(AKA: Things You’ll Actually Remember Doing)
✈️ 1. Take a Solo Trip
Yes, just you. No itinerary debates. No one stealing your plane snacks. Just peace, podcasts, and doing whatever you want. Bonus points for going international.
🏡 2. Buy (or Rent) a Place That Feels Like You
Whether it’s a tiny studio or your dream home—create a space that feels like you live there, not just a bunch of Amazon boxes.
🏞 3. See One Natural Wonder in Person
Grand Canyon. Aurora Borealis. Icelandic waterfalls. Pick one. Go. Be amazed. Try not to fall off anything.
🎓 4. Learn a New Skill from Scratch
Something totally random. Pottery. Coding. Salsa dancing. Archery. Who cares? Start as a beginner. Be awkward. Have fun.
🏖 5. Plan a No-Budget Weekend (At Least Once)
Whether it’s a spa trip, a luxury hotel, or an over-the-top Airbnb in the mountains—splurge without guilt. You’ve earned it.
🧘 6. Take a Full Week Off to Do Absolutely Nothing
No errands. No emails. Just naps, snacks, and questionable Netflix choices. Because burnout isn’t cute.
🏋️ 7. Do Something Physically Challenging
Run a half marathon. Climb a mountain. Take up boxing. Remind yourself that your body is strong—even if your knees crack now.
🗣 8. Give a Speech or Talk in Public
Scary? Yes. Empowering? Also yes. Toast at a wedding, speak at work, host a trivia night—get on a mic and own it.
🛠 9. Fix Something Without Calling Your Dad
A leaky faucet. A weird engine noise. IKEA furniture. You got this. (Or at least, you have YouTube tutorials.)
💌 10. Write a Letter to Your Future Self
Cheesy? Definitely. But 40-year-old you will thank you. Include your hopes, your fears, and your favorite snack. Mail it or hide it in your sock drawer.
🧭 11. Say Yes to Something Totally Out of Character
Improv class? Blind date? Karaoke? DO IT. Let the cringe be part of the magic.
🌱 12. Start a Garden (Even if It’s Just Herbs in a Cup)
There’s something wildly satisfying about growing something and then eating it. Even if it’s just four basil leaves.
🧳 13. Visit the Place Your Family Comes From
Dive into your roots. Go where your grandparents were born. Eat the food. Ask questions. Cry a little. It’s worth it.
💰 14. Get Serious About Money
Not sexy, but necessary. Emergency fund? Retirement account? Budgeting app that doesn’t make you sad? Let’s go.
🫶 15. Do Something Ridiculously Kind for Someone Else
Big or small—pay a bill, write a note, tip a server 100%. Do it anonymously if you want. Feel like a superhero for the rest of the week.
🛣 16. Take a Random Road Trip
Pick a direction. Grab snacks. Make a playlist. Find the weirdest roadside attraction you can and take a selfie with it.
🛫 17. Use Your Passport for Something Other Than a Wedding
Go somewhere just because it fascinates you. No obligations. Just curiosity and a carry-on.
📚 18. Read 12 Books in One Year
One per month. Fiction, nonfiction, audiobooks—whatever counts. Challenge your brain. Escape your routine. Brag about it on Instagram.
☕ 19. Go an Entire Weekend Without Your Phone
Yes, including TikTok. Reconnect with real life. You’ll be surprised how much your brain thanks you.
🌌 20. Look at the Stars. For Real.
Find a dark sky zone. Lie on the ground. Look up. Feel small in the best possible way.
Your 30s don’t have to be a blur of bills and brunch. They can be filled with bold moves, beautiful memories, and the kind of growth that makes your younger self go, “Dang, we really did that.”