## The 52 Week Project: How I Fixed My Life by Trying a New Thing Every Week ### The Catalyst for Change It was a winter evening, and I found myself in a situation that would change my life forever. I had recently separated from my husband and was feeling incredibly lonely. In a desperate attempt to fill the void, I reached out to 27 different people to see if anyone wanted to spend the evening with me. The response was devastating – every single person said no. This night, which I later dubbed the "Twenty-Seven Rejections of Doom," was the wake-up call I needed. As I sat alone in the movie theater, feeling the weight of my isolation, I realized that my life wasn't working for me. It was time to make a change, and what better way to do that than by trying something new every week for a year? Thus, the 52 Week Project was born. ### The Journey Begins My journey started gently enough. I began with small, seemingly insignificant changes to my appearance. I tried fake eyelashes, got my colors done, took acne medication, and even wore bright red lipstick for the first time. These initial steps were more about experimenting with who I could be rather than making profound life changes. However, they set the stage for the more challenging and meaningful experiences that would follow. I acknowledged early on the privilege of my mid-life analysis, quoting Kieran Setiya, "I recognize the luxury of the midlife crisis, with a degree of guilt and shame." This awareness kept me grounded and reminded me that my journey, though personal, was not isolated from the broader societal context. ### Breaking Free from Scripts As the weeks progressed, I delved deeper into the scripts many of us are given about the sort of life we are supposed to live. These scripts often feel suffocating and sad, especially when they no longer align with our personal desires. I referenced thinkers like Sheryl Sandberg and Seth Stephens-Davidowitz to underscore the universal nature of these struggles. My project was not just about personal growth; it was also about understanding and challenging the societal expectations that shape our lives. I realized that many of us are addicted to the internet, constantly checking for validation, much like checking the mailbox for mail that never seems to arrive. Social media, in particular, became a focal point. I learned to manage it better, likening it to cake – it's everywhere, but that doesn't mean you should eat lots of it every day. ### Embracing Loneliness and Building Connections Despite having three sisters and a multitude of friends, both local and abroad, I still felt a deep, sometimes wretched, loneliness. This feeling is not unique to me; many people experience it regardless of their age or stage in life. It's a yearning for acceptance and companionship that can be overwhelming. During my project, I learned to do things for and by myself. I went to a music festival alone, gave up alcohol for six months, and even entered a stand-up comedy night. These experiences taught me the value of self-reliance and the joy of pushing myself to my limits. I recall one particularly poignant moment when I realized I had to fit my own oxygen mask before I could help others. This metaphor became a guiding principle for my year of new experiences. ### The Power of Small Changes One of the most significant insights I gained from this project was the power of small, incremental changes. It doesn't always have to be something grand or Instagram-worthy. Simple actions like wearing red lipstick or getting a manicure can be transformative. For instance, I started monitoring my social media use and took up cross-stitch as a creative way to keep my hands busy and avoid my phone. These small changes added up over time and contributed significantly to my overall well-being. ### Pushing Boundaries and Facing Fears As the weeks went by, my challenges became more daring. I went zip lining, dragon boating, and even swimming with sharks. Each of these experiences pushed me out of my comfort zone and forced me to confront my fears. Giving up alcohol for six months was another significant challenge. It was a period of detox not just from alcohol but also from the social habits that often accompany drinking. This detox helped me regain confidence in myself and understand the true value of self-discipline. ### Repairing Relationships and Finding Happiness One of the most surprising outcomes of my project was the repair of my relationship with my husband. By focusing on myself and my own growth, I inadvertently created a healthier and happier dynamic in our relationship. The year was not without its challenges, of course. There were times when the burden of doing something new every week felt overwhelming. However, the sense of accomplishment and the lessons learned made every struggle worthwhile. ### Reflections and Growth Looking back, I realize that no one heals in a straight line. My journey was filled with ups and downs, but each experience contributed to my growth. I learned to be kinder to myself, to acknowledge my vulnerabilities, and to find humor in the absurdities of life. The 52 Week Project was more than just a series of challenges; it was a journey of self-discovery. It taught me that life is about embracing change, pushing boundaries, and finding joy in the simplest of things. As I reflect on that year, I am reminded of the importance of starting small and being consistent. It's the little things we do every day that can lead to profound changes over time. And so, if you're feeling stuck or looking to make a change in your life, I encourage you to start with something new, no matter how small it may seem. You never know where it might lead you. ### The Legacy of the Project The 52 Week Project has become more than just a personal journey; it has become a testament to the human capacity for change and growth. It shows that with determination and a willingness to step out of our comfort zones, we can transform our lives in meaningful ways. As I concluded my project, I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment. I had faced my fears, pushed my limits, and discovered a new sense of purpose. And while the project itself has ended, the lessons and the growth it brought will stay with me forever. In the end, it's not about the big, dramatic changes; it's about the small, consistent efforts we make every day. So, go ahead, try something new this week. You might be surprised at where it takes you.

Here are the key insights from "The 52 Week Project: How I Fixed My Life by Trying a New Thing Every Week" by Lauren Keenan: ## Catalyst for Change - The author's life-changing moment came after a night of 27 rejections, highlighting her deep loneliness and the need for significant personal change. ## Small Changes, Big Impact - Starting with small, seemingly insignificant changes (like wearing red lipstick or getting a manicure) can be transformative and set the stage for more meaningful experiences. ## Challenging Societal Scripts - The project involved challenging societal expectations and scripts that often feel suffocating, encouraging readers to align their lives with their personal desires rather than external norms. ## Managing Loneliness and Building Connections - Despite having many friends and family, the author felt deep loneliness, which was addressed by learning to do things alone and finding self-reliance and joy in pushing personal limits. ## The Power of Self-Discipline - Giving up alcohol for six months and managing social media use were significant challenges that helped the author regain confidence and understand the value of self-discipline. ## Pushing Boundaries and Facing Fears - Engaging in daring activities like zip lining, dragon boating, and swimming with sharks helped the author confront fears and step out of her comfort zone. ## Repairing Relationships - Focusing on personal growth inadvertently led to the repair of the author's relationship with her husband, creating a healthier and happier dynamic. ## Incremental Growth - Small, incremental changes can add up over time and contribute significantly to overall well-being, emphasizing the importance of consistency and starting small. ## Self-Discovery and Growth - The project was a journey of self-discovery, teaching the author to be kinder to herself, acknowledge vulnerabilities, and find humor in life's absurdities. ## Legacy of the Project - The 52 Week Project serves as a testament to the human capacity for change and growth, encouraging readers to step out of their comfort zones and make consistent efforts towards personal transformation. ## Reflection and Consistency - The author emphasizes that growth is not linear and that it's the small, consistent efforts made every day that can lead to profound changes over time.