I’m not sure why, but I had a very hard time turning 30 this year. I was married at 19, had my first baby at 20 and my last at 27. I have lived like a 30 year old for quite a few years. But going from your 20’s to 30’s just seems so… grown up! There are quite a few things in my daily routine that I have changed for the better. As I thought about those, I started to think about all the things I’ve done or wish I would have done by the age of 30. Here’s a list of things I think women (and men) should do by the time they turn 30.

---

Travel
I’ve been lucky enough to travel quite a bit around the country in my day. But 1 thing I wish I would have done by now was travel outside of the country. Of course, having children makes it a bit harder to travel. But even within the U.S., I think it is important to explore new places. If you take vacations to the same spot every year, try switching it up once. Instead of Myrtle Beach, try going to the Gulf coast of Florida. If cost is no issue, travel out of the country! And if you are a couple with children, I urge you to go at least once every other year and take a trip as a couple, with no children! It is not selfish. In fact, it shows your kids the importance of making your relationship a priority, and it lets you both recharge as parents!

Start Journaling
The older we get, the easier it is for the negativities of life to bring us down. Daily journaling is a great way to stay positive and start each day with a fresh start!

Own a pet
I don’t care if you own a fish or a horse, a pet is a good way for you to take responsibility for something other than yourself!

Volunteer
It could be at a hospital, food pantry, or animal shelter; anywhere you are helping without an ulterior motive.

Create a workout routine
Guys, when I say turning 30 changed my body, it literally changed everything about my body. Yes, I had 4 kids and that changes a body too, but Good Lord up in Heaven, 30 got me. I noticed that it was much easier to put on the weight, and much harder to take it off. Things started wiggling and drooping that I didn’t know could wiggle or droop. Severe fatigue is a constant struggle. And aches and pains become a daily part of life.
So when I started to workout consistently, it was a bit discouraging at first. I didn’t see changes nearly as fast as I used to. One thing I wish I would have done is started healthier habits earlier. 30 is not old, by any means, but it sure is enough time to get “set in your ways,” making it a lot harder to start something new!

Take a cooking class

Visit a memorial
There are historical memorials all over the world. Step back in time and learn new things about history or different cultures

Take a girls trip
This can be a yearly occurrence or once in a blue moon, just do it. Friendships refuel the soul and is an essential of life even after marriage and kids.

Go Tent Camping
This is something I used to do all the time as a child and I LOVED it. I still have yet to take my family, but it is on the bucket list. Is sleeping on the ground ideal? Not really. But the memories made will be unforgettable.

Pay it forward
Whether you pay for someone’s coffee or an entire meal, do what you can, when you can, to pay it forward!

Donate
Donate time, clothes, household items, whatever you can. Donate something without expecting anything back in return!

Learn a different language
You don’t have to speak fluently, just enough to be able to communicate if the opportunity ever arose.

Chop your hair
Okay, I know I do hair so I’m a bit bias, but I’m telling you, this is one of the most freeing things you will ever do. It’s just hair. It WILL grow back.

See the ocean
Even if you aren’t a traveler, you have to “dip your toes in the water, ass in the sand” at least once in your life!

Read an entire book
FOR FUN!

Go Skinny Dipping
Don’t give me that look! Swimming can be a great workout but also so relaxing. Combine that with getting naked and you will feel amazing!

Do some type of DIY project
Refinish a table, build a desk, or paint a room. Anything that gives you a sense of pride when you’re finished.

Run a 5k

Learn to play an instrument

Make a big purchase
You can buy a house or a designer bag, just buy something “big” for yourself with your hard earned money, and feel good about it!

Thank your parents
Or any caregiver, for everything they have done. They might think you’re dying, but reassure them that you appreciate all they’ve done for you and thank them for getting you to where you are now.

Play an organized sport
Even if you didn’t play sports as a child or adolescent, there are plenty of sports that you can get involved with as adults. Experience the importance of being on a team.

Do something SOLO
Take a trip. Go to Dinner or a movie. Do something by yourself.

Engage in some sort of higher education
College isn’t for everyone. If you are that person, get a certificate or a license in something. Strive for learning about a specific thing that can help you succeed in life!

Go to Counseling
We all have issues; some big, some small. But everyone can benefit from talking to a professional.

Become Debt Free
This is something I myself am still struggling with. But the earlier you pay off debt, the earlier you can live the life you want and deserve!

Create a buck list
And start crossing things off!

Grow a garden
Big or small. And get the whole family involved!

Do something that scares you
It can be sky diving, or telling someone how you feel about them. Push yourself past the scariness and just do it!

Forgive Someone
It seems so simple, but it can be one of the hardest things you will ever have to do. But, carrying the anger and resentment towards someone is hurting you more than it is hurting them. Free yourself of those feelings and tell the person who hurt you, that you forgive them. And if you have kids, teach them about forgiveness too.

---

There you have it. My 30 before 30 bucket list. Some of them I still have yet to cross off, but I am on the right track. And don’t be like me. Don’t be afraid of getting older. The years come and go, whether we like it or not. The only thing scary about that, is if you’re not living your life to the fullest. Don’t let the years slip by!