How doing 20 things, 20 times, in the year 2020 will bring me joy.
- Lyn Lindbergh - COUCH to ACTIVE
- Apr 8, 2020
- 3 min read
Updated: May 13, 2020
Last year, I found myself weary. As I reflected on my accomplishments I was proud. Award winning book, two successful podcasts, slowly regaining my health and vitality. On paper it was awesome, and I'd do it all again, but I had lost sight of many of the little things in life that bring joy. I decided that in 2020 I'd put myself into a sort-of life rehab where I made myself spend doing little things that bring me joy but often get overlooked.
To help me remember my goal I made this list of the 20 things I want to do 20 time in the year 2020. I'm really good at making lists and then finding them at the bottom of a mail pile months later.
I knew that if I was going to have a shot of succeeding I needed accountability in a way that would not feel nagging but in a way that would also bring me joy.
Enter stage left - this blog. Now a blog is all fine and dandy but if nobody reads it does it exist?
Wrong question. I enjoy blogging and knowing people can see these goals puts my ego on the line. It's both exciting and slightly anxiety producing, but I'm okay with it because it's a hobby after all.
Here's the unveiling of my list. I hope you enjoy watching my adventure.

#1 - Visit 20 places I've never been before.
Trying something new has always brought me joy. This could be as simple as a new coffee shop, or (hopefully) as big as global travel.
#2 - Create or discover 20 new veggie/salad recipes.
I'm sick of my salad recipes and want to eat more veggies with a smile.
#3 - Read 20 books.
I'm constantly reading but want to get through my stack of books scattered all around the house.
#4 - Make 20 flower bouquets.
Bouquets of flowers always make me smile, yet I have neglected to take the moment to pick flowers over the past few years.
#5 - Hangout with friends 20 times.
This should be my number one item.
#6 - Ride a bike for fun 20 times.
Now that I've regained some strength, I want to get back on my bike.
#7 - Sew or mend something 20 times.
Its a hobby I've enjoyed my whole life that pretty much halted when I graduated college.
#8 - Paint 20 times.
I love painting but rarely do it because I don't see myself as a real artist.
#9 - Fast 20 days, not in a row.
A 20 hour fast is exciting and gives me energy.
#10 - Watch 20 documentaries.
I want to watch documentaries that are created by people with different viewpoints of my own. Yes, this makes me smile.
#11 - Meditate for 2-hours 20 times.
I've never done this before and am curious.
#12 - Walk 20 miles in a week, 20 times.
Walking 20 miles a week used to be my minimum. Time to dust off my pedometer.
#13 - Donate to a food bank 20 times.
My local grocery store has an in-house donation station. I've spent years with good intentions to start this habit.
#14 - Send 20 personal greeting cards.
Remember back in the olden days when we used to put stamps on letters?
#15 - Do something brave 20 times.
I can be a chicken. Being brave is exhilarating.
#16 - Ask for help 20 times.
The thought of asking for help puts a pit in my stomach. I'm curious as to how this one will bring joy.
#17 - Try 20 new forms of exercise.
What can I say? I'm the bad couch guru!
#18 - Try 20 new dipping sauces.
In an effort to make vegetables more fun. French fries is a veggie right?
#19 - Try 20 different kinds of drinks.
Whiskey or tea, or anywhere between.
#20 - Have a conversation with 20 "others" who don't see the world the same way as I do.
Have a conversation with someone who probably won't agree with me.
Bonus - Do 20 things I've never done before.
I'm an extrovert and love meeting new people.
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