...And we're off!

Four days into the new year and so far, this crazy challenge of mine is a success. I will admit I'm surprised (pleasantly so) at the number of notes of encouragement from people from all different parts of my life...and touched that more than one person has told me I've inspired them to think about their own lists.

I'm happy to say I've already checked one thing off my list--I made my list of 40 things I like about myself. It was more challenging than I expected--and I like me, for the most part, just as I am. Try it for yourself...you'll see that, after you get to about number 28, you need to dig deep (I did, anyway). Maybe I'll post my list here before the year is out...I will definitely revisit it during 2010 and, hopefully, add to it. If I get really brave, perhaps I'll start a second list, of 40 things I'd like to change. I'd like to think that list would be more difficult to write.

I've also started reading the first book on my reading list: Corelli's Mandolin by Louis de Bernieres (and no, I didn't see the movie). It's not a book I would likely have read were it not for this challenge, but I'm really enjoying it. Beautifully written and, now that I've gotten into the flow of the book, I'm really engaged by the characters. It's also making me want to visit Greece (something to add to my list for another year, perhaps).

I committed my first random act of kindness today...not for the sake of adding it to the list, but because I had an opportunity to make someone else happy, which in turn made me happy. What could be better than that?

Thank you again to everyone for being so supportive...and thank you to everyone who has suggested a song for my Forty for 40 playlist. I have enjoyed this diverse list of songs and artists, and thinking about each of you as I listen to the song you suggested. Here's the list so far (not counting the CDs given and/or offered, which I also love!):

"Such Great Heights"-The Postal Service
"Diablo Roja"-Rodrigo y Gabrliela
"Superwoman"-Alicia Keys
"Zanzibar"-Billy Joel
"Hold Me Down"-Gin Blossoms
"Don't Wait Too Long"-Madeleine Peyroux
"I Wish For"-Bai Kamara
"Better Things"-Dar Williams
"My Generation"-The Who
"Meteor Shower"-Owl City
"What Will They Write On Your Stone"-The Brilliant Mistakes
"Somewhere Trouble Don't Go"-The Gibson Brothers
"Underwater"-Midnight Oil
"Alejandro"-Lady GaGa

Keep 'em coming...and thank you!