30 by 30 Bucket List
30? Already?! It’s hard to believe sometimes, but yes, I’ll turn 30 on June 5th, 2021. Being a milestone birthday, full of thoughts and feelings, I figured it was the perfect time to do what I do best – make a to-do list. But, make it fun, big, adventurous, dream and goal worthy!
I will note that I started writing this list right around the time I turned 29, when we thought COVID might be over by now. I am definitely editing a bit, but also keeping things I know may not happen because I always like to dream big and shoot for the stars. Also, maybe there’s room to get creative and make some of the items happen, just a little differently. 2020 has definitely taught us about changing plans and making the best of the worst.
I hope this list inspires you to make your own. Even if it’s a 40 by 40 or 10 by 35 or maybe 20 by 2021 or even by 2022. Written out goals are great and help remind you where you want to head in life. Just remember to never get so lost in your goals that you can’t give yourself grace if things don’t happen quite as you planned. As a perfectionist planner, I get it, that’s hard but we can do hard things.
So here we go, 8 months left to check off my 30 things to do by 30 Bucket List!
Once upon a time, you were a little girl with big dreams that you promised you would make real someday. Don’t disappoint yourself.
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1. Get a Job –
Due to COVID, I lost my job. For the first time in almost 10 years, I am unemployed and it has been a roller coaster of emotions, to say the least. I was in the event industry at a beautiful new venue and unfortunately, events were one of the first things to stop and still aren’t fully back in action. Although it is hard sometimes, I am truly looking forward to a new opportunity and a chance to grow and learn. I think this chapter will bring me to an amazing job and a new beginning.
2. Embrace Moving to a New City and Possibly a New State –
This makes me both very excited and very nervous. Moving will come with a new job and I want to fully embrace the new beginning. The idea of leaving California is intimidating, but now is the perfect time in my life for a new adventure! I want to embrace a new city and challenge myself to go out and do things even if it’s alone.
3. Go to a National Park –
There are so many beautiful parks in the United States and now seems like a great time to check a new one off the list. I love hiking, exploring & taking in scenic views. Yosemite and Joshua Tree are my top two in California. Would love to explore one in a new state too! Road trip anyone?
4. Girls Trip –
My friends are what keeps me together in this crazy life. I miss the days in high school/college where we were always together from grabbing dinner, getting ready for events or just lounging around talking. There was no real catching up needed because we lived through it together. I talk to my friends frequently, but still would love to take a trip with some of my besties! Nothing beats that time together while learning and exploring in a new place!
5. Budget Tracking –
I have always been pretty good about saving my money and investing, but I want to have a better system in place to see the bigger picture. I’d like to get more focused and organized with the details of my spending and saving. This will help me have a better idea of my finances and hold myself accountable. Having information on all of my accounts in one place will be very helpful. Doing this will be a great step for my future, as I hope to buy a house and continue to travel the world.
6. Go to a Professional Sports Game or Concert –
Due to coronavirus both concerts and major league sports have been cancelled for a long time, but I am hoping before 30 I’ll be able to enjoy one of these events. I’ll happily pay for that overpriced beer and garlic fries!
7. Take a Dance or Kickboxing/Boxing Class –
Yes, I know these are very different. I think both would be fun new ways to get my body moving and learn some new things. I am also not the most coordinated and would be nervous about doing either of these so I would be very proud of this accomplishment.
8. Garden –
Who doesn’t love fresh herbs, citrus or tomatoes? Where I live next will determine what I have room to grow and what I will be able to grow, but I’d love to start having some fresh goodies at home. I have started with some herbs, but not sure if it counts because I have my mom’s help currently. This woman has two green thumbs! Hopefully I can take some of that with me when I move.
9. Do Something that Scares Me –
Rafting, public speaking, cage diving with sharks…I’m not sure what this one will look like, but I’m a believer in getting out of your comfort zone and taking risks to grow and learn. I am not a thrill seeker by any means so I won’t be jumping out an airplane but something to get me sweating a bit.
10. Run in a Race –
Friends, I am not a runner. However, I enjoy a good fitness related challenge to push myself. I’ve always liked the idea of this accomplishment so figured I’d add it on here. Yes, even a 5k would count.
