Okay, so my 50th birthday was looming, and I didn’t want to just let it slide by. I mean, it’s a big one, right? Half a century! I started by brainstorming what I really wanted to do. Not what other people expected, but what I wanted.

The Big Brain Dump
First, I grabbed a notebook and just started jotting down ideas. Everything from “learn to juggle chainsaws” (kidding… mostly) to “finally visit that weird museum downtown.” No idea was too silly at this stage.
I ended up with a pretty long list, so the next step was to categorize them. I made groups like:
- Adventure
- Relaxation
- Learning
- Giving Back
- Just Plain Fun
Narrowing it Down
Looking at my categories, I realized I was leaning towards a mix of adventure and relaxation. The chainsaw juggling was definitely out, but I did want to push myself a little. I also wanted some serious chill-out time, because, you know, 50 years of existing is tiring.
So, after some serious soul-searching (and a few glasses of wine), I picked three things:
- A weekend camping trip.
- A fancy cooking class.
- A “spa day” at home. I put on a mud mask and locked everyone out of my bath room.
Making it Happen
I found a cooking class that that are held nearby, I learned a few basic skills, and I ate my own food. I did all of the above, and that day came soon.
So, I put on a mask, lit some candles, and read in a warm bath for as long as I wanted.
The Verdict
It was all awesome! The camping was a bit muddy, but hey, that’s part of the adventure. The cooking class was super fun, and I actually learned some new skills. And the spa day? Pure bliss. Honestly, turning 50 wasn’t so bad after all. It was a good excuse to do things I’d been putting off and just enjoy myself.