On January 25, 2010, I started a list. 101 things to do in 1001 days. Follow me as I work through it and blog about my experiences here.

I was originally inspired to do this list through someone else, and I'm super excited that in turn, my list has inspired others to start (Take a look at the list of everyone participating in their own challenges in the column to the right). I have so valued the time my readers take to comment on my posts. It gives me the encouragement to keep on going, knowing that someone out there cares and is excited when I cross something off.

Originally I just thought this would be something fun to do, but I am starting to see bigger effects then I had anticipated:

1) It has pushed me to actually DO these things that I've thought about forever and given me the motivation to continue on with my list because of the incredible positive feedback I've gotten from my readers. It's so much more inspiring knowing that there is someone else out there that cares and enjoys seeing me cross things off my list.

2) It has motivated and inspired others to create their own lists, which is think is so super.

3) It has involved me in my community even more, which is very important to me. It's done this in two different ways:

a) It's pushed me to try new things like taking creative classes or learning how to do things and through doing these I support local businesses AND I make new friends in the community.

b) People in the community - even people I don't know - have emailed and called and asked if they can help me cross something off my list or offer to teach me something that they know that will help me achieve one of my goals. How fun is that? I even had someone give me a whole bunch of canning gear to ensure that I am able to get the canning done with the veggies from my garden!

It's my goal to create a network here for you to follow each other's progress. If you know how to do something or have access to something that could help someone cross something off of their list, I encourage you to reach out to them, as I have been offered help along my journey so far.

I take pictures and add them to most of my posts, but you don't have to. Make it your own. You can even change the numbers - 30 things to do before you turn 30... or whatever! Also, add whatever is important to YOU on the list. If you like some of mine feel free to snag a few ideas, but take a few days to think about some things that are important to you and then write them into your plan. If there are some big things, don't be afraid to put those in there. Also, call it whatever you'd like. I like Dana's name: "Life List". Bucket List works... whatev.

Once you're done your time frame, if there is anything left over (which ideally there won't be, but I'm just sayin'...), just carry them over and start another one. I'll be honest with you, there are a couple on my list that even though I'd love it, I don't really see happening (ie, Go to New York).

To recap (because I'm all about the list making, right?):

1) Make a list and give yourself a timeline appropriate to the number of items on there

2) Make a blog (there are lots of free programs like blogger.com)

THEN...

3) Email me and I'll add you to this list. I can't wait to follow you and I highly encouarge you to follow and encourage one another!