Yesterday was my fortieth birthday. Thanks to everyone for the birthday wishes!
I’ve been struggling (a lot!!) with the idea of forty. It’s just a number but there are so many things I wanted to do before forty. I achieved many of them but there are still few big ones. Over the last few days I have found some peace (most of the time). I’ve started to look at it like the B side of an LP. The songs are quieter and deeper, less flashy but more solid and self assured. I’m getting used to the fact that I will never be a young hipster (not that I ever was!) and I’m longing for the sophistication and grace that comes with age. I hope I can find it. These things don’t come easy to me.
A few months ago I read this post from the ever inspiring Abby Powell and it got me thinking about where I want to be in another year from now. This last year has been so big and full, so heart breaking and so wonderful. I’ve thought a lot about what I want to be doing and what is actually achievable. And I have always been fond of lists and structure, so here is my list of forty things to do before I’m forty one.
- take swimming lessons
- make a quilt for my bed
- paint the outside of the house
- take a photography class
- make pickles and preserve tomatoes
- meditate when life gets tricky
- go for a family bike ride
- learn to crochet
- keep a sketch book
- paint a water colour
- dance in front of other people
- be gentle with myself when I make mistakes
- spend quality one on one time with every family member every day
- keep up fitness routine (maybe get a personal trainer?)
- wear clothes that flatter my body right now
- write morning pages every day
- figure out my next career
- improve my French
- eat more veggies
- live within our means
- work on deepening my friendships
- find a mentor
- do yoga every week
- organize my digital photographs and print and frame the good ones
- focus on the positive
- take fewer and better photographs
- get a family photo done
- listen better
- play a little everyday
- update the boys’ photo albums
- set up a printing area in the studio
- recharge with a few unstructured weekends on my own
- make a pair of well fitting pants
- find a flattering bathing suit
- practice being assertive
- avoid those evening snacks!
- take ukulele lessons
- be present in each the moment
- accept things as they are right now
- watch less tv!
I love your list, Amanda! It’s inspired me to write one of my own – right now. Happy fabulous 40th birthday – enjoy the beauty of the B side
happy birthday and enjoy forty. despite a lot of searching and internal angst i’m emerging from my forties as the person i am meant to be, stronger, wiser and more self-reliant.
life does change
What a great list. At 42, I think I don’t worry about my age, but most things on this list… It inspires me to make a list, but the deadline would be hazy.
When you are back in town, I’d love to have a coffee some time, when you have time. Life all goes so quickly. Too quickly.