The 25 before 25 List...

Well, I got through as much of my 25 before 25 list as the time (less than a year) would allow, but even though I didn't get through the entire list, I'm not sweating it. The whole purpose of the list was for me to get out of my comfort zone, and I can say it definitely did that. At times I forgot about the list because instead of it being about things to-do, it began to serve more as a guideline, a mindset even: just get out there and do it.

And I did. Never in a million years did I think I would find myself taking on ballet, because I thought I was "past my prime," or taking Italian because "my brain suffered enough in college and it's so much harder than Spanish," or all the other things on and off the list that I got done. I've learned to be a bit more spontaneous (still working on not being stuck to my schedule so much) and I love just going out and doing things, often without thinking twice about it, and I truly believe that this undertaking has definitely helped me ease into 25 just nicely.

completed: • perfect making macarons • go one month without shopping for clothes • do a typically group thing alone • begin the conversational Italian class • hold plank for a full minute •complete the Whole 30 • purchase personalized stationery • spend one full day doing only touristy things • wear something that is out of my comfort zone • attend a cooking class • take a group dance or fitness class • read 5 books from the BBC classics list • learn more about photography and buy a dslr • eat at 5 new places in NYC •                     

My only regret is that I had not thought of doing this last year, because I really had so much fun making the list (I really just love making lists) and crossing things off after completion. If you've ever thought of making one of these lists, whether it be for a birthday or over time, I highly recommend it. It really was a great experience, and I'm already thinking of making another list. I did have a 30 before 30 list started, but I'm thinking maybe I will give a 101 things in 1001 days a go. Can I even think of 101 things to do, let alone count 1001 days from now? Probably to the former, absolutely not to the latter. I've started the list here.

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8 out of 25

After I initially made my 25 before 25 list list 109 days ago, I had a few doubts about it. I knew already where this doubt was coming from and after dismissing those thoughts as negative self talk, I become truly ready for the challenge and the crossing off started to begin. My focus in life has definitely become to live life to the fullest, and in light of the events last week, I've never wanted to pursue that more.

That said, it's time for an update!

3. Go one month without shopping for clothes. This was something that I didn't need to do per se, but something I wanted to see if I could do at all. Could I go into Nordstrom or Target or browse on ASOS and not buy that top I (really) want that's also on sale? Since I put it off for the month of February (Prabal) and March (I forget), I figured there was no better timing to do it than during my Whole 30. It was also the perfect time to really clean out my closet and reorganize it. Now, it's time to shop.

4. Do a typically group thing alone. Yeah, yeah, tons of people go out and eat alone, I know. But I've never liked dining out alone as it reminded me of being in HS. I wish I had ignored all those sneers for eating alone sooner because it's totally liberating! While I enjoy the company of another while dining out, being comfortable within myself to eat alone means I don't have to wait for someones schedule to open up in order to try out a restaurant etc.

9. Hold plank for a minute. Considering I was averaging 10-15 seconds at the start of the year, I'm really happy with my progress. (And the strength in my core and arms isn't bad either.)

10. (Secret) The secret to-do was to complete the Whole 30. Done and done!

11. Purchase personalized stationery. I may have picked up a few more sets since this post, but in my defense, they have been coming in very handy.

13. Wear something out of my comfort zone. You wear a bag, right? Either way, I really did not expect to walk out of Macy's having purchased this stunning, bright orange DKNY bag. Given that most of my bags (and shoes) are black, while I would admire this bag on someone else, it is not something I ever thought would pick out for myself. Yet, here we are. And you know what, I LOVE it.

18. Take a group dance or fitness class. Almost everything on my 25 before 25 list requires me to be put in a position that takes me well out of my comfort zone. So far, ballet wins that title.
Thinking I was "past my prime," when I saw an offering for a ballet class for everyone, signing up was a no brainer. I may tumble on my pirouettes and be too exhausted to do anything post-class except lay in bed, but it has been so worth it.

My ballet slippers on the first day of class. They definitely have some wear on them now!

21. Learn more about photography. I can fiddle around with the camera enough to get a decent shot, but I don't want to be a fiddler! I just want to know what to do in a given situation. I know photography is about practice, but I thought a course would help. In mentioning this to my dad, he told me to just practice (what?) and handed me this massive practice set. I'm about 1/3 of the way through it, but I've learned so much already, from different lenses (hello vintage 50mm prime lens, ways to upload (how easy you make life card reader), and the best ways to achieve the shot you want. Hopefully my very own DSLR will not be long now!

"If it scares you, it might be a good thing to try."

Leading up to the new year, I think I did the most reflecting I've ever done in my entire life. In doing so I realized finally acknowledged and admitted something I have known my whole life: I can be my biggest road block in life. I sometimes put off things for more convenient times that never come, or don't try things for fear of failure or being out of my comfort zone. Enough is enough. The time is now to bring an end to the "shoulda, woulda, coulda's."