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On January 9, 2020, I’ll turn 62 years old. As far as birthdays go, it’s nothing special. However, my granddaughter Aubrey made an awesome suggestion. Her clever idea was this: celebrate my birthday by doing 62 special things, one on each day leading up to it.
I love the way this girl thinks! And she knows me well. Aubrey understands that I enjoy trying new things, playing creative games and growing through experiences.
I adopted Aubrey’s suggestion, writing out activities on slips of paper. Coming up with 62 things was a bit of a challenge! However, I prevailed and today begins a birthday version of one of my favorite games to play. I will randomly draw out a slip of paper each day, through January 9, 2020, and do what’s printed there.
Here are 62 outrageous things to do for my 62nd birthday.
A Note about Outrageous
A few explanatory sentences, before I type out the list. I’d love to include items like “jump out of a plane” or “vacation in Paris”, however, I also desired to actually do the activities listed. Having one action per day means I must have the time to carry out the activity.
So these suggestions are very doable, in a few hours or less.
On the other hand, I love trying new things and going beyond my comfort zone. My intention is that most of these activities challenge me a bit…or a lot…and result in personal growth, all while providing outrageous fun.
Following the nudge of curiosity, I looked up the word outrageous, which today means “bold, unusual and startling”. The word originates from outrage, which in turn comes from the Latin ultra, which literally means “beyond”.
How cool is that?? Cindy goes beyond…outrageously…for her birthday. I love it!
62 Outrageous Things to Do for My 62nd Birthday
And…here they are, the activities I wrote on slips of paper. I folded the papers up and dropped them into a jar.
Activities 1 – 20
- Say “yes” 10 times during the day
- Drive to Scotland…Missouri
- Start a conversation with a stranger
- Do a vlog in place of a blog post
- Download a new tech app
- Listen to a new genre of music
- Watch a movie in a genre I don’t typically choose
- Find a role model who overcame challenges, to do what I desire to do
- Apply to a writing fellowship, in another country
- Brush my teeth, while standing on one leg
- Hike a new trail
- Create a new recipe
- Watch a tv show/movie in a foreign language
- Take a class
- Take a power nap (I do not usually sleep during the day)
- Make eye contact and smile at everyone…all day
- Listen to music from a different genre
- Read a book in a different genre, that’s way out there for me
- Work in a different room/spot
- Travel to a familiar location, via a different route
Activities 21 – 40
- Try a product I’ve never tried before
- Eat at a new restaurant
- Make a request SO crazy, that I’d expect a “no”
- Visit a local shop I’ve never visited before
- Have a mini afternoon retreat
- Do an interview
- Reach out to a brand that I love, for a sponsorship
- Reach out to a resort, for a comped stay
- Outline Video 1, in Believe in Yourself for 5 Minutes Series
- Record Video 1, in Believe in Yourself for 5 Minutes Series
- Write chapter 1 in House Haunting book
- Storyboard ideas for online products
- Meditate for one hour in a new place
- Try a unique vegetable
- Experience a new fruit
- Do a 24 hour water fast
- Order biz cards for blogs
- Design and order t-shirts for blogs
- Change theme for Cindy Goes Beyond
- Change theme for Journey With Healthy Me
Activities 41 – 62
- Spend 30 minutes brainstorming ideas, as rapidly as possible
- Plan a 10 day trip to a country NOT on my Travel List
- Write a travel piece and submit it
- Have a midnight picnic, with candles and firelight
- Go to a thrift store, with a $20 budget, and buy a cool new outfit – wear it to lunch or dinner
- Have an indoor campout – sleep in a blanket tent
- Leave encouraging sticky notes all over town
- Watch The Lighthouse at Bookhouse Cinema
- Attend Birth of Darkness book launch
- Attend Return of the Christmas Kid at Joplin Little Theater
- Make a heart ornament for my Christmas tree
- Create a fresh Christmas vignette
- Decorate my live pine tree, instead of purchasing a cut Christmas tree
- Send a message of appreciation to an actor or actress that I admire
- Listen to a podcast that I’ve never listened to before
- Give something away today
- Research a topic I’ve never researched before
- Compliment a stranger
- Sign up on Quora and offer advice
- Watch a TED Talk that I wouldn’t normally watch
- Write down 62 things that I am grateful for
Celebrating One Day at a Time
There they are, my 62 Outrageous Things to Do for My 62nd Birthday. I’m grateful for Aubrey’s idea and I’m excited to play this fun game. The rules are that I randomly draw out a paper each day and do the activity listed. No missed days. No excuses. My only exceptions are the three activities that are connected to events that are available on specific dates.
