This week is my 31st birthday. While I still feel 19, I have lived quite a bit in these 31 years. This birthday won’t be as fun as years past–specifically last year when we took a trip to San Diego–I mean, we’re in the middle of a pandemic with no sign of relief in sight. But a low-key birthday is exactly what I think I need this year.

I’m someone who always has to be (or feel like I’m) moving ahead; moving forward; on a path to getting somewhere and accomplishing something. I truly think this is only because I have anxiety and I’m always worried I’m going to be left behind or I’m not where I should be at a particular age. But this is how I’ve always felt, whether I was 12 or 22 or 31. I can’t imagine ever being satisfied living day after day doing the same thing, over and over again, without a goal I’m striving to achieve. Some people are fine with the mundane and it’s not all that bad to them; it’s easy and it feels fine. But I was wired a little differently so, what can I say?

In November I decided to teach myself to cake decorate and this year I wanted to put 100% into learning to ski after having had a terrible experience last year. I lived in Europe from 18-20, and traveled a lot. Soon after coming home I got married and subsequently, became a mom 18 months later. Then I started college while working and raising babies and I’ve been doing side businesses and writing ever since. Like I said, I have a hard time not doing anything.

I’m always seeing these list articles like “10 Things To Do________” or “25 Things You Have To Try_________”, so today I’m sharing my own 31 things to do before you turn 31. These are all things I have done before my 31st birthday. However, I think it’s important to set your own goals and be flexible. Take these ideas however you’d like. Try one, try them all, or let me know how completely lame they are and refuse to try any 🙂 I think the most beneficial advice I’d like to share is to be open to new experiences, and do things you want to do. Don’t be held back by what society expects of you, or even what you expect of yourself.

31 Things To Do Before You Turn 31

1. Travel To A Foreign Country.

2. Bake A Pie (With Real Fruit) Just Because.

3. Flip/Refinish A Piece Of Furniture.

4. Have A Baby, Or A Pet; Experience Caring For A Living Thing Outside Yourself.

5. Try A Wild & Crazy Hair Color.

6. Start A Journal & Write Everyday For A Year (Or Forever).

7. Name Something–A Baby; A Pet; A Car; A Star?

8. Make A Meaningful Connection With Someone Or Something.

9. Learn A New Language.

10. Redecorate An Entire Room Yourself.

11. Work In Retail, Fast Food, Or As A Server In Any Restaurant…This Will Give You More Respect For Customer Service Workers.

12. Wear Lipstick.

13. Swim In The Ocean.

14. Make Peace With Who You Are.

15. Ride A Motorcycle.

16. Get Off The Internet For A While.

17. Do Something That Totally Freaks You Out…Just Because This Is Your Life & Why Not?

18. Try Sushi. You Might Fall In Love.

19. Start A Business Or Side Hustle.

20. Get Over A Fear.

21. Go On A Hike In The Middle Of Nowhere And Take It All In.

22. Host A Dinner Party.

23. Learn A New Sport.

24. Join A Movement. Believe In Something. Fight For It.

25. Make The First Move (Could Be A Friendship, A Job Opportunity, Or A Love Interest). Muster Up The Courage To Put Yourself Out There First.

26. Get A New Year’s Kiss.

27. Say Sorry First.

28. Sleep Naked (It’s Actually Good For You).

29. Go Camping Or Glamping.

30. Explore A New Hobby.

31. Look Up “The Chance Of Existence” And Try To Understand How Lucky You Are To Be Here; It Truly Is A Miracle.

 

What’s something you would add to this list?