This summer, I turned 39. I had a bit of a panic attack. I realize that 39 isn’t 40, but I am inching very close. The dreaded 40. I remember my mother’s 40th birthday party – the house was decorated in black streamers and balloons. Back then, I thought 40-year olds were really, really old. And here I am, less than 12 months from this landmark event in my life.
I decided I should face my 40th head-on. Rather than complain about my age, gray hairs, and wrinkles, I would embrace my age. So, I started a list: 40 Before 40. My list is full of bucket-list items. Things that I have put off, that I am afraid of, that will keep me present with my family, and that, most importantly, will enrich my life.
Are you facing a big birthday or a landmark event? Are you anxious about it? Why not make your own bucket list and get going on living life?!?
Here are the basic categories on my list:
Activities
Making memories is extremely important to me. So, I added lots of activities to my 40 before 40. No sitting around wondering what to do for me! This year I am looking forward to snowshoeing, having tea at the Brown Palace, and attending a concert at Red Rocks (can you believe I have NEVER been?). We’ll also be cutting our own Christmas tree!
Learn a new skill
It’s important to me to always be learning. And there are some things I have wanted to do, but just didn’t know how. I can now say that I have mastered cheese-making and I am looking forward to learning to play chess. Maybe for you, it’s grasping a new language or learning how to knit. I imagine we can all think of something we’d like to be able to do.
Be adventurous
I think I’m already a rather adventurous person, but I know I should get out of my comfort zone a little more. So, I added trying 10 new foods to my list. So far, I have had pig trotters (feet!) and duck confit. I love a thrill, so I included going to Bishop Castle and climbing to the top. I also committed to going to the movies – by myself. This might not seem like a big deal to some of you, but to me, it’s terrifying. I may also have a new tattoo to show off!
Make time for others
I love our community, so I added 40 hours of volunteering – with my kids. Not only will I be giving back, but I will be teaching the importance of helping others (more memories). My husband and I talk about donating blood, but we don’t often follow through. It’s on my list. So is completing 40 Random Acts of Kindness and mailing a handwritten letter each month.
Make time for me
It’s so easy to get caught up in life that we forget to take care of ourselves. I love to read but have found that I don’t make time for it anymore. I’m excited to report that I refocused my energy and have read 6 books in 6 weeks. I also want to go into 40 in great shape, so I added running a 10k and being able to complete 40 push ups to my list.
As I started writing down ideas I realized that this might get really expensive, so I tried to focus on things that were free, or low cost. I also enlisted the help of my friends. I shared my list and was surprised at how many people said “Ohhhh, I’ll do that with you” or “let me know when you’re doing that!” So now, I don’t have to hike the incline alone and I can enjoy a girls’ night out when I check going to a musical off my list.
My 40 before 40 is daunting. I am not sure I will complete every item. But I do know that now, more than ever, I am excited to turn 40 and marvel at all I have accomplished!
