50 Things For My 50th!

It is a landmark birthday! It’s a big deal! It’s a new phase!

A few months ago, my girlfriend gave me the delightful idea to set myself 50 goals to accomplish for my 50th birthday. They aren’t complicated, in fact some are quite simple; after all, it’s the simple things in life that give us the most pleasure. Its not a bucket list either but rather aspirations of light pleasures and victories!

Not being a particularly materialistic person or actually needing anything specific at my age, the purpose is to complete new things, conquer more gratitude, reconnect with friends and family, neighbours, colleagues and classmates, and really value opportunities and be mindful about the selections.

Turning 50 is sometimes referred to as over the hill and if that is the case then I’m over the hill and picking up speed! It is truly a time to continue to find a place of freedom and pure serenity and embrace the task I set for myself.

This list, of course, has to include a few parties around the actual big day but in fact, many items will be individual experiences for me to complete on my own. Some will be both challenging as well as educational, and of course, most will be fun and memorable.

And we’re off….

Today the celebrations begin as I gather with some dear friends, bridesmaids, grade 3 classmates and neighbourhood mommas! While creating this list I realize what a fascinating life it has been so far. I’ve experienced so much. I’ve overcome adversity and learned how to truly exist. I’ve also accomplished many things both professionally and personally and I realize how much I want to continue doing so. I love my devoted and committed friends and as an only child in particular, I am tremendously sad to not have my parents around at this stage in life. I know my motivation comes from deep inside my soul and I have them to thank for this. It is one of my life’s priorities to encourage and teach my own three bundles of joy some of these greatest developments of character and to always practice living life to the fullest!

The List (half anyways):

• Increase my resistance training in the gym with weights
• Take a family trip to Costa Rica
• Take my son on a canoe trip
• Sign up for a painting class
• Head out of town to visit with my very dear 80-year-old mentor I haven’t seen in years
• Meet with my favourite mediation guru on the Danforth
• Get a small tattoo (maybe?)
• Celebrate and organize a work reunion with colleagues from 25 years ago
• Pay for a stranger’s coffee anonymously
• Buy a piece of clothing from a thrift shop that isn’t my style and wear it
• Try an alternative therapy such as hot rock massage or reflexology
• Write 10 letters of appreciation to different people
• Volunteer for a community role
• Try a food I have never had before
• Visit the house I grew up in and try to get a tour inside
• Go on a hot air balloon
• Hike in the Grand Canyon
• By a new gadget for the kitchen to encourage me to attempt a new recipe
• Take a ride on the double decker tour bus in my own city
• Sleep in an ice hotel (brrrrrr I’m always cold)
• Give a compliment everyday to the closest people in my life
• Pick a week and wake up at 5 am for no reason but to appreciate the morning
• Finally purge my closet (house) and donate it all
• Attend a spiritual retreat
• Sign up for an online course

The end result will involve friends, family and strangers for however many months it takes and will bring new positive and joyful memories to last a lifetime. I will enjoy doing these 50 things for my 50th alone or in awesome company, continuing to be the best that I can be and living the most vibrant, fascinating life that I can!

Thank you, Nancy, for such a great idea! It’s going to be a blast.