It’s been a very busy week and this day has been full. Nevertheless, I drew out my first slip of paper this evening. This is what I got:
I love gifting experiences for special occasions. I can’t think of a better gift to give to myself, in honor of my 62nd birthday in January, than 62 daily experiences.
I’m smiling at the thought.
And I’m off to watch a movie, in a different (for me) genre. Thank goodness for Netflix and Amazon Prime! I know I’ll find the perfect movie to kick off two months of outrageous celebrating.
Week One Birthday Update: First Seven Activities
Read about the first time I played a “draw an activity” game in this post, Launching Arrows of Desire.
Curious about Quora? Check it out HERE.
And try out Amazon Prime, so you too can start a movie any time of day, in the comfort of your own home.
Cindy Goes Beyond is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. This affiliate program provides a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com, all at no extra cost to you.
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This is such a wonderful idea! Every birthday is special and this is a fun way to celebrate. Just might have to steal it for my 45th next year. 🙂
Please do!
Just a few weeks away..looks like you’re going g to have an outrageous and awesome year! Happy Early birthday!🎁
Just a few weeks away..looks like you’re going g to have an outrageous and awesome year! Happy Early birthday!
Thanks Holly! I’m having fun.
I love this so much. We forget that we have to do silly and outrageous things to keep ourselves young and more importantly…happy!! Happy birthday, Thanks for sharing:)
Thank you! And yes, I’m having fun with this.
I love this! I celebrate each day of my birthday month – might have to do this next year and start even earlier celebrating!
I love that idea too!
What a wonderful way to celebrate your birthday. I can’t wait to here how you managed to do some of those daily suggestions. Audrey is one smart cookie. #SeniSal
She’s a sharp girl! I’m loving this game.
What a great list! Looks like you’ve got a lot of really fun things to do for your 62nd birthday!
Yes! I’m having fun.
This is a great idea! It is a challenge!
It is! And I’m enjoying.
These are awesome! Some of these I would put on my list of to do’s.
Awesome!
I love this, enjoy your birthday and be outrageous
I am!
This is a great idea! I especially love the one to plan a trip somewhere not on your list. Good luck with it!
Thank you! I’m having so much fun!
This list is pretty creative I can’t say I’ve brushed my teeth standing on one leg. I’m glad you made this. We only get one life 💖 happy birthday!
Thank you! I’m enjoying!
What a fun and creative list!
Thank you! I’m having fun.
This is so fun! I would love to do something like this for my husband’s 30th birthday next year.
Perfect!
What a fun idea. I love that each one is something that is doable. I may have to do this. I turn 50 in 2020.
Perfect! I look forward to seeing your list.
What a great idea! I want to do a list for my hubby when he turns 60.
Great idea!
Happy early birthday! This list is such a wonderful way to celebrate and there are so many amazing activities on it!
Thank you! It’s fun!
This is such a cute idea…love it! Will write down a crazy list for my birthday too x
Awesome! I look forward to seeing your list.
These are great ideas! My parents just turned 62 so maybe I should pass this list along for them to look at! Happy early birthday wishes!
Thank you!!
What an amazing idea! Love your list, experiences are all we will carry with us. I am coming up on a birthday next month as well…maybe this will be just the thing.
Enjoy coming up with ways to celebrate YOU!
These are amazing, Cindy! Great job on doable things! Thank you so much… sharing!!!
