Last weekend Shaun and I were at lunch with my cousin and her boyfriend and we were talking about how she had just turned 30 and Shaun will be turning 30 in August. I still have a little over 2 years but it got me thinking about turning 30. 30 can be such a milestone for some people with what they want to accomplish by that age. The more I thought about it the more I wanted to write a post on things to do before you’re 30. And maybe 30 isn’t your milestone. Maybe it’s a different age and that’s okay, but whatever age it is you should have certain goals you want to reach. For me, it’s these things.

Do something you’re afraid of.

This can be anything from karaoke to scuba diving. Whatever it is that frightens you (but you’re not quite sure why), do it. I am deathly afraid of heights but within the next year I’d like to skydive. I think when we do things that we’re afraid of it reminds us that we’re alive. It reminds us that we’re perfectly imperfect. I was always terrified to get up and do karaoke and I did it with my friend Joey a few years back and it’s one of my best memories. I was terrible. But it makes me smile.

Visit both coasts.

I think traveling to both coasts is invigorating. You will view the world much differently. You may hate it completely. You also may fall totally in love with it. The coasts couldn’t be any more different. That’s why I think it’s important you visit both.

Quit a job.

Now, I don’t think you should pack up your bags and just stop showing up one day. Especially if it’s a good job. But if you’re working somewhere that doesn’t suit you, doesn’t fuel you, and doesn’t respect you, you should quit. I think it’s important to have a plan for when you leave, like another job lined up or a savings account. But there is something so refreshing about leaving a place that isn’t meant for you. Speaking of which…

Move out of state.

This will make you or break you. Or both. I’ve made a lot of big decisions in my life but I think the most important one I’ve ever made was to move out of state. Michigan was all I ever knew. I had traveled a ton but had never picked up and left. This was such an eye-opening experience for me that I want to spend the rest of my life doing it. There’s something to be said about moving somewhere and learning how different people live and adjusting to a different way of life.

Leave the country.

I’ve been to quite a few countries and islands and most of them I traveled to at a young age. This changed my life in so many ways. I’ll never forget being in Jamaica at 12 years old. This little girl lived on the resort because her Aunt was the nurse there and she saw me writing in my journal one day. She couldn’t get over how cool my pen was. (It was one of those where you could push down the lever depending on which color you wanted to use.) She had never seen anything like it. I had about 5 more at home. I’ll never forget the way her eyes lit up when I let her keep it. This is another one of those experiences that no one can ever take from you. Seeing how other people live really humbles you and makes you appreciate home.

Get rid of the toxic people.

Identify who they are and get rid of them. You can read my whole post about that here. You will never be able to fully grow into who you are meant to be if you don’t do this.

Fall in love.

Fall head over heels for someone. Even if that means getting your heart broken. This will teach you how strong you can truly be.

Buy something you’ve always wanted.

Bonus points if it’s expensive. Buy the thing you’ve always had your eyes on. Pay for it in cash. For me, this was a Louis Vuitton bag. For you it might be the trip of a lifetime. Have you always wanted to go to Europe? Go.

Work as a server.

Even if it’s just for the summer. Or a month. If everyone had to do this at some point in their lives I think we would have more respect and appreciation for servers.

Find your passion.

I just talked about this recently, too. You can find the blog post here. Don’t just go to your 9-5 every day and call that living. Find out what you love, and do it. Bonus if you can make money from it!

Discover your toxic traits.

And work on them. I am very type A. OCD. Organized. Rigid. I don’t see anything wrong with this however that doesn’t mean everyone else feels the same way. I’m very crazy about how the dishwasher gets loaded, etc. and will literally rearrange your dishwasher in your house if it doesn’t make sense to me. I’m sorry in advance. I’m a work in progress.

Forgive those who’ve hurt you.

“If you never heal from what hurt you, you’ll bleed on people who didn’t cut you.” Forgive them. It’s their loss.

Forgive yourself.

If you feel upset with yourself for letting a toxic person back into your life, or for losing your dream job, or carrying an extra 10 pounds, let it go. Forgive yourself. And move on. More self love and less self blame. Hold yourself accountable but don’t dwell on it.

Learn to say no.

Learn how to tell people no. Whether it’s your boss who constantly asks you to stay late, an ex who wants you back, or a friend who demands too much of you.

Pay off any debt and build your credit.

This is important, especially if you want to get out of the rut of renting and eventually buy a house. Download free apps like Credit Karma or talk to a financial advisor to steer you in the right direction.

Build healthy habits.

Go to the gym, meditate, drink more water, read the Bible. It looks different for everyone. Find something that makes you feel good and is good for you and make it a habit.

Learn a new language.

You don’t have to master it but you should at least try. I downloaded Duolingo and it’s a free but amazing way to learn.

See a Broadway show.

Or go to the Opera, a big sports game, a concert, or a stand up comedy show. Anything that you think you’ll enjoy. Bonus if it’s your favorite play or favorite team!

Road trip by yourself.

I’ve done this quite a few times since moving here. I don’t think I realized how much I needed to do it until I did it. Just me, my music, and my own thoughts.

Learn to live in the moment.

This is something I’m personally working on. I’m such a planner and the biggest road block I hit is enjoying the moment. I’m constantly thinking about where to next, how much work I have at home, and any stressful project I’m working on at that time.

I think it’s so important to make your own list and cross things off as you go. Hold yourself accountable instead of making excuses. Stop saying you’re too busy. Busy is an excuse. Make your list of things you want to accomplish by whatever age you choose and start tackling it. Life is short. Enjoy it!