101 goals 1 year on

Yesterday marked one year since I started my 101 in 1001 project, or 101 things to do in 1001 days. My handy countdown timer tells me I still have 20 months, 90 weeks, or 635 days to go. I thought I'd do a quick roundup of how things are going for me one year on.

Firstly, I started considering this project a little over a year ago when I came a few blogs whose authors were taking part. I followed the trail of comments between some blogs and saw that an online community had started to develop whereby bloggers would support others in their goals as they posted about their progress. So next it was on to the Day Zero website, where I browsed a few lists. 101 tasks seemed like such a mammoth feat so I considered just setting a few personal goals and keeping my list private, with the intention of blogging about some of the things I'd achieved along the way. However, I quickly saw the benefits of 'going public', especially after I sat down to compile a list and was surprised at how easily I got to about 80-90. Wow!

While a couple of my goals have changed or modified slightly, my list is largely as it was one year ago. It is still a collection of activities, large and small, which I want to make time for during the next year or so. Many can be shared with others, but I also have some which are individual pursuits.

So what have I managed to complete? Goal #100 (put aside $10 for each goal achieved) informs me that I have $410 put aside, therefore I have finished 41 goals. There are many more in progress. I'm working away at my ongoing goals (reading books, playing the piano, blogging regularly etc); I guess these won't turn purple until the end of the project. Some goals simply involve seizing the moment (taking a photo of a butterfly is not something you can easily plan, nor is jumping in a puddle); others need to be considered more carefully (anyone got a dolphin I can swim with?). #48 is always there - find something to be happy and thankful for each day; some days it's harder than others, but I think that overall I'm succeeding.

I have started a side project which is partly related to #69 - take meaningful photos of my local area. I began my own Project 365 a month ago, taking a photo a day. I am building up a collection of local photos, some of which I am publishing on that blog.

For anyone considering starting a list of their own, I'd highly recommend it. This project is something which can be as big or as small as you want it to be. I really enjoy the support and connections gained from the online community I have become part of during the past year or so and look forward to this continuing beyond the end of my list.

And, Sweetie, goal #101 is still top secret; you can read about it in my blog if I get there! :-P