60 Before 60 Project: 60 Life Lessons Learned

Well, I did it! I crossed over my 60 Before 60 Project finish line!  

This past year has certainly been an adventure. In one year, I was able to see the Atlantic and Pacific oceans and Mediterranean sea, eat foods that I’ve never tried before, go to festivals and cultural events I’ve never attended and spend time with family and friends creating memories that will last me a lifetime.  

I’m also so glad that I documented my experiences along the way. I now have a scrapbook of pictures, videos and documented experiences that if I hadn’t undertaken this project probably would never have been accumulated. 

As I wrote about my experiences, I also took some time to reflect on what I learned from each of my activities and called them my 60 Before 60 Life Lessons.

As I look at them now, this project provided me with  more than just activities, it also provided me valuable insights and perspective on living life.  

But what made this experience even more rewarding was the feedback I received from so many people as I progressed through the year. I heard stories of people doing 30 before 30 or 50 before 50. I even heard from one gentleman who was planning on doing 70 before 70! 

I also heard from many others that I inspired them to break out of their routines and just get out and try something different.  

Even though it may have looked like my 60 Before 60 Project was a solo activity, this was definitely not the case. From my family and friends, to colleagues in my social networks to even people that I had never even met before – all of them provided support, encouragement and cheered me on. And for this I am extremely grateful. 

So thank you. My achievement is one that is meant to be shared. 

What’s interesting now is that I’m being asked, what’s next. I’m kicking around a few ideas so stay tuned – 2024 is shaping up to be another interesting year! 

Here's to living your best booming encore!

#1: Don't assume places remain the same way you remembered them. Everything evolves. 

#2: You can discover treasures in your journey if you take the time to look. 

#3: Often the fear we feel is more than the actual reality. 

#4: Celebrate and appreciate all the bright lights that shine around you. 

#5: Slow and steady (hopefully) wins the race 

#6: Spend time with people that lift you up not bring you down 

#7: Live music can really soothe the soul 

#8: Wonderful memories are created when sharing a meal with friends 

#9: Time is our biggest currency that we don't want to waste. 

#10: Thinking about what you may be missing can be harder than actually missing it 

#11: When you see something live, you’re experiencing a moment in time that can’t be repeated again. 

#12: We can't expect to have a better future if we don't learn from our past 

#13: Push outside your comfort zone, you never know what you might be missing. 

#14: Embrace the conditions you live in rather than waiting for better days ahead 

#15: Saying yes rather than no can provide some unexpected fun 

#16: Sometimes wellness and relaxation can be found in your sole 

#17: It’s nice to know you can do things on your own but also great when you can share them. 

#18: Virtual events are great but there is an irreplaceable energy you feel when meeting face to face  

#19: Knowledge powers prevention 

#20: Staying curious and continuing to learn keeps us both interested and interesting 

#21: Celebrating events together helps to create community bonds 

#22: Time may pass but good friends don't 

#23: Stopping at a roadside attraction can turn a mundane trip into something memorable   

#24: Saying yes to an opportunity can bring something both different and unexpected to our lives.  

#25: Listening to others knowledge is an insightful and entertaining way to learn  

#26: The anticipation of great experience adds to the joy of the actual event  

#27: Sharing experiences with your children can bring you great joy in life – at any age  

#28: We sometimes fail to realize that nature can provide us with the most beautiful art of all 

#29: Dancing to your own tune can be extremely liberating 

#30: Exploring activities in a different city with relatives is a fun way to create new family memories 

#31: Looking back helps us to appreciate where we have been and remind us to focus on our future, as it will also soon become our past.  

#32: Even in a major downpour, kindness can always help keep everyone dry 

#33: Sometimes taking just a little extra time and effort can take something good and transform it into something great.  

#34: When art is broken out from the traditional canvas and openly shared, it can help everyone appreciate life more. 

#35: The simplicity of a bike ride can help to improve your view on the complexities of life  

#36: Where and how we choose to shop can create ripples that we may not even realize 

#37: We often take for granted the simplicities and beauty of daily life 

#38: Art can shine a light on both the scars of our past and our hopes for the future.  

#39: Inspiration can come when you least expect it 

#40: Convenience is great but it can come with a cost 

#41: Sharing things you enjoy from your past may help others to enjoy them in the future  

#42: The benefit of trying different things is that you discover what you do and don’t like.  

#43: A change of scenery can be "awe"-some! 

#44: When there are fireworks in your life it can make any day seem like it's a celebration 

#45: Cooking a meal with others generates more than just food – it creates shared memories  

#46: Put your assumptions aside and be open to new alternatives. You may be pleasantly surprised by what you find 

#47: The feelings you experienced of doing something before may not be the same again  

#48: Just because something looks easy it may not actually be easy 

#49: Taking the time to connect with nature can help you reconnect with yourself   

#50: When exercise is fun, you’re more likely to keep doing it 

#51: Even though an experience may not go as you expected; it may be exactly what you needed 

#52: We need to make sure that we take the time to make the time for the people who are important to us  

#53: While on earth we should try to love deeply, live authentically and leave with no regrets.   

#54: Cities, like people, evolve over time 

#55: Natures natural beauty helps creates our desire for conservation  

#56: Ensuring we protect our past helps others to appreciate it in the future  

#57: Being small does not mean you can’t have a big impact on the world   

#58: Autumn may provide the opportunity for not only reflection but also the chance to just let go 

#59: It’s great to plan for the future but don’t plan so long you miss the opportunity to do it   

#60: Travel can not only expand your view of the world but also your perspective on life  

Interested in seeing all my 60 Before 60 experiences? Click here.