11. Read or Listen to 30 Books –
I have started this and already have some favorites! I enjoy reading, but am not great about taking the time to do it. The biggest game-changer for me this year has been audiobooks. Until quarantine, I had never listened to a book, but now I have never “read” books so fast in my life. Although I love having the real deal, I have really enjoyed being able to walk, cook or fold laundry while enjoying a story. I have a big list of books so I just need to take the time to continue to read or listen to them.
12. Watch 30 Documentaries –
I have my tv shows that I watch and I enjoy, but have wanted to watch more documentaries to learn about different things. There are so many amazing ones out there, but please feel free to offer recommendations. So far I’ve learned about Barbie, human trafficking, some National Parks, different public figures, the prison system and more.
13. Trip with my Mom –
My mom and I have gone on 3 different big trips together since I graduated from college and they are some of my favorite memories with her. As she gets older, I treasure the time even more – “I can always make more money, but I can’t make more time.” I will be checking this one off soon and I can’t wait. We are going to Fort Bragg/Mendocino for a coastal getaway! Making the trip even more special, it’s where we went every Easter vacation growing up. I’ll also be doing a blog entry for anyone else wanting to vacation there; make sure to subscribe here if you want to see it
14. Get Another Earring Piercing (or three) –
One of my best friends can vouch that I have talked about getting a helix (top of my ear) piercing for a long time, so it needs to get done. I’m also now considering a 3rd hole in my ears too. Not sure, but a least one will happen.
15. Meditation & Gratitude Journaling –
Have you read the benefits?! Insert mind blown emoji. There is a lot for both of these! It’s seriously amazing how something so little can be so impactful. With that being said, I still struggle to work this into my routine and really would love to have it be a regular part of my days. I’m going to try to get to 3 days a week at least.
16. Continue Therapy (as needed) –
Therapy is rough. It can be expensive. There’s a lot of time and work involved. It can feel like you aren’t getting anywhere or it can feel like a waste. BUT, it’s a marathon, not a sprint. I had had about 27 years of life before I started therapy, which means that a lot of time and experiences that have made me into who I am. That is going to be a lot to process, figure out where to start, and to work through. So here I am at 29, I go every once and a while currently, but I know it has definitely helped me. I need to continue to make it a priority, even if it’s just a check-in type session. Therapy has changed my life for the better, so even though I still have the above thoughts, I ultimately know it’s worth it.
17. Watch the Sunrise in an Amazing Place x 10 –
Give me a beautiful sky and I am a happy girl, but I am more of a sunset chaser. I have caught many sunsets, but not too many sunrises (while at a 6am gym class doesn’t count, ha). It is a struggle for me to get up early in the morning, but love the feeling when I’ve already accomplished a lot by 9:00am. I also really like the peacefulness of a morning. Catching the sunrise in a beautiful setting would not only give me the serenity and happiness of seeing it, but also the ability to start my day much earlier than I would otherwise. I added 10x because again numbers make the goal more tangible.
18. Compliment Myself Out Loud –
Trying to channel this girls vibes with this one. Speaking that good juju, positive vibes and getting your head in the right space is important. Daily affirmations, especially when talking out loud to yourself, seem a little weird, but the benefits are proven. Who doesn’t need a little pep talk every now and then? Do it on the daily and you’ll be next level motivated! It’s another easy and beneficial item to check off as I get ready in the morning. I’m going to try to make this a weekly thing to give myself a tangible goal. Maybe a weekend thing, because honestly weekends can be tough for me. Give it a try too! I. Am. Smart. I. Am. Beautiful. I. Am. Strong.
19. Weekend Trip –
Taking advantage of where I live & what/who is nearby. I don’t really like driving, especially by myself, but I have regretted not taking the time to visit friends more or explore other cities within driving distance. I’ll think of time, cost and other excuses to not make the plans, but whenever I do a weekend trip I never regret it. Checked this one off by spending time with a girlfriend from college. Still hoping to do more though.
20. Clean Out Digital Feed –
Delete phone numbers, unfollow, get rid of apps, delete emails, unsubscribe from emails, delete/organize photos – I do some of this slowly in little chunks but I really need to completely do it. It’ll help me to have a clean slate, get more organized and not waste time with things I don’t want or need.
21. Night Out Dancing –
This used to be a weekly college occurrence and while I don’t want that exact experience (ha), I miss just a good dance party with my girlfriends. Singing and laughing and just living in the moment. I am not a good dancer by any means but I love it!
