The other side of 30.....

So, a few months back I had a sudden moment of reflection on being in my thirties....more specifically, on the downhill slope to 40. Really????? I am only 36 and I feel about a day shy of 30; old enough to know better, not old enough to have many regrets, and just the right age to really, really live life and enjoy it! I don't know why it hit me, but it felt like a good time to embark on a challenge to incorporate a spirit of health, adventure, relationship, and generosity. Alas, my 40 by 40 idea was born!

Let's get a few things out on the table. I'm not doing this for any of the following reasons: to re-capture my youth, to lose a ton of weight, to gain wealth or fame, or to be a hero. I am doing this to say that I did it. I am doing this to create opportunities in my regular "work hard to play hard" life to find more balance, to do crazy fun things and share the experience with others, and to inspire (mostly myself) a sense of grace, purpose, and determination to live a full life.

Here are some things about me (some describe and some define). Redeemed. Type A- all.day.long. First born, sister, daughter in-law. OCD ish about clutter, cleaning, organization, and routine (mostly because it simplifies my crazy, busy life). Happy with my life. Driven by relationships, integrity, humor, compassion, and a good night's sleep. I need the beach every 4-5 months at minimum, love to cook and bake the most delicious food you'll eat, and can't stand liars. I have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), hate running but love the runners high and the feel of chlorinated water on my 2000th yard of a great swim workout. You'll rarely see me eat fish because I'd rather eat a piece of cheese or the spiciest Thai food I can find, followed by a great glass of semi-sweet Riesling. My husband and I went to high school together, but didn't date until after our ten year reunion.  Both of our Boxers are rescues but my heart will always belong to my beloved cat child, Oliver (RIP 2011).  I work hard, I play hard, and I will always be a clinical social worker at heart.

Now that you have some context, let's get to my 40 by 40 brainchild. I'm not going to put the full plan up just yet, but I will tease you with a few tidbits. I turn 40 on May 8, 2016 and I will have exactly 40 months until my 40th birthday on January 8, 2013.  And so, the journey will begin there in just a little bit more than a week!  There are many opportunities for a multitude of milestones involving the number 40 between now and then...time, people, money, adventures....just to name a few. Stay tuned for what my 40 by 40 Journey is all about- you're not going to want to miss a beat and you may just end up a part of the journey!









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