to figure out what’s next, because there is another chapter for me. At this point, I don’t have a specific answer. I will continue teaching, writing, speaking, and podcasting. I also plan to continue writing this blog. It’s at once thrilling and daunting to make a big life-change. But it’s only through change that we really grow. It’s time for me to get out of the boat and swim. I am filled with energy, curiosity, and enthusiasm for what comes next.
All we really know is that we have this day, this moment to find fulfillment, to make a difference in the world, to share our gifts, and our love with others. There’s no time to waste.
Stay tuned…
Amanda is a mom of two and an author of several books including some on motherhood. She is also a WRAL reporter and successful podcaster. She began writing Go Ask Mom columns in January 2010 and took a short break in late 2021. Now, you can find her posts monthly on Go Ask Mom.
