Here’s to a brand new year of happiness in the making, adventure for the taking and 365 days full of wishes just waiting to come true.
Today, January 16th, I turn 29! To some, this might be one more terrifying step closer to 30, but to me it is an opportunity to figure out what I want to accomplish in the last year of my twenties! When I was younger, I had a vision of what 30 might look like. Now looking back on those wishes, most of them have become less important, and the items that have become more important are things that help me live life to the fullest (things that put a smile on my face)!
I have created a list of 30 activities and goals to accomplish before I am 30!
Personal Life
Invest in Myself
Self-development: Try things that will better myself. My future self will thank me!
Expand my Culinary Skills
Make a new dinner dish once a month.
Be ‘Present’
It is easy to get sucked into the age of technology: where you look around a room and everyone is on their phones. My goal is to ‘be present’ when I am in a room with someone. Engage in conversation. Pay attention to what they are saying.
Invest More Time Into Things I Love
Make time for creativity! Scrapbooking, crafting, photography, and so many more. Things that make my heart happy!
Embrace Simplicity
Sometimes simplicity is key! There is so much clutter and chaos in the world, sometimes we just need simplicity! Have a major clean out or follow along with my Organize Your House: 12 Month Challenge Blog and declutter throughout 2017, one room at a time!
Learn to Play a Musical Instrument
Celebrate Milestones
When we are young, the smallest of things get celebrated (lifting our head, rolling over, etc). Why can’t that be the case now that we are grown-ups as well?! Break the everyday life routine and take a second to celebrate. When you do something you have never done before, celebrate it! No matter how big (you got your dream job) or small (hitting a personal best at work or in a race) the milestone may be, celebrate it!
Send More Snail Mail
Thank You Cards, Birthday Cards, Just a Hello, etc.
Unplug for 24 Hours
Mental
Follow a Devotional Series
Expand My Knowledge
Be curious. Ask more questions. Engage in conversations with people I wouldn’t typically talk to and have conversations I wouldn’t typical have.
Overcome a Fear
Sometimes fears hold you back, so don’t let them. Take steps to overcome a fear I have.
Stop Fixating on Things I Cannot Control
For the Future
Create a 40 Before 40 List
Write a Will
I know… a little morbid, but there is no better time than the present to get things done.
Start a New Savings Account
Start a new savings account to save for the down payment on our next house. No, we do not plan on moving soon, but this is a good way to prepare.
Healthy Living
Use my Vacation Days
Vacation days are set to instill relaxation, creativity and rejuvenation. So when you return, you are refreshed and more productive. I don’t typical take all of my vacation day… This year, that will be different!
Maximize My Health
Drink more water, get more exercise, get more sleep, but also have a treat when I want one! Feel healthy, strong and vibrant!
Go to Sleep Earlier and Wake Up Earlier
Giving Back
Volunteer for a Cause I am Passionate About
I volunteer work here and there, I run races that benefit a specific foundation, but I have not picked a foundation or cause and gone head over heels in on it. That is my goal this year! Be passionate about a cause!
Acts of Kindness
Continue #BoxwoodBlissChristmasSpirit year round! It is really easy to get swept up in our busy everyday lives, so this will be a good reminder to think about others first. I am well aware that an act of kindness here and there is not going to change the major issues in the world, but after my December acts of kindness, I have noticed that one act of kindness can change a person’s entire day!
Professional Life
Blog More Consistently
Be an Overachiever, Not Just an Achiever
Don’t be complacent. Instead of just getting my work done, go a step further.
Accomplish One Big Goal-Oriented Activity a Week
Tracking this process will make it easier to achieve the goals at hand. Proactive instead of procrastination.
Travel
Have More Adventures
Take more day trips. Explore!
Visit 30 U.S. States
I’ve already been to 27. Now it’s time to choose which states to visit!
Friends and Relationships
Throw a Big Party
Every year I say I am going to host a super festive New Year’s party, and every year I decide against it. This year I want to stick to my plans and host a party! Whether it be a New Year’s party or a big dinner party with my friends, hosting is something I love to do, so what’s stopping me?
Travel with My Best Friend
Family
Create a family tree
It is always interesting to hear about your family’s history. How they impacted the family or the town they lived in. I have no doubt, what I find out will interest me!
Remember How Important Small Romantic Gestures Are
I know there are several of you out there that are on the verge of turning 30 also, or maybe you are on the verge of 40. Whatever age you might be. If you have not made a 30 before 30 list for yourself, I would highly recommend it!! You can use things off my list, or make a list entirely on your own! But do it! Set some activities and goals that make life full of adventure, blessings and love!
Here’s to a brand new year of happiness in the making, adventure for the taking and 365 days full of wishes just waiting to come true.
