60 before 60…and the drawing winners!
With my birthday last Sunday, I am now officially in the final year of my 50s. It’s really kind of hard for me to fathom…I have been on this earth for 59 years. How is that possible? Like all of you, I have had exhilarating moments, moments of pure joy, devastating moments, moments of unbelievable boredom, and everything in between. So far, it has been a very good life. Nearly five years ago, I shared these Top 10 Fabulous 50s Facts. They still hold true.
60 before 60
I want to make sure I make the most of this year, so I’ve decided to create a 60 before 60 challenge, built around my four values.
Health and fitness
Walk 60 miles on roads or trails I haven’t traveled yet. In other words, when I walk my usual routes or go on hikes I’ve done before, they don’t count toward the 60. I want to add 60 miles to my usual distance, see new scenery, and push myself out of my comfort zone.
Joy
Declutter 60 things. These things can be physical items, emotional baggage, electronic junk…anything that is weighing me down or unnecessarily stressing me out.
Learning and growth
Do 60 new things…that is 60 things I haven’t done in adulthood…if I haven’t done something since I was in high school, that counts as new. This might include something as simple as trying a new restaurant or a new menu item at my favorite restaurant, visiting someplace I’ve never been, or trying a new hobby. Who knows? I don’t…that’s for sure.
Relationships
Commit 60 intentional acts of kindness. Hopefully, in the course of a year, I do a whole lot more than 60 kind things, but the idea here is to consciously chose 60 acts of kindness, and in the process, do 60 more kind things that I would have done otherwise.
What a ride
To keep me committed and honest, I’ll be meticulously tracking each of these lists and sharing periodic updates with you. I’d love it if you would join me with your own list. We can encourage and inspire each other to make the most of every day.
Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming ‘Wow! What a Ride!
Hunter S. Thompson
Blogiversary drawing winners
Now before I go, it’s time to announce the five winners of my blogiversary drawing. Thank you to everyone who played along. And the winners are…drumroll please…
Your turn
- When is your birthday? Will you join me in a challenge based on your age?
- What was the last new thing you tried? Did you enjoy it?
- What else is on your mind? Anything at all.
Image by Simon Steinberger from Pixabay
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Hi Christie – I’m turning 59 in a couple of weeks and I thought about the 60 before 60 idea but didn’t have the impetus to come up with 60 new things! So I am very impressed with what you’re planning to do and will be following along with you as you tick them off. My main goal is to finally get a handle on being true to myself – letting go of all the extranious stuff and not being influenced by what I think the opinions of others might be. I still lack that innate self assurance – and I am hell bent on sorting it out in the next 12 months – I’m on the way there but still have a bit further to go.
AND I’m a winner!! What will my prize be?? I’m very excited as I rarely win anything – thank you xxx
Congratulations Leanne! Watch for an email from me with the details of your prize. I’m happy to add to your rare prize winnings! ? Here we are sneaking up on 60 together. I thought about crafting a list of 60 things I wanted to accomplish, but then I decided the idea was to open myself up to new things, so it made more sense to be spontaneous…with a little structure or motivation to seek out 60 new things. Your plan for the year is a worthy one. Being true to yourself is not a simple task, but, as you said, one you are on your way to achieving. Happy early birthday!
I’m a winner! I’m so excited. Thank You! Thank You! I do enjoy reading all your tidbits. Happy Birthday & Happy Blogiversary! I’m intrigued to read your 60 before 60 to get ideas.
You are a winner, Karen! Thanks for playing along. I’m glad you’ve enjoyed my blog and I hope the 60 before 60 won’t disappoint.
Yay, I won!? How exciting! I will join you in a 57 by 57 challenge. My birthday is in February so I will try to do 57 kind actions in the next 4 months. (Although most will be small, I’ll make a consciences effort.)
I love that Cindy. Just think if everyone did a few more kind acts each month how big a difference that would make. And congratulations on being a winner in the drawing. You’ll be getting your prize soon. Enjoy!
