Love and um, 45.

45?! &*%$(

Five years ago, I launched a project I called 40 x 40, in which I had one new experience a day for each of the 40 leading up to my birthday.  It was an incredible experience, the subject of my forthcoming book (just made that part up), and you can check it out here to soak up all the adrenaline.  

Forty five days from today, I will be turning 45 years old.  That seems impossible, and also kind of hard to admit.  But I’m trading comfortable for courageous and I'm sharing the truth, even if it gives me hot flashes.  Yes, that is happening.

With this new lens, I also feel the need to mark this occasion in a completely new way.  This year, inspiration came late, as in yesterday, and I came up with a project to celebrate these 45 revolutions around the sun.  The lame working title is Pay it $5ward and here’s the deal.  Today, I’ve mailed a $5 bill to 45 Laurie’s around the country who are also turning 45 this year, along with a special request.  The ask is that they spend the money not on themselves (unless they really need it) but that they use it to make a little difference in their community.  I’ve requested that they take action in the next week, and email me stories and photos by October 15th. 


So, my next blog will be all about the results of this social experiment.  I’m excited to see how it goes!  My hypothesis?  That people are naturally creative, resourceful and kind.  My worry?  That people will be creeped out that I found out their name, address and age and report me to the authorities. Stay tuned!