2013. A memorable year. A half-dozen notebooks of cat-scratch and scribbles help me navigate through the last twelve months. It has been a defining years in all aspects; from family to faith. I lived in Boston amidst the terror of the Marathon bombing, got involved in a publicity stunt with Doritos that landed me over 230 bags of chips, and conquered my nerves to speak with actress Emma Watson at the premiere of her latest film in France. Turning 25 seemed to bring more energy and enthusiasm than anything, although I’ve been in a downhill battle with my receding hairline. I welcomed my nephew Owen into the world and have been blessed by he and Libby; thankful for Skype and the occasional trips back home to love on them. I taught Libby the “O-H…I-O” chant and spend Christmas stomping on 25 feet of bubble wrap; the best gift a two year old could ask for, in my opinion.
When it comes to the 26 Before Turning 26 list, it was my “least successful” year in terms of completion. But when you look at what the year brought, it was far from a failure. International travel, a new place to call home, a fresh business card, and the most ideal form of community imaginable. Here’s a look at last years’ unfinished business.
Unfinished Business:
- Connect with the Fantasy Factory team- Reached out to several members of their media team via email, Twitter, and Instagram but had no success.
- Find an illustrator for the children’s book- In March, I did a call for illustrators in Ohio while traveling, but didn’t feel comfortable with any of the 13 submissions to move forward.
- Play board games for 10 hours straight- attempted on New Years Day, but failed due to lack of collective enthusiasm.
- Learn to Toss a Pizza Dough*- received a lead from a friend, but no completion.
- Attend a 100th Birthday Party*- its a lot harder to find a party in your area than you’d imagine.
- Attend an event promoted on craigslist- promoted events on craigslist, but didn’t feel like that counted. trying to not be a creep comes at a cost.
- Choose Your Own Adventure:Submit your Challenge- it’s a work in progress. going after one.
The 27 Before Turning 27 List:
- leave the country again
- hike the grand canyon*
- explore Hocking Hills
- complete the Hour of Code (developing and coding)
- hang out at Rockmill Brewery (lancaster)
- visit another new city
- go to a game at a new baseball stadium*
- take franklin covey leadership training
- develop my film editing skills
- visit Grand Rapids
- do something cool with my dad
- facilitate a collaboration
- try a new food every month
- get a doctor in columbus (simple life skills here)
- make a new friend; someone you’d not typically hang with
- become a better storyteller
- see a show at the ryman (nashville)
- pour latte art
- tent camp
- drink more water
- ignore a schedule; go do something different than planned
- pray into the extended future
- explore a new trail
- learn how to fix a bike
- help a neighbor
- send postcards
- learn to do yoga
* notes items on the life list
In the last few months, I’ve spent a lot of time thinking through the year ahead of me, anticipating what to expect and creating this list of challenges and to-dos in hopes that I continue to maintain intentionality. . My natural tendency, as many people know, is to create plans; organizing Google Docs, drafting up shot lists, or sending an email with an agenda or game-plan for the next event day. In a lot of ways, I’ve been trained to act this way in a lot of the positions I’ve held as a manager or leader. It’s easy to get stuck in a rut while focusing on a calendar or an agenda, which makes it difficult to follow through with the LTD Daily mindset of adventure and curiosity. So in the year of 26, I’ve added a very important element; “Be willing to be surprised”. We all know that things rarely go as planned, but the walls go up in natural fashion when you are open and willing to be shocked, awed, or thrown-off. My challenge to myself and to you is to allow yourself the freedom to be surprised. The first step? Give up control, even when it doesn’t make any sense.
Soli Deo Gloria.
- artwork by Anna Couchenour