40 for 40: it’s going to be a BIG year.

When I told my boss about this challenge, the first question she asked was: “are you staving off a mid-life crisis?” My family genes have women living until close to 100 on both sides, so I’ll save the mid-life crisis for another decade - but her question did prompt me to dig much deeper into why I’m dedicating an entire year to random tasks. 

I’ve thought: maybe because Bryan and I are done building our family and the baby brain fog has finally started to lift or maybe it’s because I have more capacity because I’m off social media. Maybe it’s because I’m currently at a company that allows me emotional space to consider literally anything else besides the startup hustle. 

While all of that is true, the core of this challenge is really about lightness (because we could all use a little more right now, ya know?!) and optimism and connecting with friends and family. It’s about trying new things and being silly and being humbled and crying and belly laughs and big toothy smiles. It’s about experiencing the best parts of being human. 

The original challenge - as I heard it from a friend - was to accept tasks to complete. In true Katie fashion, I needed a connection point to others because that is ultimately what fuels my fire. So, I added my spin: submit a task that means something to you or something we can do together. 

And man, oh, man my people did NOT disappoint. I’ve got adventures of all sorts - some that make my belly tickle (as Maddie would say) from nerves, some that made me cry upon just receiving them, some that will bring me peace and reflective solitude, some that I can already feel the laughs coming out. I’ve shared the list with you all so you can see what I’ll be up to this year. I’ll also be posting regular updates on my progress if you’d like to follow along!

As you read through them, if any inspire you, please feel free to participate! There are a number of items with further detail which I’m happy to share if you’d like to join in. Life is more fun with a community!  

A VERY hearty thank you to those of you who submitted something. My life is so full because of you all. Here’s to 40 (and completing a task every 9.6something days)!