13 days left of being 40 and I’ve failed in completing
everything on my 40/40 project list.
In fact, I knew I’d fail way back in August when I didn’t
manage to go to Edinburgh for the fringe festival or actually further back – in
July as I didn’t go to The Secret Garden Party. I’ve known for months I’d never
complete my list this year before I stepped in to being 41.
And how did I feel about that?
At first disappointed and annoyed. I should have tried
harder, I should have done this or that differently so I’d have had the money I
needed to go to some things – especially Burning Man etc etc…
Should Should Should…
That is such a dangerous word – and I think needs to be
banned!
‘Should’ focuses on the negative and undermines in an instant
what has been achieved.
By switching perspective, dumping these Shoulds and instead looking at each thing on my 40/40 project that I HAVE done, I feel proud as there’s
a whole bounty of amazingness!!
Studies show that it is a natural human condition to firstly focus on the
things we haven’t done – rather than looking at what we have and celebrating
that. Start to notice when you do it and when others around you do it. Notice
how it makes you feel.
I’d say it makes for a tiring and unfulfilled life. I’ve
learnt this first-hand having spent many years with that mind set. It’s hard
work and there is never that feeling of contentment. Especially if others
around you also focus on what’s not been done.
I’m not suggesting that we give up and not aim to achieve
what we set out to – rather to look back at what we’ve achieved so far and to
celebrate that.
We always have a choice in how we respond to situations.
So ask me again – how do I feel about not completing my
40/40 project and I’ll tell you that I feel GREAT!
I’ve completed 11 so far and each experience has been
amazing, bringing much joy and connecting with so many people. This really is
what this project is about. Making connections, having new experiences and
having fun.
I know that if it weren’t for this project I doubt I’d have completed
the things I have so far. I’ve pushed myself. That to me feels like an achievement.
Yes I do think – heck how on earth can I support and coach others if I can’t even
complete my own goals. My answer? Better. I understand what it’s like and it’s
about changing perspectives. Celebrating each step.
So what have I achieved so far?
Well I completed a 190 mile adventure from The Brecons to
Morwenstow following roughly
in the footsteps of the 5th Century
saint Morwenna. I raised £909.25 as a result for The Stroke Association.
That’s an achievement, and to be honest was the biggest one
on my list that I wanted to complete.
I’ve also:
- met Danny Wallace
- had Blue hair
- been skinny dipping
- stayed on Burgh Island
- had a cocktail created for me
- been up in a hot air balloon
- organised an 1930s party – which I created a film for, made a moon and saw
friends I’d not seen in a long time. Plus we had some brilliant dancers!
- created and organised my first Creative Adventure Retreat on
Lundy Island. That was also a big achievement for me and was brilliant fun with
four awesome ladies!
- had my first experience of being a TV extra (still working
on being on Dr. Who!)
- currently taking part in the Sketch Book Project – I have my
sketchbook ready to fill!
- went to Edinburgh to celebrate Beltane with friends –
wonderful!
- been in the audience of Deal or No Deal (yet to be on a game
show)
Actually that is quite a lot to have achieved in a year. Especially
when you consider what goes into actually completing these things. The ‘behind
the scenes’ so to speak. Alongside all this I’ve been developing my business
and I’ve also completed my Reiki Master training.
So Yes I feel good about what I have achieved so far…
Seeing that this is a project of my own creation and knowing that I’ve failed in completing all
these things by my 41st Birthday – I’m extending it. So this 40/40
project is going to be about my decade of being in my 40s. A slight tweak.
As I was working through the experiences I also realised
that I wanted to completely enjoy them and it wasn’t just about ‘crossing them
off the list’ If that had been all it was about then I expect I could have
rushed to get them done. That though starts to add pressure and for me takes
away the enjoyment of the actual project in the first place.
I’ve also discovered that I really love organising things. The
party, Beltane, Lundy, The Brecons 2 Morwenstow trip….I’d kinda of started to
realise this after planning the Moroccan Adventure a few years ago, but I was
surprised just how much I enjoyed all the aspects of each thing I organised as
part of this project. So no more will I have the belief that ‘I can’t organise
things’. This is now replaced by – ‘I can organise things and I enjoy it!’ (A revelation)
I still have time to complete some other things on my list
so we’ll see what happens between now and my birthday. In fact I'll be completing one this week! A Fire Walk in aid of Penny Brohn!
I also want to extend a huge thank you to everyone who has
been a part of each of the 40/40 project experiences so far. YOU are what have
made it GREAT!
I really like this quote which I ‘refound’ recently and
though it very apt.
“Don’t be afraid to fail. Don’t waste energy trying to cover
up failure.
Learn from your failures and go on to the next challenge. It’s OK
to fail.
If you’re not failing, you’re not growing.” H. Stanley Judd
How about you? Do you tend to focus on what you’ve achieved
or what you’ve failed at? Does the thought of failing at something stop you
from doing it?
Love to hear from you!
Morwhenna
x
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A snapshot of a few completed 40/40 project items!
L-R - Hot air balloon, 1930s style 40th Birthday Party, Lundy Island Adventure, Cocktail creation on Burgh Island, Walking the South West Coast Path as part of Brecons 2 Morwenstow, Beltane in Edinburgh, The Mermaid pool where I Skinny Dipped at midnight, Blue hair in progress, Having a pint with Danny Wallace. |
