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Craig's avatar

We are well on our way to completing our 25 in 25 list!

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Sheila Callahan's avatar

Without Peg's introduction to Gretchen Rubin's work, I would never have known about the 25 in 25, so it's no surprise that you two are well on your way to completing your 25 goals for the year. It delights me that I can now check off one more of my 25 in 25 goals now that I will see you here in Virginia soon.

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Louise Halsey's avatar

Love lists too - and appreciate the reminder that we don't need to complete them! Let me know if you travel west, my friend!

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Sheila Callahan's avatar

So glad to see you here, Louise, my longest-standing-MHC-friend. Mine is a love-hate relationship with lists, but as you point out, no point in hating if there is no obligation to complete them. Amen to that.

And thanks for cueing the Nat King Cole song about heading west. Will email you. xo

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Megan Walrod's avatar

What a fun process! Never heard of the 25 in 25... what a potent way to prioritize and play!

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Sheila Callahan's avatar

Gosh, ask me how much I like the pairing of the words, "prioritize" and "play." I'd add the appetizer "plan." PLAN, PRIORITIZE, and PLAY"-- with emphasis on "play." Thanks, Megan.

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Betty Ann Stiles's avatar

You say whaaat! I love “the moth”

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Sheila Callahan's avatar

Right, BA? How can anyone NOT love The Moth? It’s tough to memorize a story, or at least the main elements, and get it down to five minutes. Thanks for reading and commenting, my love.

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Betty Ann Stiles's avatar

When I read your words I smile. I smile bc I know you well. The linen story is a good one. If they were saga’s/epic's my brain fails me now. Short versions of reading is like sipping cold beer with a friend & goes now nice & smooth. Just like the golden oldie days.

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Sheila Callahan's avatar

High praise, my friend. Thank you so much.

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Abigail Wolff's avatar

Love this, Sheila!! Very inspiring. Xxxx

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Sheila Callahan's avatar

Aw, thank you, friend. I'd be lost with readers like you.

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Mari Lou's avatar

Fenwick Island, DE has a Dark Skies event. They did one earlier this summer - not sure if there's another planned or not. Something to look at! If you do - let me know - I'm nearby!! International Dark Sky week is in April....

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Sheila Callahan's avatar

Love that idea, Mari Lou!

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Megan Scribner's avatar

I found this after reading your post about who subscribes to your Substack. Figured I'd check it out. I hadn't heard of 25 in 25... I wonder what my list would have been in January versus now mid-September. About to go on a vacation, I'll take this with me as a way to think about the months that have past and those that are yet to be.

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Sheila Callahan's avatar

Yes! Love that idea, Megan. Enjoy your vacay.

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Christina Lurking's avatar

I haven’t heard of 25 in 25, but here’s where my brain goes with that: Huh, I wonder what my 25 goals would’ve been? What are all the rich moments and things I’ve done this year that would’ve been goals if I’d somehow conceived of them ahead of time? …If I come up with a list like that, what kinds of patterns would I see in the things I put on it? Would they have any factors in common that help me navigate toward more goals-I-can’t-see? …And huh, I never know what to do with all my journaling, but this actually sounds like a right-sized project to bring to this year’s journals and maybe turn into a blog post or two. Thanks for the inspiration!

Also, “the year I turned my world upside down by leaving a marriage, a highly coveted job, and a life in Europe I loved” sounds like the memoir I want to read. Stories about how people let go of identities fascinate me.

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Sheila Callahan's avatar

Christina, I love your take on the 25 in 25. Hope you get it down. The whole idea is endlessly recyclable. I had thought about (and might just do) an essay on 25 newish things I did do in 25.

And many, many thanks for your nod about the memoir. I appreciate your support.

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Susan Frey's avatar

Never heard of this. But now that I’m retired recently maybe I need to do it. I’m feeling unmoored or wasting too much time. I like to make lists and will start. This may help me in tackling some things. I did start canasta the other night which went better than mahjong. One down and 24 to go.

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Sheila Callahan's avatar

Hurrah. Eager to hear more as your list develops, Susan. As Mimi used to suggest about old age, I will apply to retirement. It’s not for sissies. But the rewards, once you find your groove, are many.

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Emily Berry's avatar

I think you could go halfway on 14 (just putting your name in a hat) and call it a win. Of course I got picked to speak the first time I did that, which is either unlucky or lucky depending on how you want to look at it.

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Sheila Callahan's avatar

Yup! Here in DC, almost everyone gets to the stage. Was delighted to see that you did it this year!! Good on you.

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