22 Jul The 50 Project
HELLO FRIENDS!
In 50 days I will turn 50.
I know people say this ALL THE TIME but honestly, where did the time go?
It is a privilege to turn 50. Not everyone gets the opportunity. In fact, a little over 2 years ago I can tell you honestly, I wasn’t sure I would get there.
I have chosen to be open and honest about my cancer journey this time around in hopes that I can help others, but there are things I hold close to my chest. Facing my mortality is one of those things. Mostly because I don’t have the words to express what it feels like to be told you are living with something that will most likely end your life one day.
I am not sure I will ever have the right words.
But I will start to try, as I think it is an important part of my story and the lessons from it have been rich. I know so many can relate and I hope can benefit from talking about it.
With that in mind and this milestone fast approaching, I had an idea.
I read a fantastic book “Things to Look Forward To” (I recommended it to the Life Enthusiast Community Book Club – click here to read about it) and I was inspired.
I thought to myself, I have been around for almost 50 years and boy have I learned.
From my mistakes. From my successes. From good times. From bad times. From life.
I decided to create THE 50 PROJECT in which I will share, over the next 50 days leading up to my 50th birthday, my favourite life lessons.
My intention is always to share in order to help others with their own life and career journeys so we can all feel less alone while we are going through it.
My life lessons aren’t in any particular order, they are just going to land where my 50 year story takes me starting with this one:
Life Lesson: CHALLENGE YOURSELF
I have always liked a good challenge. This year alone I have completed a 30-Day LinkedIn Challenge, a 12-Week Strength Training Challenge, a 40-day Lent Challenge, and a 100-day Creative Acts Challenge. Now I am embarking on The 50 Project. Did I mention I am a Virgo?! 😉
All jokes aside, I am sure my anal-retentive Virgo ways have something to do with this but I truly believe embarking on something that “challenges” you is good for the soul. It doesn’t have to be a HUGE challenge; it can be something small and simple. Whatever it is always remember this (not my quote but I have used it, and probably butchered it, for years now!) “The magic happens OUTSIDE your comfort zone!”
Journal Prompt and/or Challenge:
Journal about ideas for a challenge for yourself and what you want to achieve from it. If you have one already in mind then push yourself to start!
Remember, it doesn’t have to be a big one, it can be something small, just for you. Whatever it is make sure it is something at the end you can proudly say, “Hey! I accomplished that!”
You got this!
I love community and conversation so I hope you will follow along with The 50 Project on my social and become, if you aren’t already, a member of my Life Enthusiast Community to ensure you don’t miss out.
In the spirit of community, storytelling, and learning, I have a special announcement coming up during The 50 Day Project so stayed tuned!
I look forward to the next 50 days. I am not a fan of birthday celebrations for myself, but I will no doubt raise a glass at some point with my people who are also turning 50 this year.
Mostly I look forward to sharing and celebrating my life lessons. Lately, I have been focusing too much on what I haven’t accomplished. Time to flip that narrative around and appreciate all that I have done, I hope you will join me on my Instagram for the next 50 days as I share The 50 Project!
"By the time we hit fifty, we have learned our hardest lessons. We have found out that only a few things are really important. We have learned to take life seriously, but never ourselves."
Become part of my community and follow me on my social @JAYEMBarrie for my POSTS, REELS, and IGTV, or check out my website www.jayem.ca to stay informed on what I am doing and to sign up for my newsletter and/or updates. Follow my Pinterest for great quotes and lots of other informational items. I am also on LinkedIn.
Share your questions or comments either in the comment box of my Instagram posts or in a DM. Please note: I am not an expert or professional in the field of cancer. I am simply someone who has gone through it and living with it, doing my best to offer you my experience and advice in hopes that it helps.
I am sending you healthy, and happy vibes always!
– Jenn
