In some 50+ some days, I turn 50. This isn’t a number I fear, it just is a number and while I’m not totally jumping for joy over it, I don’t actually have issue with it. I celebrate my birthdays – for someone who didn’t think she’d turn 30 (long story), I’m glad and proud I’ve made it so far! Not jumping for joy because, well, there is so much life to live yet! The question is – can I get it all done?

Going back ten years, some 50 days before my 40th birthday, I decided to do a countdown. “40×40” – my forty things to do before my fortieth birthday. They ranged from ‘riding on a motorcycle’ to ‘cleaning my closet’. I became an organ donor, dyed my hair, and celebrated my birthday camping (after buying a brand-spanking new RV) in Jasper, Alberta with my boys. I posted about most of it on my personal Facebook page, some of it on the blog I had at the time, and it was lovely. It inspired many to do similar (albeit shorter) countdowns of their own, and left people wondering what I’d do for my 50th. But no pressure!

I had a list started though, but life, as it often does, takes its own path. Things haven’t gone according to plan, but I have had many opportunities and the list is ticking along. My goal is 50 things by the end of my 50th year. If I’ve learned anything in my many rotations around the sun, it is to be kind to yourself. While we always live like we are running a race, we aren’t. I also decided, however, to do something different this time too.

But more on that soon! Very soon… Like Four days soon! I can’t wait to get started and start sharing all the things I’ve done so far when it comes to my #50×50 list!

Much love, my chickens!

Image of the campsite (with our old dog, Max) from July 2014