Making sense of it all

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.