things to do before 60
Posted on by Debbie

12 things to do before turning 60

Why only 12 things, and not 60?

As I’m now 59 and approaching my 60th birthday (at the end of this year), I am keen to tick off a few things and figured I’d share my JOY list with you.

I don’t have a bucket list as such, instead I call it a JOY list.

You may be wondering why I didn’t go the whole hog and list 60 things to do before turning 60, as most people would do. For one thing I’m not most people!!!

Well there are a few reasons why:

  • my birthday is 12/12 – so 12 is always my favourite number
  • 60 things sounded like waaaayyy too many things to think of 🤣(and I’m basically a lazy person)
  • there are 12 months in the year so that works out at 1 thing each month = doable
  • I don’t want to overwhelm myself and then end up failing in my quest
things to do before 60
Photo by Suzy Hazelwood on Pexels.com

So without further ado I give you my list:

  1. Celebrate 40th wedding anniversary in London and buy myself something ‘Ruby’ nice ✅
  2. Be there when E and S bring their baby boy home from hospital – due early March
  3. Investigate taking the Mathematician to Darwin – I have been there before but the Mathematician hasn’t
  4. Make plans to visit Western Australia
  5. Make a list of 60 things that make me happy
  6. Donate at least $60 to charity ✅
  7. Make a playlist with 60 favourite songs
  8. Read at least 60 books in the year and write/share reviews of some of them 
  9. Visit Tiny and Lea Rosser in Sydney with mum – see my post What has been the most unusual, unexpected or just plain weird connection you’ve made as a blogger?
  10. Ride on the Tumbarumba to Rosewood Rail Trail as many times as possible in the year  – it’s opening in early April 2020 and we’ve been very much involved for many years!
  11. Investigate a trip to Canada for 2021?
  12. Jump at all opportunities that come my way and get photos wherever possible
  13. Investigate getting my book Dottie and the Wombat published properly

Progress so far

So far I can tick off #1 as we celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary with a day out in London at the end of our recent 2 month trip to UK to see our daughter and premature granddaughter Dottie. I also bought myself this pretty little Ruby ring.

My Ruby ring for 40 years!
My Ruby ring for 40 years!

I can also tick off #6 as I have made a donation to our local Rotary Club in aid of the Bushfire appeal in our community.

I’ve made a start on #12 , jumping at every opportunity – quite literally – and will be updating my WOTY progress at the beginning of each month. Here’s me in action recently jumping for joy at the beach 🙂

Debbie jumping at the beach
Jumping with Joy at the beach

Eagle eyed readers might also notice that I have actually listed 13 things – I am not as mathematically challenged as you may think!

I am keen to publish my story book about Dottie and added it to the list at the last minute. My friend and author, Jo from And Anyways, has been giving me some links to check out, so I’m starting that process as we speak! If you have any tips or contacts please let me know.

So that’s my 12 things to do before turning 60 – something to focus on for the months ahead and you’ll all hold me accountable. I’ll keep you updated on my progress in future posts.

Is there anything else you’d add to my list, or any tips you can offer if you’ve attempted something similar? All suggestions will be gracefully accepted.

Deb xx

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54 Replies to “12 things to do before turning 60”

  6. Deb – what a fun way to celebrate your life with a list of amazing things to do! Good luck and i look forward to seeing your progress!

    ~Allison

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  8. Well, my list will be boring as it’s only one 🙄 Deb, I love your doable list and especially the one where you get bike on the trail which has consumed quite a bit of community time. Look forward to reading all about it as the year progresses. All the best for rebuilding your community xx

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  9. I love your joy list, Deb, and your rationale for choosing a dozen (a baker’s dozen, right?). That ring is beautiful! I’m looking forward to hearing of your progress throughout the year. #MLSTL

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  10. Great idea Deb and also I think keeping it to 12 rather than 60 things is very wise and very doable. You have started well and I love your anniversary ring – just beautiful. I hope I can see you in March when you visit your grandson – such an exciting time for you all. I’ve wanted to see the Outback and I think this year we will holiday at home and finally do a driving holiday of Tassie. You’ve inspired me to make a list – I’m 63 in August so maybe 8 things because I was born in the 8th month. Thanks for sharing and inspiring us each week at #MLSTL. Enjoy! xx

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  13. Congrats on a yearlong celebration of your 60th! Looks like you’re off to a great start. I especially like #s 12 & 13…I’m sure you’ll be keeping your readership up on progress of all listed…right?
    On my 6th decade b-day, a cousin made me one of her famous multi-layer cakes…along with a surprize party organized by my hubby (middle child came in from out of town to my delight). Anyway, a photo of the infamous ‘decade cake’ is found here FYI: http://laurabrunolilly.com/heres-to-the-nines/
    Keep on jumpin’!

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  15. I love that you only chose 12 (13) things Deb – those giant long lists do my head in and I wonder how many straws they grasp at to fill it? I saw #4 and if you get as far as Bunbury then we NEED to do coffee – and we have a lovely guest room that you’re welcome to use if you’re around for a longer SW visit. How unbelievable is it that 60 is now a reality? I’m sure that’s my Mum’s age!!
    Thanks for linking up with us at MLSTL and I’ve shared on my SM 😊

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    1. 😂 thanks Leanne! As I said in my post I’m basically a lazy person and 12 (13) was enough for me to think about and having any hope of achieving! I thought of you as I wrote #4 so will definitely add a stopover in. I know I can’t believe I’m turning 60 this year, it just doesn’t seem right!! Thanks for sharing for MLSTL, it fits right in the midlife section 😊

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  22. Goosebumps on the 12/12, Deb. I think we have had this discussion before. Number 2 on your list made me immediately smile for many reasons. Very pretty ruby ring. I look forward to following you on what will be a great year!

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    1. Yes it’s an ideal walk Jo, when you come down we will make sure we do some of it. The whole length is 22kms but you don’t have to walk the whole way. It will be sealed all the way too so ideal for wheelchairs, prams, mobility scooters etc. Just no horses or dogs allowed.

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