Giving to Self - Once in a Lifetime [or at least once in a lifetime]

[Shawna]

So February 2nd is my 40-something birthday. My friend Heidi suggested giving myself the gift of doing something I have not done before. I am looking for ideas on ways to give to self that this community believes everyone deserves to do at least once by 40 or 50. Since I am thinking this is a pretty cool idea, I am aiming to collect at least 45 suggestions I intend to accomplish before my next birthday. I would truly welcome your recommendations, thoughts, stories...whatever.

Peace,
Shawna

[Dawn]

i lived in Albuquerque NM for several years back in the 90s. they have the International Balloon Festival there in October, where hundreds (maybe thousands, i'm not sure) of people bring their balloons and fly them. it is an amazing sight to look up in the sky and see the brightly colored crafts drift by. i wanted to ride on one but didn't have the money. i set the goal that i would go on a balloon ride for my 40th birthday, though it didn't look promising at the time. 7 years later, i was turning 40 and living in Texas and remembered my goal. i looked online and found a company that would take you up in a balloon (they also offer glider rides and tandem skydiving). there are companies all over the US that do this, just do a google search. we could not go up on my birthday in November because of weather conditions but the following June i, my teenage son and my husband went up in a hot air balloon and it was even more awesome than i expected! it was so peaceful floating up in the air and so cool to see the world from that perspective. i highly recommend it to you. i am wishing you a Happy Birthday! Dawn

[Shawna]

Woo! Lovely idea, I will add it to my list!

[Colleen Friday]

Many Blessings on your 40th Birthday! I have no exciting ideas as my 40th passed by very quietly and my 50th saw my life, as I knew it came to a sudden, sticky end. Found myself in the next decade and now very close to 70! All I can say is enjoy every precious moment of your life day by day.Follow your heart and have no regrets.

[Shawna]

Thanks, Colleen, for the good wishes! I am going to keep this reminder close :Follow my heart, no regrets."

[Denise]

I would choose a really wonderful trip to a some location that was meaningful to me, and spend at least a week exploring that place. To heck with the price tag.

If that was completely out of the question financially, then I have always thought spending a week in silence would be lovely. Maybe at one of the catholic monasteries or something.

[Shawna]

You know, Denise, I have a book on planning pilgrimages...I think I need to drag that puppy out. Plus, a trip some place meaningful--I like that as opposed to just a trip. I appreciate your contributing.

[Stacey S.]

I have always wanted to to visit all 50 states. It is on my life's list of things to do. I will be adding #13 to my list this summer. So i think it would be a great idea to visit a state you have never been to before.

[Shawna]

Oh, yes, I love car trips and have made it to a bunch of the lower 48 and Hawaii. Now, you have given me the idea to take inventory of where I have been to see what is left. I know I want to visit Maine and Alaska...think I could manage that in one trip! HA! Thank you for contributing to my future adventures, Stacey!

[Cami Walker -- 29Gifts Founder]

Happy Birthday!! Here are a few ideas... things I would like to do myself:
1. Conquer your biggest fear (whatever that is)
2. Anonymously give away $1,000 in cash (or whatever amount you want) to some unsuspecting person who is in need.
3. Travel to where your ancestors are from.
4. Rescue a dog or cat from a shelter
5. Write a novel.
6. Record a song.
7. Fingerpaint a large mural with a group of kids in a public area.
8. Adopt or foster a child.

[Shawna]

Cami, I should have known you might have to say biggest fear--could not just be a fear...HA! Nonetheless, I am sensing I will be adding it to my life--I imagine there will be a plane and falling involved....

Thanks for the other ideas, as well, all of which I am taking to heart.

[Erin - 29Gifts Community Manager]

Some of the things on Cami's list are also on mine - traveling to Ireland is a big one for me. And just handing someone in need a lump sum of cash just because they need it is another. I also want to: parachute, bungee jump, and ride in a hot air balloon. Open a battered women's shelter, and buy a beach house in a place that never gets cold.

Enough about me, here are my suggestions:
1. Do something that scares the hell out of you.
2. Move somewhere that makes you feel in tune with the universe.
3. Build/create/do something that your grandkids will tell their grandkids about.

[Shawna]

Erin, I am so glad I put my pondering out into this community. I love the richness of response as it is getting my juices flowing. There is a part of me that wanted to dismiss idea do to money or lack or whatever, but there is now a whole other part that says, WaHoo! Let's see what will be!

#3 caused me to pause, I don't have kids but I do have a niece and nephews I adore. What am I leaving them? Thanks, Mate!