Sounds like an awesome challenge, Christie! The last new thing I tried was a drink at Starbucks that my granddaughter recommended and…well, let’s just say it didn’t agree with my stomach and it didn’t agree in a hurry! Congrats to the winners!
Oh man, Dee! I guess every new thing doesn’t pan out, does it? You tried. Congratulations on being one of the winners. Your prize will be arriving soon. Enjoy!
Thanks so much for the wonderful prize, Christie. The drink was the double chocolate frappuccino with 2 shots of espresso. It tasted really good though 🙂
Well, I’m glad you liked the drink at least…even if it didn’t like you!
Really like this… but you know i love lists and tracking things. I’ve done the new things one now for a few years…52 year one was easy. 101 year 2 actually wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be. 101 this year has been a challenge. I also track books read – that could add to your new things, mine is a separate list. (let me know if you need ideas, I blogged a couple of times on this!)
Declutter 60 things is interesting… I did a lot of decluttering when I retired, then again when we downsized, and at the beginning of the pandemic as I looked towards the Big Move. I like how you’ve made decluttering both physical and emotional. 60 Acts of Kindness…. very, very intriguing. Of all the Positive Psychology practices, kindness is one I struggle with. Love the 60 new miles one as well.
I turned 60 in August and it was very anti-climatic. For years, I had envisioned a big gathering in our backyard…really celebrating. It was me and Tim and take out. Maybe I’ll look towards 65 for the big celebration.
I do love reading your lists, Pat. You were part of my inspiration for 60 before 60, and I will definitely lean on you for some ideas. This pandemic sure messed with a lot of plans, including big birthday celebrations. We are going to have a lot to make up for when this virus gets under control. I hope you get your big celebration. You deserve it. And one final note–congratulations on being one of the drawing winners. I’ve sent you an email with details. I hope you are having a lovely day!
Wow, great ideas!! Particularly love the decluttering 60 things…and the fact that some of those things can be electronic. Might have to do 63 between 63 and 64. Does that make sense? My birthday is in April and I will be 63 so I don’t think I can accomplish everything between now and then. Maybe if I start now and have the finish line be this time next year?
I like the idea of walking/hiking 60 miles of new trails. But Covid needs to lift or I won’t be able to do that. Maybe I can just say 6(3) miles jogging?
And best of all, 60, or more in my case, acts of kindness!! Cannot wait to see what all you do. I would say the giveaway is a great start toward this goal. Congrats to the winners!!
Thank you Leslie. I like your ideas for a 63 challenge–either between birthdays, if you want some time to think about it, or starting today and just going for a year from now. I’m feeling pretty free to walk around outdoors, but I can understand if you’re not, so definitely get creative with the activities. I’m hoping before too long, we’ll make some progress against COVID. The numbers are still climbing in my state. I’m sad about what that means for the winter holidays and our family traditions. We’ll do what we have to though to keep everyone as safe as possible. Take care of yourself!
Congrats on your list Christie. I love your list of things to do and wish you well!
I am turning 60 in a few months time and decided against 60 things and went with 12 things to do before turning 60. Due to Covid, I’ve not been able to finish them all, as some involved overseas travel, but they will stay on my list.
Thank you for the encouragement Deb. My 60 things will include many small discoveries and activities, so hopefully it’s doable. I’m sure I’ll have to get creative due to COVID restrictions. Considering this past year, I think you deserve an extension on your 12 things–hopefully by 61, huh? Here’s hoping!
I love your ambitious – but doable – goals! Good luck and enjoy the last year of your 50s. Let me assure you, though, being in your 60s is awesome too!
Thanks Janis! Based on all of the amazing women I know in their 60s, I gotta believe you are right.
From one Libra to another, Happy Birthday, Christie!
Like Janis, I can assure you that 60 is awesome too!
Wishing you many great adventures ahead!
Thank you Donna!