Birthday goals

Some people set goals and resolve to do new things at the New Year. New Orleanians often set goals on Ash Wednesday after the weeks of Mardi Gras parading and partying crescendo on Fat Tuesday. When I was 48, I set a birthday goal – I would get my splits back by my 50th birthday.

I started stretching for an hour twice a week and started a new tradition – my annual birthday splits photo. 

Rather than write my thoughts, I thought I'd talk to you about the experience and how I came to ask – How many ways have I held myself back with limiting beliefs?

The bottom line is – I was going to turn 50 anyway...

I've now had 2 other women-over-50 tell me they were inspired to try – and have gotten their splits! One does an annual photo as well. I can't tell you how happy that makes me to see others just trying stuff. Setting big goals. Daring to fail.

Birthdays in New Orleans

New Orleans has a gift for celebrating – it’s an amazing place to have a birthday and celebrate you! The most unique tradition here is to pin money to your chest.

Laura CayouetteLaura Cayouette

If you're going to have birthdays anyway, why not use them as a way to birth new habits? I have no idea how long I'll be able to carry on my annual photo tradition, but I'm inspired by fashion designer, Betsey Johnson. At 83, she's still doing the splits at her runway shows and on red carpets!

On The Red Carpet on Instagram: “83-year-old fashion designer Betsey Johnson does a split on the Elton John #Oscars Party carpet!”

10K likes, 136 comments - ontheredcarpet on March 15, 2026: “83-year-old fashion designer Betsey Johnson does a split on the Elton John #Oscars Party carpet!”.

Instagram

Thanks for reading! I hope this inspired you to dare to live your calling. 

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