Why Fifty Frolics?

I’ve spent a significant amount of thought this year, trying to come up with a great way to celebrate turning fifty.  Every idea has been vaporized by practicalities.

A party is a non-starter. My friends are too far flung.  My birthday is on American Thanksgiving so those within driving distance are otherwise occupied.

A day-trip is possible but not exactly desirable on a crowded, often frenetic, holiday weekend.

A get-away trip is possible and desirable under normal circumstances...however I’ve spent the past few months traveling back and forth 3000 miles to tend to my mother’s estate after her unexpected passing.  I’m tired of traveling and drained by the challenges of the situation.  I’ve used up the good graces of my dog-sitters.  My bank account is depleted from repairing my mother’s house.  Jetting off to the Pyramids or absconding to a beach-side Caribbean cabana just seems wrong.  

Rather than get frustrated by a so-so 50th birthday, I’m deciding that the day itself is less important than the year ahead.  Instead of focusing on having a great day -- and risking likely disappointment -- I’m committed to have a great year. 

So what would make this year special for me?  What do I love to do?  What would I love to more of?

The first thing that popped into my head was ‘frolics’.  I’d love to go fun places and do fun things. So why not commit to enjoy frolics throughout the year? 

As I think of it, I’m tickled by the possibilities:  frolics might be mini-adventures -- or opportunities for creative expression -- or athletic endeavors.  They could be done with others -- or solo.  They could be something completely novel...or something I’ve long adored.  I haven’t ridden a horse in a decade, for example.  Might it be time to (literally) get back on my horse?

Okay, so I’m on board with indulging in frolics throughout my fiftieth year.

...and as a way of keeping myself on track with my quest, why not aim to have a certain minimum number of frolics? But how many?  The answer is obvious:  Fifty. 

So I’m committing to enjoy (at least) Fifty Frolics this year.   And to ensure that I follow through, I’m documenting my efforts in this blog.

And I’m inviting you to join me in making this year -- if it’s your fiftieth or some other number -- the best year ever.  What do you love?  What would you like to more of this year?  Make a commitment to enjoy what you love.