This past December I crested a new decade, turning 50 years old. While some may see this as the beginning of the decline, I am excited about it. There are a few milestone birthdays you look forward to throughout your life such as becoming a teenager at 13, driving at 16, and of course enjoying alcohol, legally, at 21. Turning 30 was exciting whereas 40 was sandwiched in between two major birthdays acting a placeholder to this one.
Viewing 50 as exciting, I wanted to try something new this year. My birthday falls at the end of the year so it’s easy to tie into a resolution. However, adding a resolution lends me to think I’m resolving something, which is not the case. So, I thought I would create actions I intend to do instead. If I stumble, no worries, I’ll start over and continue to move towards a positive outcome. This is not about success or failure but rather the attempt to challenge myself to small goals that drive a growth-oriented mindset.
In this year of 50, I plan to write a weekly blog for each year. This being my first and the fact I don’t recall 1969 very well, I decided to lay the foundation for the next 49 posts. Just as I am carving a new path, I would be remiss if I didn’t point out a monumental historical event from 1969. That was the year man stepped foot on the moon. This feat was the culmination of years of hard work where the people involved didn’t let the small pitfalls hinder their drive towards this incredible accomplishment. They set their sights on this new frontier and drove towards it with reckless abandon. I feel very lucky that I was born in the same year as this wonderful success.
This year, I’m also curtailing my alcohol intake to once a week, Sunday, as part of my writing process. Originally, I had planned to quit drinking altogether but the reality of it is, I enjoy it. I’ve never been a heavy drinker and the intent here is just to add to my healthy lifestyle and improve my overall well-being. I’ve also set a goal to race two Ironman 70.3’s this year, 27 days apart. This will include Augusta in September and the newly announced Memphis event in October. Lastly, I am incorporating a daily meditation routine using Calm. I started this particular routine in late November and have thoroughly enjoyed the peace it brings in quieting my mind.
These are lofty intentions and as I mentioned, if I falter, I’ll just pick up and continue with no harm no foul. I want this to be my healthiest year, mind, body, and spirit. I am setting the groundwork for years to come so that my quality of life is always driving positive momentum forward. I hope you enjoy what’s to come as I chronicle my year of 50!
1 of 50 - 1969