I have the best friends...everyone has been SO supportive of this "Forty for 40" idea, which makes it that much more fun for me (not to mention, holds me more accountable to accomplish everything, knowing others are watching!)
While the significance of many of the 40 things on my list are self-explanatory (lose 40 lbs, faster run times, etc.) some may seem a little strange to anyone but me (which, of course, is part of the point--this is a challenge for myself, a list of things of personal significance). Still, in case you're curious, I thought I'd explain a few of them (this will also help me remember when I say, "What was I thinking?" later on...)
Go with my mom to the cemetery on Memorial Day
Every year, my mom goes to the cemeteries in her home town to put flowers on the gravestones of our long-passed family. Some--my grandparents--I remember, but many others I never knew, though I've heard stories over the years so their names are familiar. I want to share in this special tradition, so I can carry it on for my mom when the time comes (hopefully MANY years in the future).
Knit a pair of socks as a gift for someone special
Even though I knit all the time, I rarely make things for other people. In thinking about it, I realize I get too attached to my work--I don't want to let it go. I read somewhere that handmade socks are the ultimate gift of love---you work painstakingly on something that will, inevitably, wear out over time. Making a pair of socks for someone I love (will YOU be the lucky recipient?) and being able to let go has some symbolic appeal for me.
You can see there are a few other items in the "letting go" category (decluttering my home, giving away something of sentimental value, giving up TV for 40 days). I want to start my 40s unburdened of emotional and physical baggage.
Have portrait photographs taken of me
This one, ironically, will be one of the hardest ones for me to do. I hate having my picture taken because I always see my flaws--so the challenge is to see myself as I am without being overly critical. If I can pull that one off, this entire exercise will have been a success!
Curious about any of the other things on my list? Let me know and I'll do my best to explain. Thanks again to everyone who's shared an encouraging word, or passed along a book or music. It means more to me than you can imagine.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Monday, December 28, 2009
Play Along!
If you're reading this and are, for whatever reason, interested in getting involved in my Forty for 40 challenge in some way, here are some suggestions:
1) Suggest a song/artist for me to add to my "Ff40" soundtrack. If it's not '80s or U2, chances are it's NOT in my iPod right now.
2) Make a donation of either $15 or $40 to the Ronald McDonald House of Portland (it's their 15th birthday in 2010). You can go to rmhportland.org to make a donation, or mail it to 250 Brackett Street, Portland, ME 04102. Please note "JenDimond" in the Code section online or on the memo line on your check--I have a goal of personally raising $1000 for RMH this year so this will help me keep track!
3) If you live near me and you own any of the books on my reading list, I'd love to borrow it from you. If it's a favorite of yours, let me know why you love it.
4) Post a comment here to let me know what you think of this challenge...whether you want to cheer me on or tell me I'm nuts!
5) Perform a random act of kindness, or tell someone how important they are to you. It makes a difference--for them and for you.
1) Suggest a song/artist for me to add to my "Ff40" soundtrack. If it's not '80s or U2, chances are it's NOT in my iPod right now.
2) Make a donation of either $15 or $40 to the Ronald McDonald House of Portland (it's their 15th birthday in 2010). You can go to rmhportland.org to make a donation, or mail it to 250 Brackett Street, Portland, ME 04102. Please note "JenDimond" in the Code section online or on the memo line on your check--I have a goal of personally raising $1000 for RMH this year so this will help me keep track!
3) If you live near me and you own any of the books on my reading list, I'd love to borrow it from you. If it's a favorite of yours, let me know why you love it.
4) Post a comment here to let me know what you think of this challenge...whether you want to cheer me on or tell me I'm nuts!
5) Perform a random act of kindness, or tell someone how important they are to you. It makes a difference--for them and for you.
Ready or not...
I have finally completed my "Forty for 40" list (thank you to my friends who provided input and ideas to help me round out the list, and who convinced me to be realistic about a couple of items, like walking 40 miles every single week in 2010!)
I have to admit, now that the official start is so close (less than 4 days!) I'm a little nervous. Have I taken on more than I can handle? Can I keep my enthusiasm after the first few days or weeks? Will I really be able to do everything on the list?
At the same time, I'm excited. What if I DO manage to do everything on my list? How amazing is that going to feel?
Thank you so much to everyone who has weighed in so far--I appreciate your support! Once I have officially started Forty for 40 on Friday, I will be posting more frequently on this blog to keep you updated.
Happy new year, all!
I have to admit, now that the official start is so close (less than 4 days!) I'm a little nervous. Have I taken on more than I can handle? Can I keep my enthusiasm after the first few days or weeks? Will I really be able to do everything on the list?
At the same time, I'm excited. What if I DO manage to do everything on my list? How amazing is that going to feel?
Thank you so much to everyone who has weighed in so far--I appreciate your support! Once I have officially started Forty for 40 on Friday, I will be posting more frequently on this blog to keep you updated.
Happy new year, all!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)