It’s been 52 weeks since I started the 52 Project.  Do you know what that means?  This epic undertaking has come to an end.  It’s time to look back and figure out how I did in meeting the challenge I set for myself.

Did I meet all 52 goals?  No.

I only finished 28 of the tasks I set for myself.

Am I disappointed with only completing just over half of the items on the list?  No.

Actually, I’m pretty darn proud of myself.  Many of the things I didn’t finish, I came pretty darn close to finishing.  Others, just weren’t that important in the scheme of things.  A couple were never destined to get anywhere. Like riding the bus to work one day a week.  I missed 4 weeks in a row and realized it just wasn’t going to happen.  Nope.  Nada. Not happening.

I accomplished the things that rose to the top in importance; reading 52 books, walking 52 miles a month, riding my bike 52 miles, feeding 52 people around my table, getting together with friends 52 times, stretching 52 times in the morning, and spending 52 hours outside.   That is only a few examples but they have something in common.  They all revolve around things that keep my healthy, mentally and physically.  They were challenges that made me make time for myself and the people I love. They fed my soul.

The best part is that many of these actions have become habit.  I routinely invite people to my house now.  I used to worry about the floors being spotless, about the food being spectacular, and ambiance perfect.  No more.  Take me as I am.  And I may even let guests help me in the kitchen!

Going through this exercise put me in a state of mind to tackle some important business I had been putting off.  Sitting down every Sunday night to record my progress led me to understand that projects don’t have to be tackled all at once.  Every step towards completion counts.  The steps add up quickly.  Well, the pieces in a 5000 piece puzzle don’t add up quickly but you get what I mean.  There is a wonderful bit of wisdom that was shared with my by two different friends: “How do you eat an Elephant?  One bite at a time.”  That was so true in this experience.

So what am I taking with me into my 53^rd year?  A new notebook with some new goals. Not 53 of them though.  I plan on finishing the 52 Project list but the rest revolve around my hopes for the next year.  The goals are bigger.  I’m realizing that anything is possible if you break it down into bits and pieces.  This year there may only be 10 items on my list but they will be items that will challenge my mind, tire my body, and stress my skills.

And you know what?  I’ll be able to achieve them.

‘Cause I’m awesome like that.