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The Ethel Spring Forward Challenge
The Ethel Spring Forward Challenge brought together over 1,000 Ethels in a journey of stepping outside their comfort zones and embracing personal growth. While this challenge has ended, we are already thinking about what’s next!
Subscribe to The Ethel Newsletter to hear about our next challenge.
Continue to Spring Forward
You did it! You rose to the challenge with an eye toward strengthening your resilience and self-confidence. How does it feel?
You’re capable of doing anything you set your mind to. And remember, just because the challenge has come to an end, it doesn’t mean you can’t continue moving forward and growing. Because as the seasons change, so can we!
Let us know what you think about this challenge by participating in the featured Facebook polls in The Ethel Challenge private Facebook group. It should take less than 5 minutes. Your feedback reinforces the growth you’ve made and helps us improve future challenges.
See the previous week’s challenges!
As the seasons change, so do we. Spring reminds us that there’s always time to build a life you love and grow anew. This week’s theme, Blooming Beginnings, is all about easing into that growth with simple changes, reconnections, and gratitude. Let’s start this challenge off strong and open-minded to see what blooms!
1. Try a new type of tea, coffee, or snack you haven't tasted before.
Explore without overcommitting. Even switching things up in a small way is a nice step towards expanding your comfort zone and feeling a sense of accomplishment.
Tip: Ask friends, family members or fellow participants in the closed Facebook group for their top recommendation. Still unsure? Combine the new with something familiar to make trying the new flavor easier.
2. Reach out to a friend you haven’t heard from in months.
You don’t need to grow a whole garden to do something meaningful; even one flower or herb is a step toward blooming! Whether you’re new to gardening or have a green thumb, connecting with nature is a great way to connect with yourself.
Tip: Acknowledge the gap without guilt. Something as simple as, “I was just thinking of you. How have you been?” feels genuine, kind and the perfect way to reconnect.
BONUS: Begin a gratitude journal
Write down one thing you're grateful for each day. Even small moments matter; practicing gratitude can transform your perspective.
It can become easy to go through days on autopilot and fall into a routine that starts to feel like a rut. So, start this week by taking a moment to pause and reflect on what’s behind you and what lies ahead. Spring forward to the challenge by completing another round of small, low-stakes activities to refresh your mind and body. As always, we will continue to cheer you on.
1. Try a new recipe from another culture
Cook an easy, low-effort meal with a family member, friend, or even alone! Don’t want to cook? Remove the stress by ordering takeout from a nearby place you haven’t tried before.
Tip: Begin with an easy-to-follow recipe on YouTube. Look for short videos with fewer ingredients! For some inspo, here’s an article with four easy-to-follow recipes to celebrate Cinco de Mayo: 4 Easy Recipes To Celebrate Cinco de Mayo. Prefer takeout? Find a restaurant that delivers right to your home.
2. Try a quick 10-minute stretch, dance, or yoga video online
Try a quick 10-minute stretch, dance, or yoga routine with the help of an online video. Even a small amount of exercise can be good for both your body and mind. Not only can movement improve your overall health, but it can also help stave off some serious diseases like diabetes.
Tip: Begin your next move with this AARP 10-Minute Balance and Stretch Workout! Or explore AARP Fitness to find a video comfortable for you!
BONUS: Clean out your junk drawer or closet
Spring calls for spring cleaning! Refresh and organize your space by tidying up an overflowing junk drawer or a cluttered closet.
Tip: Make four piles—toss, donate, keep, and relocate—to help you quickly organize the items.
We know trying new things can be intimidating. It's easier to stay within our comfort zones, but then, when will we grow? Start this week on the right foot by doing that thing you've always said you’d do but never did. Whether it's finally starting your own garden or reading that book sitting on your nightstand, challenge yourself to do it this week.
1. Start reading a new book
Books can introduce us to new ideas and perspectives — whether in fiction or nonfiction. Each page can spark a new conversation. Tell those in the Challenge Facebook group about the book you’ve chosen.
