I was born in 1977. This year I turn 40, and I am not happy about it. I've not really worried about any birthday before but this one has been preying on my mind. Maybe it's because I can feel the weakness beginning in my knees, the aches in my knuckles, the awareness that I have already found one or two (that's all I'm admitting to for now) grey hairs. There's something about realising you've reached the brow of the hill and are going down the other side that really concentrates your thinking, or mine at least. Having my first child turn ten this year hasn't helped either.
As I approached my fortieth year I started to think about the things I've been too afraid to do and realised that probably I won't get to do them now. Not a bucket list as such, just things I've resigned myself to never really getting round to. Things like doing a sky dive - I've always said the only way I would jump out of a plane is if I was pushed; or some big physical challenge. I did the half marathon last year and to my surprise enjoyed it, but a marathon is simply not on the cards due to the aforementioned knees.
Now, I'm not a negative person although you'd be forgiven for getting that impression from the above. I think I'm fairly pragmatic; a realist but also in some respects an optimist (stubborn?). If someone tells me I can't do something, I will damn well do it (that's how I managed to pass my French A'level). I do like a challenge.
So, when I put these two thought processes together (things I will never really get round to doing + my refusal to accept there are things I can't do =) I end up here; setting myself a challenge that I am already finding rather scary.
(Deep breath here as I say it all aloud - or online, you know what I mean!)
This year I am going to do those things I have been too scared to do before. I am going to jump out of a plane (with a parachute), I am going to take on a tough physical challenge and succeed, and I am going to raise some money for charities while I am doing it.
I have set myself the challenge of raising £1,977 for two charities that I care deeply about:
The Wildlife Trust for Birmingham and the Black Country a charity that works to protect and improve the fabulous green spaces of my adopted home, and deepen people's connection with nature.
St Basils a charity that works with young people to prevent youth homelessness.
(For the sake of transparency I should let you know that my first proper job was with St Basils as a Corporate Fundraiser a little longer ago than I care to remember. I currently work for The Wildlife Trust for Birmingham and the Black Country. Don't let my connection to these charities put you off; I wanted to work for them because they are doing important, amazing things that make a real difference.)
Why £1,977 you ask? Look at the name of the blog, read the above and do try to keep up dear!
I am just starting this adventure, it's going to be a busy year. I have lots of ideas and some things planned. I will keep you all updated on this blog.
I will need you to come with me (not literally, you don't have to jump out of a plane, unless you want to). I will need your encouragement, I may need your help and I would like your money please.
If you would like to make a donation you can do it here on my crowdfunding page:
https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/georgia-stokes
(It's crowdfunding so I can split the money between two charities.)
Please help me avoid that midlife crisis and let's have some fun.
