28 Before 29

At some point in my early 20’s, I probably imagined I’d have it all figured out by the time I reached the end of them.

And as it gets down to the wire on crossing into another decade, I’m pretty sure that’s not going to happen. But I’m also pretty sure I don’t want it to.

I love this age of freedom, of figuring out adulthood, life, love, making and fixing mistakes, of learning about myself. And I want to keep learning…about everything…for so many years to come.

But if there’s one thing I learned over the past year, it’s that I want to live a life of radical giving. Of saying yes…to giving of myself, of my resources, of my talents, of my joy, beyond what I think I am capable of. I hold on to things, to feelings, to safety, out of fear. Fear of losing, fear of failing, fear of being seen and being vulnerable. I want to see what it feels like to pour it all out into the world with no strings attached…and find out what is left, and what comes back.

This year’s list of things to do is about creating joy, both for myself and for others…because I can only give away what I have to give in the first place. And it starts with giving myself room to create, to breathe, to imagine…so that I can give gifts of love and hope and happiness to others.

28 Things to Do Before Turning 29

1. Paint a piece of art. And hang it up. And paint another, and give it to a friend.
2. Pick a cause and volunteer.
3. Bring two personal projects to life – one has to do with home, and the other has to do with body image + holi powder.
4. Get back to Europe.
5. See Taylor Swift in concert. Share a ticket with a friend.
6. Use up two packs of Instax film.
7. Take a trip to the Pacific Northwest.
8. Go on a weekend hike and camp for one night.
9. Make a hair donation to Beautiful Lengths or Locks of Love. 12.5 inches donated to Beautiful Lengths!
10. Plan a trip for/with friends.
11. Take one bike ride per week during spring, summer, and fall.
12. Do yoga once a week.
13. Book a destination wedding.
14. Read 14 books.
15. Give a dollar and a smile to a stranger. To a lady in a wheelchair outside the post office.
16. Buy a modern house.
17. Get pots and make new succulent gardens. So many pots and so many succulents!
18. Restore an Eames lounge chair.
19. Paint (at least) one wall in our house.
20. Renovate the bathroom.
21. Try to get rid of 100 things.
22. Donate to a friend’s project.
23. Take on a commercial or editorial project.
24. Take 10 days (not necessarily consecutive) away from phones/computers/social media.
25. Spend an evening looking at the stars. Share it with Ben.
26. Make a book of personal photos from a trip. Make a copy for a grandparent.
27. Send a postcard to an out of state friend once a month.
28. Start each day with gratitude (with help from the Five Minute Journal).

Want to see last year’s list of 27 before 28? 11 of 27 completed!