here we are.

It is easy to let fear build you a cage and it is easy to think that the bars of that cage are real. They are not. This year, I choose to live without fear.

1-strength train regularly
2-read at least one book in a day (a marathon reading session)
3-start buying ethically made investment clothing
4-become informed on the production of chocolate and coffee
5-watch one documentary each month
6-blog regularly (and define what that means for me) (like I do every year)
7-knit a sweater (just do it!)
8-take a spin class
9-stop nitpicking, nagging, and expecting perfection from others
10-cut back on TV
11-go on urban hikes
12-run a half marathon
13-send birthday cards
14-write some fiction
15-make handmade gifts
16-go to book readings and other literary events in my city
17-call people more often
18-make one writer friend
19-go camping in Shenandoah National Park
20-submit one essay somewhere anywhere
21-re-conquer my fear of city biking (on my new bike)
22-learn to use our fancy camera and start taking pictures
23-buy more local produce via the farmer’s market or a CSA
24-use less plastic (especially: produce bags, ziploc bags, and saran wrap)
25-practice positive self-talk
26-eliminate most/all bad chemicals that I put on my body
27-take a real vacation/trip somewhere with Jake (other than visiting family)
28-put compassion and love into the world

Someone asked me today if I had any standout birthday memories, and I had to say that I didn’t. More years than not, I’ve moved in the summer, so when my birthday arrived, I’d still be the new kid at school or the new kid in town. I’ve never been much of a party person anyway. If I were to have party, I would want a dream team party - one that assembles all of the scattered people I love.

In lieu of that, I will be eating a big dinner followed by a fat slice of key lime pie followed by some good TV (don’t say a word - I’m only on season 2).

So today, do something autumnal (really, do it) and think on fresh starts and new goals and hope.

*If you’re curious, I also made goals when I turned 26 and when I turned 27. I never get to all of them, but I like to expect big things of myself.