So, this post is a few weeks late in coming. My hope was that I would have a plan for this next upcoming birthday well before my birthday a few weeks ago, but -- not so much. Since I had so much fun trying 50 new things before I turned 50 a year ago, I asked for ideas for the next birthday, and my friend Nancy Zugschwert suggested that since the next birthday is 52, I could do 52 things -- one a week -- before next year. I liked the idea of something weekly because it seems manageable, and I certainly could use a considerable amount of self-improvement.
So here's the plan: I'm going to do one thing a week to become a better person. It's not going to be particularly systematic, but I am going to be intentional about doing at least one thing a week in the coming year to be more like the person that God intends for me to be when I turn 52 next July.
I gave myself a few categories to get started and drafted some ideas of things to do:
I'm trying not to rely too heavily on new things or stuff that scare me, because I lean that way regardless. This year should include more intentional steps, possibly even using that dreaded word, discipline. I'm not expecting dramatic changes (don't be looking for my house to become spotless!), but even if I take weekly baby steps, it may be a pretty decent way to spend the upcoming year.
I'll try to share what I'm learning along the way, but probably not every single item. So far, here are a sample of the first few attempts:
Week 1 - Live radio interview on KTIS - After my BO$$ boss, Tanya Grosz, suggested I would be the best person to be interviewed to promote our new online MBA, I was in a bit of a panic. God graciously provided a lunch the day before my interview with my friend, Wendi Marshall, who was the PR director at UNW, so she could give me great advice and tips on how to prepare. I would NOT have survived it without her.
Week 2 - Out on the Ledge - During last month's trip to IL, Ellen, Sadie and I went to the 130th floor of the Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower) and stepped out on the Ledge. What a exciting and unnerving experience for someone with a fear of heights.
So here's the plan: I'm going to do one thing a week to become a better person. It's not going to be particularly systematic, but I am going to be intentional about doing at least one thing a week in the coming year to be more like the person that God intends for me to be when I turn 52 next July.
I gave myself a few categories to get started and drafted some ideas of things to do:
- Spiritual - memorize some favorite verses; start a prayer journal
- Take risks - take an art class; something that scares you
- Mental or physical health - work out every day for a week; eat vegetarian for a week
- Love better - write an encouraging note every day for a week; be intentional about making significant time for family
I'm trying not to rely too heavily on new things or stuff that scare me, because I lean that way regardless. This year should include more intentional steps, possibly even using that dreaded word, discipline. I'm not expecting dramatic changes (don't be looking for my house to become spotless!), but even if I take weekly baby steps, it may be a pretty decent way to spend the upcoming year.
I'll try to share what I'm learning along the way, but probably not every single item. So far, here are a sample of the first few attempts:
Week 1 - Live radio interview on KTIS - After my BO$$ boss, Tanya Grosz, suggested I would be the best person to be interviewed to promote our new online MBA, I was in a bit of a panic. God graciously provided a lunch the day before my interview with my friend, Wendi Marshall, who was the PR director at UNW, so she could give me great advice and tips on how to prepare. I would NOT have survived it without her.
Week 2 - Out on the Ledge - During last month's trip to IL, Ellen, Sadie and I went to the 130th floor of the Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower) and stepped out on the Ledge. What a exciting and unnerving experience for someone with a fear of heights.
Week 5 - Mom Camp rethink - We had our annual Mom Camp again this year, which was met with some resistance. It's had a good run over the years as a makeshift replacement for VBS, when our church didn't offer one, but this year gave me a good opportunity to rethink what I wanted to speak into my kids' lives and what elements were really important. We had a temporary breakdown mid-week, but we pushed through it. We ended the week at the Sea Life Aquarium, which also included a long discussion about the book of Esther, our theme for the week.
So, that's the plan for this year. Feel free to give suggestions for me, or share your thoughts about improvements you might want to make this year. Thanks for your support!