40 Till 40!

I’m turning 40 in 40 days and I need to grow up. Yea, yea, I know. You’re saying, “ Mandy! You’re almost 40 and think it’s JUST NOW time to grow up?” Well... yep.   I pay bills, been married 19 years and counting, I raise 4 kids (and not counting!!), I handle home issues, and help out when needed elsewhere.  I stick to a schedule, can hold a seemingly unackward conversation with a stranger, attend church regularly, never neglect my responsibilities, have conquered a few fears, and know enough about basic topics to seem intelligent.  Still, there is a part of this grown up equation that is missing.  Accomplishment.  Some might read the list above and say it sounds very accomplished for the average stay at home human, and I can agree for the most part.  Yet, I know myself.  I know there are many things I’ve wanted to accomplish in my life and have failed repeatedly.  This year.... my 40th year, will be different.  I’ve decided to challenge myself.... again.

     Last year on my 39th birthday I did a similar thing to get ready to turn 40. I had a goal to work out everyday and eat right with the result of losing 2 pounds every month for a year!  It lasted 4 months.  I believe that goal was too shallow.  I’ve never felt passionate about being a certain size or completing a 5K.  I always give up and never push myself if the goal is for my own gain.  My goals need to be rooted in something deeper.  I have finally figured that something out. YOU!  You reading this.  My family and friends watching me.  You are my passion.  I’ve always wanted to be helpful or useful in some way and this has become the root of my goals.  I want to inspire someone and be an encouragement to others, while showing myself I can accomplish something!

     In these 40 days till I turn 40 I will be working daily through these goals and sharing them with you weekly.  I need your help to stay focused and accountable!  So what are my goals you ask?  Well hold on to your seat!  No, don’t get excited, they are pretty average. To me, however, they are things I should have been able to accomplish years ago and have continued to miss the boat.

      First, I want to cut out drinking soda.  I know it’s not THAT terrible for me once a day, still I cannot go out to eat and order water!  My food would just taste appalling! However the one soda out-to-eat leads to me wanting some at home with meals and it needs to end.  I need to be a grown up and drink my water.

     Second, I want to be able to run 2 miles.  I’ve always admired the running folk.  It seems they could go just about anywhere as long as they had their feet!  Well, I’m no runner, but I just want to be able to say I can!  I’ve tried running before and couldn’t hold out for the long haul.  I regret not trying harder... this time I will!  I will be running/walking 2 miles, 5-6 days a week with the hopes I will be running the entire way by day 40.  This one will take lots of prayer- there are HILLS in my neighborhood. But... as my neighbor (a daily runner) told me, “ you have to embrace the suck!”  Which translates to “accept how dreadful you feel running up them and don’t quit!”  It’s my running motto now.  So if you find a woman laying on the side of the road somewhere chanting “embrace the suck” softly through her groans—it’s me.  Just set me up right and give me a little nudge.  I’ll make it home.

    Next I want to set aside a specific time, 5 days a week for praying.  I pray everyday already- here and there.  I’m constantly talking to God ( I’m by myself at home most of the day anyway!), but I’ve never been able to commit to a set time each day.  Prayer is powerful and everyone I know needs it, especially me.  I want to be that person. The prayer warrior!

     My last goal is the biggie!  I want to generate income from something I love to do. Doesn’t everyone? But in this day and age it’s more possible than ever before!  I haven’t held a job in 16 years.  I’ve done a bit of a side hustle working as a consultant with Rodan + Fields skin care, but do I love it?  Like, do I lloooovvveee it?  Nope.  I love writing.  I love talking (shocker). I also love listening, creating, planning, dreaming, and encouraging!  I have some plans for this goal but I’m afraid I’m going to have to do a little learning (not something I particularly love) before I can spread my wings.  My hope is I will be able to have some idea in motion to generate income by the 40th day of this challenge.  Of course, another smaller goal is to blog weekly so I will be keeping you all up to date.

     I’m scared, excited, and a little stressed but I really hope I can accomplish these goals in just 40 days! (BTW- Accomplish is my word for 2020). I keep this little quote tucked in my head for moments like these.  It’s from one of my favorite movies in the tear-jerker chick-flick category—Hope Floats.  She wraps up life’s scary moments in one quote. “ Beginnings are scary, endings are usually sad, but it’s the middle that counts the most.  So when you find yourself at the beginning, just give Hope a chance to float up- and it will.”  

So here’s hoping I make it to the middle!! 40 days till 40!