Tip: Don’t have a specific book in mind? Find your next read in our AARP newsletter: What to Read Next & Author Insights | The Ethel Books Center. And check out our Girlfriend Book Club, a private Facebook group for women who love to read.
2. Plant one of your favorite herbs or flowers
You don’t need to grow a whole garden to do something meaningful; even one flower or herb is a step toward blooming! Whether you’re new to gardening or have a green thumb, connecting with nature is a great way to connect with yourself.
Tip: Begin with simple, low-maintenance plants! Don’t have outdoor space for gardening? An indoor plant on a sunny windowsill works just as well.
BONUS: Play a game in our AARP Games Center
Spend a few stress-free minutes with AARP’s online Game Center.
Tip: Try a game you’ve never played before. But remember to give your eyes and mind breaks between all the fun.
It’s time to step out and show up for things outside your immediate circle. This week is all about engaging with your community. Visit new places, meet new people—they might introduce you to something you never knew you enjoyed! And if you find that something isn’t for you, that’s okay too! Stepping out of your comfort zone is all about getting to know yourself better.
1. Plan a day trip or an overnight excursion to somewhere you've never been.
If you're an AARP member, see if there are any discounts available: AARP Travel Center: Member Deals on Hotels, Flights, Vacations & Car Rentals
Even if it's just a Saturday morning visit to your local farmers' market, planning an outing will give you something to look forward to.
Tip: Keep an open mind. Even if it’s not ‘your thing,’ spending just 30 minutes visiting a new spot could help you learn something new or meet a new friend.
2. Introduce yourself to someone new.
Whether it's a neighbor or your postal worker, introduce yourself. And just maybe you'll make a new friend!
Tip: Keep it simple! A smile, eye contact, and a cheerful “hello” are often all it takes to brighten someone’s day.
BONUS: Register for a free AARP class or event.
Discover upcoming local and online events to meet new people and try new things: www.aarp.org/events/find/
Tip: Keep it light, since the focus is on enjoying quality time with yourself, not on mastering a new skill or attending a lengthy event.
Taking a moment to reflect gives you space to consider all you’ve accomplished. Even if you only completed a few tasks, looking back on your progress can motivate you to keep trying new things in the future. View reflection as a powerful tool for personal growth and use this final week to practice mindfulness for what’s ahead. Remember, just like the seasons change, so can we!
1. Make a list of 5 things you want to accomplish this year
Studies show that writing down goals significantly increases success rates.
Tip: Create a mix of high-effort ambitions and smaller intentions that are easily achievable so that there’s a balance.
2. Listen to one AARP podcast — your choice!
Podcasts can be a fun way to learn something new, stimulate your brain, and release stress. Find something that feeds your curiosity.
Tip: Not sure where to start? You can visit A Beginner’s Guide to Listening to Podcasts to find your next listen!
BONUS: Take a mindful walk around your neighborhood
Finish the challenge on the right foot by taking a mindful walk to reflect on this month’s activities. Perhaps take a different route than normal. How did it go? Which tasks were the hardest? Which challenges led to positive results? Would you do a similar challenge again?
Tip: Share your experiences in the Challenge Facebook group and in our end-of-challenge Facebook Polls, which will be posted throughout this week. Doing so will reinforce the growth you’ve made and help us improve future challenges.
For frequently asked questions, like how to join the chat, scroll down to the FAQ section on this page.
You’re Not Doing This Alone
The real magic of this challenge? The women doing it alongside you.
Inside our Private Facebook group, you can:
- Share wins (big or small)
- Ask questions or get encouragement
- See how others are stepping forward
You’re Not Doing This Alone
The real magic of this challenge? The women doing it alongside you.
Inside our Private Facebook group, you can:
- Share wins (big or small)
- Ask questions or get encouragement
- See how others are stepping forward
You’re Not Doing This Alone
The real magic of this challenge? The women doing it alongside you.
Inside our Private Facebook group, you can:
- Share wins (big or small)
- Ask questions or get encouragement
- See how others are stepping forward
You’re Not Doing This Alone
The real magic of this challenge? The women doing it alongside you.
