The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.—Mark Twain

Chatting over cups of lavender green tea and vegan BLTs, I told a friend about the 100-day project last spring. We were nestled into a plush velour burgundy couch at a local cafe with journals and pens on our laps.

She was all in . . . until we never spoke about it again.

We met regularly to share writing goals and catch up, so committing to write for 100 days seemed like a great next step. However, one needs to do more than say, “Absolutely, I’ll commit if you will.” And then fade to black.

I don’t blame her, I blame myself. I needed a plan, not just an intention.

Last weekend Tim was on a biking trip with our pug Belle Starr so I was home with Mookie surfing into the wee hours. Before I knew it, I was about to sign up for a six-month online course and a six-month certificate program. I caught myself before fully committing as I’m already enrolled in University of Tennessee’s Veterinary Social Work program and here I was considering two more programs—one for writing and one for therapy.

Truth be told, I’ll probably still sign up for one (or both) of those programs, but it was good to pause and consider what I am truly capable of giving to numerous projects right now.

While hosting a mentoring session this weekend over tea and ginger scones, my client said, “It seems like writing and therapy are your passions right now.”

I considered her comment, nodded, and added, “And animals!”

Note: each of these programs align with my passions. Yes, I may be justifying.

Tuesday started another round of the 100-day project and I wrote about it on the blog. It can be daunting to choose one thing to focus on through July 12, so I listed a few ideas such as draw a flower, make a page in your art journal, dance through a song, plant a seed, crochet a granny square, bake a sweet treat, send a snail mail note, walk a mile, or take a photo.

Consider your passions. Philosopher Howard Thurman wrote, “Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.”

Earlier I texted with that same friend—who has moved away so we catch up via phone over virtual cups of tea—and we both plan to try again. I told her I wanted to commit to something that would challenge me and yet not be too audacious. You in?

This weekend I’ll be sharing my 100-day project and am inviting you to reveal yours over on the blog. Studies show that we’re more likely to follow through with our plans if we write them down and have an accountability buddy. I’m happy to be yours.

Here’s to 100 days of a creative project close to our hearts. Bisous. x