I Need Your Help!

My birthday is next week. And since I don't plan to live until I'm 110 I'm pretty sure I've lived more than half my time on this earth. That isn't uncomfortable news. I don't necessarily want to live to 100. But I do, often, grow concerned that I'm not living my days as fully as I could.

It has been a lifelong issue for me. I remember turning 13 and feeling that life was just getting away from me. Because, you know, that's an issue for most 13-year olds.

Anyway, in response to my lifelong quest to live life as fully as possible I've come across an idea. But I need help.

The idea is this. I'm calling upon all my friend and family to help me come up with 55 ways that I might stretch my boundaries and grow in the coming year.This notion comes from an article I read about a woman who, on her 31st birthday saw a Baskin-Robbins ice cream shop and decided to ask her friends and family for 31 ways that she could sample the flavors of life.

I fell in love with the idea.

The reason for asking others to help with the project rather than come up with my own 55 ideas is that I might only choose things I'm good at or comfortable with. By asking others for their ideas I can compile a list of things I might not think of. Plus 55 things is a lot! Most importantly, I am attracted to the idea that by accomplishing the goals others set for me, I am taking on a little piece of who they are and understanding what is important to them.

To get your creative juices flowing here are a few examples from the inspirational article:

• Write down all your blessings.
• Perform at an open mic night.
• Participate in Walk for the Cure.
• Go to a city meeting on a political issue.
• Write a children's story.
• Take a helicopter ride.
• Learn German and visit Germany.
• Start one day at 4 am on purpose.
• Use only one hand for an entire day.

So here is what I'm asking. Please join me in compiling my list of 55 flavors by offering your ideas for goals I can work toward in the coming year. The ideas can be simple or complex, expensive or cheap, silly or profound. Be creative! After I get the list together I will post it on my blog and write about my progress and experiences. 

I will consider any and all suggestions but keep in mind, you can't suggest I take a pole dancing class. I've already done that. And you can't suggest I start a PhD program. I've already done that. And you can't suggest I turn my hair pink. I've already done that.  And you can't suggest I wear the cutest flowered combat boots on the planet. Steve already gave me those for my birthday.

Aren't these the best boots in the world??

But you can suggest a myriad of other things. And if you offer a suggestion we can do together...all the better!

I'll take suggestions in whatever way you want to offer them. If you have my phone number, text or call  me with your idea. If you are my Facebook friend or Twitter follower, post it there. If you have my email, send it that way. Or leave your idea in the comments of this blog. (If you leave a comment, please make sure to tell me who you are.)

Thanks for joining me on this fun little journey of growth and experience.  I am so excited to see what happens!

Ready....go!