Inside our Private Facebook group, you can:
- Share wins (big or small)
- Ask questions or get encouragement
- See how others are stepping forward
You’re Not Doing This Alone
The real magic of this challenge? The women doing it alongside you.
Inside our Private Facebook group, you can:
- Share wins (big or small)
- Ask questions or get encouragement
- See how others are stepping forward
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Your Chance to Win While You Grow
This sweepstakes has ended.
Participants could enter for a chance to win a Grand Prize Bundle of Ethel Store products, including Sunglasses, Tumbler, Tote and more! NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Ended Friday, May 8th, 11:59 PM Eastern Time.
FAQ
To join The Ethel Challenge Facebook group community:
Step 1: Log in using your Facebook account.
Step 2: Click this Facebook group link and press “Join Group” to request access to the community.
It’s that simple! All of the members of the Facebook group will be participating in the Challenge along with you.
No, The Ethel Spring Forward Challenge is completely free. You only need an aarp.org account to sign up. There is no cost to create an account, and an AARP membership is not required.
No, an AARP membership is not required. You only need an aarp.org account to sign up, and creating an account is free.
You will receive your first Challenge email on April 5th, 2026. After that, you’ll receive weekly challenge emails on Sundays through May 3rd, plus discussion prompts in The Ethel Challenge Facebook group, in which you can connect and share with other women also doing the Challenge. At the end of the pilot, we would love to gather your feedback and details on your experience through an emailed survey.
Each Sunday until May 3rd, you’ll receive two new tasks designed to help you step outside your comfort zone and stimulate personal growth. But don’t feel as though you have to do it all. Completing even one task takes you one step further outside your comfort zone.
Connect with other participants in The Ethel Challenge Facebook group, where you can share your experience via posts and comments.
A mix of both, so you can participate in what fits your lifestyle best. Every Sunday, we will email you with two activities. But don’t feel as though you have to do both – pick what works for you. Completing even one task takes you one step further outside your comfort zone. Share your success on your social channels, challenge friends to also participate, and connect with other participants in The Ethel Challenge Facebook group, a friendly space for sharing experiences and encouragement.
Yes, we aim to provide a mix of activities for women from all walks of life. Every Sunday, we will email you with two activities; choose whichever your body is comfortable with completing. Completing even one task takes you one step further outside your comfort zone. You’ll also have access to The Ethel Challenge Facebook group, a friendly virtual space for sharing experiences and encouragement.
Throughout this pilot program, we hope to provide a variety of activities suitable for women from all walks of life. You can modify to fit your goals and intentions for this challenge. Completing even one task takes you one step further outside your comfort zone. You can see how other participants complete their challenges in The Ethel Challenge Facebook group, a friendly virtual space for sharing experiences and encouragement.
This sweepstakes has ended.
Participants could enter for a chance to win a Grand Prize Bundle of Ethel Store products, including Sunglasses, Tumbler, Tote and more! NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Ended Friday, May 8th, 11:59 PM Eastern Time.
Show us how you're showing up for yourself this Spring! For a chance to be featured in The Ethel newsletter, on the website, as well as on other social media platforms—just make sure you fill out the DocuSign release form: PowerForm Signer Information | Docusign. This form allows us to post the photos you post, only with your consent!
If you experience issues, please reach out to aarpethel@aarp.org for assistance.
If you have trouble logging into your AARP.org account to sign up, please try the following steps:
- Try resetting your password.
- Clear your cookies and cache, and ensure your browser is up to date.
- Close and reopen your browser and try logging in again.
If you continue to experience issues, email aarpethel@aarp.org for assistance.
Find Friendship & Community
The Ethel Community supports and celebrates women in their 50s, 60s, 70s and beyond through our Social Groups. Find the one that suits you best or join them all!
Local Gathering Groups
Meet new friends in your area or virtually. Or start a new Ethel Gathering Group near you!
The Ethel Circle
Join other women in the convo on navigating aging. Uplift each other and break stereotypes.
Ethel On-the-Go
Join a like-minded community of travelers who prove you're never too old for adventure.