Perhaps it’s all those years of school but September has always felt like a new beginning to me, almost as much as January. As the temperature cools and the quality of light changes, I am inspired to shake off the languid attitude of summer and re-evaluate my life and goals. The fact that my birthday comes at the end of August no doubt plays a role in all this as well. I just turned 48 last Friday and so I’m also facing the winding down of another decade. I can almost see 50’s head peeking over the hill which is yet another reason for introspection. How do I feel about where I am and what I’ve accomplished? More to the point, am I satisfied with who I am becoming as a person?
A bit over two years ago I heard about the 101 in 1001 Project. I was intrigued by the idea of making a list of 101 things I’d like to do in 1001 days. I posted my list here. And then have pretty much ignored it. 😉 Despite the lack of effort on my part, I have actually completed several items on the list. Let’s see, so far I have:
- attended a Nine Inch Nails concert (three, in fact)
- attended a Flaming Lips concert (two of them)
- got a wench costume (not made but purchased)
- hosted a Halloween party
- finished reading the Bible
- started a young adults ministry
- cleaned out the laundry room closet (well, David did it for me)
- got 4 out of the 5 massages
- ordered “The Secret” DVD and watched it with David
- bought a couple of beeswax candles (picked them up yesterday, in fact!)
- finished reading the Twilight series
- bought a new pedometer
- made an appointment with the eye doctor (and now have glasses to show for it)
- attended a cooking class at International Pantry
- printed and read “Wishcraft”
- tried sushi
- bought a new houseplant
- had dinner at Galatoire’s in New Orleans
- bought myself flowers for no reason
Hey, that’s not too shabby considering the lack of effort I’ve put into this. And I still have 250 days left. I’ve decided to pick three of the remaining items on my list and make them happen this month. I looked over my list and chose something frivolous and easy, something that required more time and effort, and something that was part of a larger goal. Here’s what I came up with:
- try a martini
- select 5 new recipes from my huge collection and make them
- go someplace and work on my novel for one hour
Here’s where you, my readers, come in. I want you to hold me accountable. Remind me that I’ve set these goals and at the end of the month, ask me if I’ve accomplished them. And if you have blogged about personal goals and/or are participating in the 101 in 1001 project and would like me to do the same for you, just let me know.
I started a bucket list awhile ago and never finished it, I need to and then start marking things off! We only have one life, should make the most of it.
Deanna, I'm like you in that certain times of the year feel like it's a new beginning and I use the time to set personal goals and to reflect on where I've been and where I'm going.
You've certainly accomplished a lot on your 101 considering you weren't actively trying. I'm going to head over to your list to see what you have coming up down the road. I find that many things a bit intimidating but will consider it for a future project. It might be something good to make me step out of my comfort zone.
BTW, don't be afraid of 50 as I hit it last year and it feel's great!
Lisa: You should work on your list. Check out the site I linked. It makes it easy.
Cherie: Thanks for the encouragement regarding turning 50. I'm really not all that concerned about growing older but I AM concerned about frittering away my life with little to show for it.