Local author Dianne Young states that she has never been the type of person that is interested in becoming the absolute best at one thing; but instead trying 100 different things and being mediocre at them all. It is this kind of thinking that inspired Young’s newest book “60 THINGS: A Year To Remember”.
In order to celebrate turning 60, Young wanted to do something unique. “When I started thinking about turning 60, I knew I wanted to do something special because it seemed like I should, but I couldn’t decide on what to do. From there, I got the idea of doing 60 things. It was only five things a month and I knew they didn’t have to all be big expensive things, just things that I had never done before. I am so glad I did it because I had such a great year,” said Young.
Young chose a variety of new things to try including shaving her head, skydiving, getting a henna tattoo, volunteering at new places, visiting a nudist camp and many more. Her newest book is the story of her adventures that is funny, informative and Young hopes that her story may inspire others to start their own list. “It doesn’t have to be a bucket list of things you want to do before you die. I have never liked that term; but instead a list of new things to try and to get out there and live life to the fullest.”
Some of the items on the list were thought of by Young herself, others were suggested by friends, and some were spur of the moment decisions. “Shaving my head was the first thing I did. I had always wanted to do it and thought I would start things off with a bang. There are definitely some things that I plan to continue with, like taking harp lessons and learning to speak German.”
Although some of the things she chose were terrifying; such as the tandem parachute jump and going to the nudist camp; Young has no regrets. “When opportunity knocks, put a robe on and answer the door! Try stuff that you have never done before and don’t limit yourself. For me, the nudist camp was the one I was most nervous about, but it was awesome. I was going to go back again this year, but because of COVID, I had to cancel.”
This book marks the eighth book that Young has had published; however, it is the first one that she self-published.
The eBook for “60 THINGS: A Year To Remember”, is available now on Kindle or Kobo for $6.99, with the print book coming out this fall. For more information about Young’s year-long adventure, visit http://dianneyoung.ca/my-60-things/.