The 25 List

25 Before 25 >> Life In Limbo

Last year, I made a birthday list of 24 fun things I wanted to try before I turned 24. A few years earlier, I made a list of things to do before I turned 22 (I skipped 23 for some reason).

Why? Well, one of my values is to always be learning. I don’t ever want to stop growing or gaining new skills and experiences, but I have also observed how easy it is for me to get used to a routine and do the same things (and eat the same foods, and go to the same places) over and over again. So the birthday list is a gentle reminder to me to do something fun every once in a while, or to make time and space in my life to learn something new.

It’s not a to-do list and I don’t beat myself up for not “finishing” the list by my next birthday – that’s not the point. In fact, the first time I was 13/22, and last year I did 15/24, and some of those only partially. And that’s fine. Sometimes I realize that this year is not the year for it, and sometimes I realize that I don’t actually want to do that thing, so I just cross them off and move on. And sometimes I carry over items to a new list for the following year. It’s all good.

One thing I can tell you is that often, the things I set out to do from my list end up as some of the best memories for me. When I think back to the year I was 22, it is so full of awesome experiences and feels so rich: I made a dress! I rolled around in coloured paint! I talked about books with my friends! And the same goes for last year: some of my favourite memories are jumping around on that trampoline, having that sunset picnic, and writing an essay to honour my mom.

So, even though it’s long past my April birthday I still want to document this year’s list. Some of the things I came up with before my birthday and others I’ve only added recently (somehow my original list got lost along the way) but again, it’s all good.

  1. Do a 10-day juice cleanse
  2. Teach a yoga class full of strangers
  3. Raise $250+ for Charity: Water (help me out with $5 right here!!)
  4. Try aerial yoga
  5. Give a talk
  6. Attend a conference
  7. Record a song I wrote
  8. Learn how to do beautiful lettering
  9. Start a group or event
  10. Take a road trip
  11. Do 4 DIY projects
  12. Bake 4 new kinds of bread
  13. Host a vegan potluck
  14. Try out a capsule wardrobe for a season
  15. Learn how to speak fluent Spanish
  16. Learn how to drive manual
  17. Give up refined sugar for a month
  18. Join a group
  19. Take 25 courses or workshops
  20. Try paragliding
  21. Order room service
  22. Live zero-waste for a month
  23. Learn how to surf
  24. Make my own jam, nut milk, peanut butter, and juice
  25. Write a book or course

Inspiration | September 25

The truth about uncertainty. This one really hit home for me.

Liz Gilbert + Marie Forleo = (big) magic! I adore them both, and this interview was jam-packed full of awesome content.

How have I never read Ask Polly before? Powerful words about “success” and “failure”.

Gorgeous pictures of New Orleans and gorgeous words about marriage.

This post should be required reading about love + ‘The One’. I love it so much I revisited it this week.

I read Rising Strong this week, took copious notes, and felt like a much better person afterwards.

I read a lot about commonplace books this week and was so inspired to start keeping a more structured one. I especially liked this article and this one.

I love these beautiful sunglasses made from recycled nylon fishing nets.

Ryan Adams’ cover of 1989 is so good.

One day, I’ll make this quilt of my dreams.

***

So here’s where I tell you about my next exciting adventure: I’m going to Ecuador for the next few months! I’ll be living in Quito, teaching yoga, working remotely with The Red Tent Sisters, producing the podcast, and most importantly spending quality time with the wonderful man I met in India.

I wasn’t planning to leave home again so soon after so long of being away. But that’s the funny thing about life…you can’t really plan it. If I’m honest, I’m nervous – this is the first decision I’ve made that factored in another (awesome) person and I have no idea how it’s going to go (although, do we ever know how anything is going to go?). But I’m trying to live with an open heart and an open mind and trying to embrace all the new opportunities that come my way. Wish me luck!

I’m flying out early next week and will be back mid-December for the holidays. This time at home has been just the perfect amount to reconnect with all my loved ones, spend some good solid quality time, eat my favourite foods, read and relax. And now that it’s back-to-school season, it feels like the perfect time to start my next great safe adventure too.

Have a wonderful weekend! xo.

Inspiration | September 18

I downloaded the Paper app this week and the calligraphy tool is AWESOME. I just drew a word using my finger and it looked so beautiful. I’m excited to try out the other functions too.

My friend Jess started a beautiful basics company called Free Label! I’m so excited about their gorgeous, bamboo cotton shirts.

A simple but probably very difficult to implement practice that I want to try: the 50 minute phone rule.

Elizabeth Gilbert interviewed Brené Brown on Magic Lessons this week and it was so wonderful.

I discovered the (now closed) blog Young House Love this week through Jess Lively’s podcast and loved seeing all their past house tours. Also, the episode was all about walking away from “success” because it doesn’t fit with your true values which I found very inspiring as well.

Such a lovely closet.

I put all five of these books on my reading list.

Last weekend we went to the Toronto Veg Food Fest and it was so great. We recapped our favourite presenters and food on the podcast here.

***

The days have been quiet around here lately, and I’m not complaining. I like to walk up and down the long driveway and around the house, stopping to pet the cat sometimes or harvest any new cherry tomatoes that have come in. I listen to podcasts while I make my lunch and work on my computer at the sunny kitchen table. I have dinner with my family every night and then spend the long evenings reading. This time at home, especially during such a beautiful summer, has been so special to me. I’m off on another adventure shortly (more on that soon!) so having this simple, normal, lovely time with my family has been a gift. I’m trying to savour and appreciate all of it.

This weekend my sister and I are taking a roadtrip to spend time with our grandparents, which should be great. I hope you have a wonderful weekend too!

Inspiration | September 11

A beautiful article about quality time, why it can’t be scheduled, and how we need to just show up and be around. This one hit close to home for me.

Some serious food for thought about giving up refined sugar.

An excellent article about mental errors that may sway us from making good decisions.

This post definitely inspired me to get back into writing more.

When I was in New York, I used these city guides and ended up going to so many awesome places.

I like the idea of “no regrets” purchases.

This is such a balanced, lovely nighttime routine.

I really want to see Les Bosquets and The Danish Girl. And I still haven’t seen Inside Out!

***

I spent the long weekend visiting a friend in New York City. We laughed constantly, ate a lot of delicious food, and saw a ton of NYC, Brooklyn and even Long Island. It was amazing to see her again and to spend more time in such a magical city. This weekend I’ll be heading down to Veg Fest, then going to visit my grandma on a road trip with my sister. It should be a great one. Hope yours is excellent as well!

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