22. DIY Projects with my Dad –
My dad had his own painting business for over 30 years and is extremely crafty. I have learned a lot from him and got my creative side from him too. There are a few projects we have talked about doing together and started, but need to get going on them and finish. One is a vintage type tray that I want make some changes to and add glass to it so I can hang it on a wall filled with little memories and things that make me smile. Another is staining an old full length mirror with a stand of my mom’s. I love having special pieces from my family and learning new DIY methods from my Dad.
23. Continue to Work Out at Least 5x a Week –
Working out not only makes to feel physically stronger and more confident about my body, it greatly improves my mental health. I can always tell if I have or haven’t worked out. Also, like getting up early, I never really want to start a work out but once I get going or it’s over, I am always happy.
25. Be More Sustainable –
There are a number of things I do already to be more “green”, but I’m always interested in learning more and seeing what I can do in my life to help. I love our earth and I want to educate myself and use that knowledge to do the best I can. Yes, I know this will be nowhere near perfect, but something is better than nothing.
26. Continue to Donate –
Something happens or causes come up every year that compel me to donate – a friend running in race, families affected by the Camp Fire, the fight for equal justice, an event for the Hearst Cancer Resource Center and many more. While I can’t donate to all the causes every year I know how important donations are from $10 – $100,000 so I will continue to give what I can where I can. *I also always love gifts that give back or donations that have a matching contribution*
27. Paint or Learn Calligraphy –
I am a very creative person and love DIY projects and crafts. However, I haven’t done any painting for a long time. Using gold foil and trying something more abstract to put up in my house has been on my list for a while now. I have all the items, just need to take the time to do it. I have also had learning calligraphy on my list for years. It’s again just one of those things that I need to dedicate the time to learning and doing. Practice makes perfect, right?
28. Go-To List of Recipes –
I want to learn new recipes, so I can have some easy yet delicious ones on hand to make for any occasion that comes up. Sometimes I cook, sometimes I don’t; I go through phases. When I do lways try to cook semi healthy and like being able to make things easily for friends or myself. I have started on this & found a few favorites like the this one pictured and linked here from Half Baked Harvest.
29. Make My South Africa ScrApbook & Start a New One –
I started scrapbooking all of my trips after college. This is really when I started traveling and although it takes time and is a little bit of a cost investment – I love them. It’s more of a photo album than a scrapbook, but I do save menus, postcards, business cards, and other items along the way to add to it. Adding written notes about things I learned and loved also help me to remember when I look back. I went to South Africa with TBA Escapes in November of 2019 and am currently working on the album. I also want to start one of the smaller 2020 trips. PS more to come on this trip and others -check out my travels page here to see what’s coming.
30. Grow my Blog & my Career Skill Set –
I think there is a definite theme of growth in my 30 things by my 30th list, which I love and is very reflective of who I am as a person. I always want to learn, grow and work on being the best version of myself. Not having any idea when I will find a new job, I want to use this time to work on some things that will help me in my career field specifically. Learning SEO, how to blog, design social media posts, best practices, techniques marketing and customer service, the power of Pinterest, project management, budgeting for a business…the list goes on and on. All of this will help me as I interview and create the life that I want for myself and future family.
*BONUS* 31. Go on a Date –
If this isn’t the most 2020 thing… I don’t really love dating and haven’t been doing it during a pandemic (zoom dating is not for me.) I also get really nervous before a date, like sweating and butterflies. Sometimes I’m not my best self because of it, but it’s kind of like applying for jobs – if you don’t try and put yourself out there, you won’t ever get the job or in the dating world, a husband.
I know that’s not very romantic, but hey, just calling it like I see it. This isn’t a Hallmark Movie and Mr. Right won’t just bump into me at a Christmas tree lighting or knock on my front door. I know, I know, these things do happen sometimes but usually some effort is needed. While dating is certainly not a priority right now and I honestly believe that part of my life will work out how it’s supposed to, I’m adding this as a bonus because it’s my birthday list and I’ll do what I want to.
There it is – my 30 things I want to do before I turn 30 Bucket List! I hope this inspires you to make your own 30 by 30 bucket list or one for your next milestone birthday, for the year, or even your life. Whether you call them goals, to-dos, or dreams it all gives you something to work towards, focus on, be excited about, and feel accomplished once complete. Dream big! Have fun with it! Wish me luck on checking off all 30 things I want to do by 30! & subscribe here to follow along.
Never give up a dream just because of the time it will take to accomplish it. The time will pass anyway.
Earl Nightingale
