COMING CLEAN: Birthday Wishes

Today is my 31st birthday, and we are just returning from Colorado today, so I’ll keep this brief.

Historically, I’ve treated birthdays like Mondays or New Year’s: a clean slate and platform to refine my goals. Since I’m officially rooted in my 30s now, and not “dipping a toe in” as my friend deemed our 30th birthdays, I’m thinking about my plan for this next decade. Children? A new home? More vacations? Run a 5K? Get certified in yoga, RKC, Olympic weightlifting? Sure!

I’ve always loved to plan (maybe it’s the Virgo in me), but as I’ve been feeling better and getting healthier, I find my goals are broadening. I envision myself doing more than before with this newfound energy.

For my personal goals this next year, these are top of mind:

• Continue eating healthy, whole foods that nourish my body.
• Plan my week on Sundays, scheduling workouts 4 to 5 times per week and limiting stressors when possible.
• Get outside every day, even if only for 10 to 15 minutes.
• Eat at home more often and pack lunches for work.
• Schedule self-care time for baths, facials, massages and meditation.
• Find a yoga class that works with my schedule and attend weekly.
• Explore! Take more day trips or 3-day adventures with Kyle.
• Compete in an organized athletic event. Last year’s Alpha Showdown really encouraged me to focus on improving strength.
• Stay on track with my weight-loss plan and reach out for support when I need it.
• Have fun!

Of course, the list gets longer or revised over time — sometimes I think in terms of monthly goals, or weekly or daily goals, and build from there. It makes me think of Joe Robinson’s “To-Live List” from Don’t Miss Your Life, in which he asks you to consider:

• Are there any places in your neighborhood/city/state/overseas that you’ve always wanted to visit?
• What activities have you always wanted to try? Mountain biking? Olympic lifting? Jewelry making? Piano playing?
• What activities did you love to do as a child?
• Think about the people in your life. Is there anyone whose nonprofessional habits and hobbies make you say, “Hey, that looks fun!” What are they doing that interests you?

The book includes several pages listing recreational activities, so if you’re stumped, you can skim the possibilities until one jumps out at you. How about archery? Or knitting? Pottery? Maybe you want to learn to play the accordion. Or try belly dancing. Be open to something new.

Sooooo, what’s on your list?