Finalizing the List

Well, I have been pouring over ideas for the past few weeks since I first posted about my idea for the 25 in twenty five project. I sought out a lot of advice and I got some great ideas along the way (Thanks everyone!). I also got some crazy ones (Adopt 25 puppies? Good one mom!). At one point I had close to forty ideas, and I had to narrow it down, which ended up being harder than I thought it would be, but I did it, and here's how I did it:

First, I decided to throw out some goals that I just didn't have a huge desire to do, like run a 5K. Let me make this clear, I am not a runner. I never have been. I would like to be a runner, most people look so free when they are running, but I'm just not good at it. Could I learn and run and complete a 5K? Sure, but I don't have a huge desire to do it. Therefore it would end up becoming a chore and probably bring on more aggravation than happiness, even given the huge feeling of accomplishment I would have if I finished. I want to do this project to enhance my life, and I want to focus on doing it in ways that push me, but push me in enjoyable ways. So sorry "Run a 5K", you're history, and take "Face A Fear" with you!

Then, I combined items that were similar. "Cook 25 New Recipes" absorbed "Try 25 New Foods"- chances are I will be using new foods when cooking the recipes anyway. "Travel internationally" overtook "Visit 25 States"- they would both be big trips and I probably wouldn't have the money for both- so I went for the bigger of the two trips. "Visit 25 States" is on deck for next year, and I hope to make up for this by taking a few weekend trips- even if it isn't listed as a goal.

Finally, I tried to come up with five words or phrases that I would want to describe the next year of my life. Then, I picked goals that fall into those categories to add to the final list. Anything that didn't quite fit got the boot. So what were the final five categories you ask? Well, I want the next year to be....

• Full of Love- The items in this category should allow me to strengthen my current bonds and make new ones. I can use these items to show people how much I love them, support others, or do anything I can to send love out to the world, because when you send it out you always get it back!
• Adventurous- I don't want to live a boring life, plain and simple. I want to do things that will push me out of my comfort zone, create amazing memories, and become more spontaneous. These moments will become main staples in the highlight reel of my life.
• Healthy- I want to improve my overall health- physical and mental! I am overweight and I want to make a life change for me and any future bambinos that I will need to teach to be healthy. I also want to focus on maintaining good mental health because we all need balance in life, people!
• Successful- Success can refer to any aspect of your life, but I want to focus on success in my work and hobbies. I want to expand and improve my current endeavors- teaching, photography, grad school. Doing so will make me a stronger, more fulfilled person.
• Enchanting- Happy just didn't see like a strong enough word for this category; enchanting just seemed so much more... Magical. Powerful. Important. This is that special category where anything goes! This can include anything that is fun, silly, or outrageous- as long as it adds to overall happiness and makes my life more meaningful!

So there we go folks, the above process is how I came up with THE LIST (insert dramatic music here)! Be sure to check in tomorrow for the debut of the list, and the beginning of my 25 in twenty five project- oh yeah, and my birthday!!!