I turn forty on the 24th of July. I’m making a big deal out of it, but not because the number scares me. Every decade of my adult life has brought personal growth; I’m not at all the person I was at twenty, and I’m excited to see where forty takes me.
When I was a teenager, I had a silly New Year’s tradition of spreading out all of my favorite things on my bed before midnight. I don’t remember everything I chose (although I think I have photographic evidence somewhere) but I know that I often included my journal, my flute, my favorite books, and tokens from friends. Looking back, it was my rudimentary way of reflecting on the past year and setting priorities for the next, a habit I’ve refined since!
It seems fitting that a big birthday should be celebrated similarly, by reflecting on what was most precious and joyful in the last decade and setting priorities for the next. So I’m celebrating my birthday month by saturating it with all the things I love best:
- Time with family and friends
- Writing
- Reading
- Travel/ new experiences
- Baking
- Exercise
Watch this space for a”Leanne’s Favorite Things” series during the month of July!
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