Not As Easy As It Sounds

I'm working on my Top 34 List for my 34th. The idea is not my own but came from a good friend of mine who created one for her 40th this year. Sounds like fun, I thought. A great idea, right? Should be easy to list a mere 34 things I want to try, accomplish and experience in this next year, no?

The first 10 were easy...the next 6, a little more challenging...the remaining 18, yeah, I got nothin'. Surprising. I'm either a very easy girl to please or terribly unimaginative.

So I'm asking for your help. I would like to create an amazing 34th, full of new experiences, a lot of laughs, and many memorable moments (and who wouldn't?)...and why I can't think of (oh, wait...I just thought of another one! Adding it to the list here...one moment please...) additional things to add, big or small, that could aid in this goal, I'm really not sure.

I've already got the big ones on there related to travel, work goals, writing something of consequence, making some kind of a difference (yadda, yadda) but, if I'm being honest, they're feeling a bit generic and, dare I say, boring...and I would prefer that my 34th year be anything but. True, there are indeed one or two on the list that are the polar opposite of boring...those, however, will not be making the 'published' list.

So tell me, what would be on your list? What have you done, or hope to do, that I may draw some inspiration from? The more creative the better. For instance, hiking Seymour before the sun is up, having breakfast on the peak and watching the sunrise. Cool, no question, but I've already done it. Skydiving? Amazing experience. Check. Done that too. Perform in front of 60,000 people? Yes, I have been lucky enough to do that as well. See what I mean?

In one respect, the act of creating this list has been a unique opportunity in itself to reflect and feel grateful for some very good times. But the question remains, what will I be reflecting on and giving thanks for this time next year?

What do you say? Can you help a girl out? The 'new year' is about to begin.

Sonja

Hello September

September is my favorite time of year. It seems to usher in an entirely new energy along with a tremendous sense of excitement, similar to what I use to feel on the first day back at school (...yes, I was one of those types, actually looking forward to the start of a new school year). It feels, at least to me, like it should be the first official day of the year.

It is a perfect, beautiful fall day here in Vancouver (the best kind) and I personally feel like I am being given a fresh start yet again. And after my last blog post, about saying a big "G" Goodbye to some deserving recipients, even more so. Out with the old and in with the new.

Since that post, I have already experienced a dramatic shift in my life. There are new people coming forward, even a little unexpected romance I am happy to report, and, remarkably, my existing relationships with very close friends are growing even deeper. I've been saying 'yes' to much more...and why not?...and having a lot of fun in doing so.

Yes, there is definitely a new energy at work and, gratefully, a new and positive chapter unfolding even with my dad's health.

So in honor of the month of September, a fresh start, and another birthday on the horizon, I am working on a Top 34 List to accomplish in my 34th year. The list, once compiled, will be my birthday gift and commitment to myself.

Excited? No, you're probably not, but I am! I'll publish my list once I have it completed. And in the meantime, what would be on your list for this year? Drop me a comment if you have one or two that you're open to sharing.

Ciao for now,

Sonja