Awesome! Thank you.
These ideas might seem crazy but they are great. I am glad your granddaughter suggested a crazy list because this looks so fun! I didn’t know that you were 60?!
It’s been fun! And yep, that’s my physical age although I sure don’t feel it. 😃
What a fun idea! I hope you have 62 days of wonderful leading up to your special day!
Thank you! I’m having fun!
I love some of these ideas and never would’ve thought of them. I’m sure you’ll share some of the memorable moments with us.
I’ll be doing a weekly update!
Such a fun idea…you even have a few that totally take you out of your comfort zone! Enjoy celebrating your birthday for 62 days 🙂
It’s fun! And I’ve already experienced some great things.
I just love all of these ideas!!! It really makes you want to go out there and try more things!!! I’m in my 40’s and haven’t done most of these things!!! Happy 62nd Birthday to you!!!
Thank you! I’m loving these activities.
This idea is genius! Often times we forget about “ourselves.” Writing down the 62 things and picking them out daily will help in accomplishing this! Good Luck on your mission!
Thank you! I’m loving this game.
Happy Soon to be birthday! Have fun crossing everything off your list!
Thank you! It’s been fun so far.
Oh, my, oh, my, oh my! I love this! I turn 61 in January. I do have a goal for 65 years old…. I’ve always wanted to explore the Florida Keys. I’m using a walking motivational app to add my walking steps every day and “walk” to Key West by the time I’m 65. It’s only 2 miles/day, since I generally do 4-5 miles/day, I’m rocking it. For each day that I reach my walking goal, I add a dollar to my Key West fund. But…. I have 61, 62, 63, and 64. This is a fabulous idea! I might adpat it a bit, but I’m doing this!!!! I will credit you if I blog about it!
I love your idea! And feel free to adapt or use this idea. I look forward to seeing what you do!
What a great list!! I look forward to seeing you check things off your list!
Thank you! I’ll be doing a weekly update post.
Great list! I am not sure I could do a 24-hour water fast. And as a funny, I read “Christmas Vinaigrette” and was like – that is interesting! And then I re-read it and laughed…Vignette.
I’ve not done a 24 hour water fast either! I’ll let you know how it goes. 😉 And that’s funny on the Christmas vignette!
I absolutely love all your lists here! The best is to try things you haven’t tried yet.
Yes I love trying new experiences!
I love this idea! I definitely want to make a list for my next birthday!
Yes do!!
This is such a fun list – and a great idea to celebrate before your next birthday. I definitely need to do this!
-Jennifer
I hope you will!
This is so cool! I would love to do this next year for my 37th birthday. This is a great list.
I’ll enjoy seeing your list! I’m having fun with it.
Such a great list Cindy and a fun way to celebrate your birthday too! I am turning 60 at the end of 2020 so may look at making a list of things to do 🙂 . Happy Birthday to you! #senisal
I hope you do! Celebrate you!
What an absolutely wonderful idea. I wish I’d thought of it. And you have great imaginitive things on your list. Looking forward to following you as you follow through. I will follow your blog so I don’t miss anything. Visiting from #senisal. First timer. Will share
It’s fun with these incredible life lessons tucked in! Thanks for visiting and following along. Headed to your blog now.
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed reading your birthday celebration posts Cindy. I’m sitting here in front of a roaring fire with my eight year old daughter, while Storm Brendan batters his way around the West Coast. Aa I jotted down some ideas, Little Miss Eight did the same. Her jar is full and she’s so excited to start. Even though we’re not celebrating our birthday, this is a fun thing to do.
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed reading your birthday celebration posts Cindy. I’m sitting here in front of a roaring fire with my eight year old daughter, while Storm Brendan batters his way around the West Coast. Aa I jotted down some ideas, Little Miss Eight did the same. Her jar is full and she’s so excited to start. Even though we’re not celebrating our birthday, this is a fun thing to do. Happy Birthday Cindy!
Oh how fun! Hope she enjoys the game.