Finding My Badass Self

1. Embrace new experiences to discover hidden strengths and capabilities

"I'd learned to never say never; I'd learned to let more things slide off my shoulders; and I'd learned we discover much more about ourselves and about others when our world is broader and our mind is open."

Expand your horizons. The 52/52 Project demonstrated that trying new things, even those that seem daunting or out of character, can reveal untapped potential. By engaging in a wide range of activities, from belly dancing to ghost hunting, the author discovered abilities and interests she never knew she had.

Challenge preconceptions. Many experiences that seemed intimidating at first, like visiting a nude beach or participating in a police ride-along, turned out to be enlightening and enjoyable. By pushing past initial discomfort, the author gained new perspectives and a broader understanding of herself and others.

Examples of unexpected discoveries:

• Enjoying target shooting despite being an advocate for gun control
• Finding camaraderie with strangers at a fraternity party
• Developing a newfound appreciation for different religious practices

2. Facing fears head-on leads to personal growth and self-discovery

"Facing even a seemingly personal—or very public—failure, I kept that hope alive well into middle age."

Confront anxieties. Throughout the project, the author repeatedly faced situations that scared her, from public speaking to zip-lining. By deliberately putting herself in these uncomfortable positions, she learned to manage her fears and develop coping strategies.

Overcome self-doubt. Many challenges, like running a 5K or bartending on St. Patrick's Day, initially seemed impossible. However, by breaking them down into manageable steps and persevering, the author discovered she was capable of much more than she thought.

Key fears confronted:

• Fear of public speaking (academic awards banquet speech)
• Fear of heights (zip-lining adventure)
• Fear of failure (attempting to sing professionally)

3. Age is no barrier to reinvention and pursuing new adventures

"At the age of fifty-two, although I've preserved many pieces of whom I was at fifty-one and even at sixteen, I have become someone entirely new. In some ways, I've come full circle."

Embrace change. The author's journey proves that personal growth and transformation are possible at any age. By challenging herself to try new things in her fifties, she rediscovered her adventurous spirit and gained a fresh perspective on life.

Redefine expectations. Society often imposes limitations based on age, but the 52/52 Project demonstrates that these boundaries are largely self-imposed. From crashing a college fraternity party to learning to bartend, the author showed that age shouldn't dictate one's experiences or opportunities.

Examples of age-defying experiences:

• Participating in a Segway tour of Florence
• Joining a high ropes course (even if ultimately unsuccessful)
• Becoming a college mascot for a day

4. Stepping out of your comfort zone builds confidence and resilience

"Embracing change in our own life, however, is more challenging. Especially when it results in not only feeling but also looking so different."

Push boundaries. Consistently challenging oneself leads to increased self-assurance and adaptability. Through experiences like visiting a nude beach or attempting stand-up comedy, the author developed a greater sense of confidence in her abilities to handle unfamiliar situations.

Embrace discomfort. The project taught that growth often occurs in moments of discomfort. By willingly placing herself in awkward or challenging situations, the author learned to navigate uncertainty and developed problem-solving skills.

Benefits of leaving the comfort zone:

• Increased adaptability to new situations
• Enhanced problem-solving skills
• Greater self-awareness and personal growth

5. Humor and a positive attitude are essential when tackling challenges

"Apparently, awkward nudity is something best reserved for total strangers."

Find the funny. Maintaining a sense of humor, even in embarrassing or difficult situations, helped the author navigate challenges more easily. This approach not only made experiences more enjoyable but also helped her connect with others and maintain perspective.

Stay positive. A consistent theme throughout the project was the author's ability to find silver linings and learning opportunities in even the most challenging situations. This positive outlook helped her persevere and extract value from every experience.

Examples of humor in challenging situations:

• Laughing off mishaps during the Segway tour in Florence
• Finding humor in the awkwardness of a nude beach visit
• Joking about the difficulties of babysitting quadruplets

6. Unexpected encounters and spontaneity can lead to life-changing moments

"Sometimes the best plan is no plan at all."

Embrace serendipity. Some of the most memorable experiences in the project came from unplanned moments or chance encounters. The author learned to be open to unexpected opportunities and to say "yes" to spontaneous adventures.

Let go of control. Relinquishing the need for constant planning and organization allowed for more authentic and surprising experiences. The author's impromptu trip to Fort Myers and her decision to march in a St. Patrick's Day parade exemplify the rewards of spontaneity.

Unexpected encounters that led to memorable experiences:

• Meeting and befriending strangers at a hotel in Fort Myers
• Encountering Amish singers in a cave during a zip-lining trip
• Connecting with diverse individuals at the "Stranger Party"

7. Failure and setbacks are valuable learning opportunities

"Perhaps acknowledging our limitations is an essential part of self-discovery. Maybe we learn just as much about life and about ourselves by discovering our weaknesses as well as our strengths."

Embrace imperfection. Not every experience in the project was a success, but each provided valuable lessons. The author learned to view failures not as defeats but as opportunities for growth and self-reflection.

Learn from mistakes. Setbacks, such as the disastrous attempt at a high ropes course or the struggle with professional singing lessons, taught important lessons about personal limits and the value of perseverance.

Key lessons from failures:

• Understanding personal limitations (high ropes course)
• Learning to accept and learn from criticism (singing lessons)
• Recognizing the importance of preparation (5K run)

8. Community support and shared experiences enhance personal growth

"Stranger things have happened."

Connect with others. Many of the project's experiences were enriched by the involvement of friends, family, and even strangers. The author found that sharing challenges and new experiences with others created deeper connections and provided valuable support.

Build a support network. The encouragement and participation of others played a crucial role in the author's journey. From her mother accompanying her to a nude beach to friends joining her for various adventures, community support was integral to her success.

Examples of community support:

• Friends participating in the "Stranger Party"
• Family members joining in on adventures (nude beach, Italy trip)
• Online followers providing encouragement and suggestions

9. Self-reflection and introspection are crucial for personal development

"I remained plagued by the refrain of 'Tiptoe through the Tulips.' Weeks later, I still couldn't get that disturbing song—nor the image of the demon child dancing to it—out of my brain."

Process experiences. Regular reflection on each new experience allowed the author to extract meaningful lessons and track her personal growth. Writing about her adventures helped her process emotions and insights gained from each challenge.

Question assumptions. The project encouraged the author to examine her preconceived notions about herself and the world around her. This introspection led to a deeper understanding of her values, fears, and capabilities.

Methods of self-reflection used:

• Journaling about experiences
• Discussing challenges with friends and family
• Writing blog posts to share insights with followers

Last updated: October 18, 2024