30 before 30

a spin on the traditional bucket list

Focus on the journey, not the destination. Joy is found not in finishing an activity but in doing it. - Greg Anderson

The existential crisis of turning 30 is an all-too relatable one - the expectation to have it “all figured out” can sometimes be overwhelming, as demonstrated by Joey’s look of despair here

When I turned 26 and realised I was officially leaning towards my “late-twenties”, the existentialism hit and I decided I needed to make the next few years count. How, I hear you ask? By creating a list of 30 things I want to do before 30 years old. I am now 28 years, 1 month, and 15 days old and aware that time is ticking. I thought I would share here my ideas and hopefully encourage other people to do something similar - 25 before 25, 40 before 40, and so on. The beauty of the list is they can be as big or small as you want them to be - as you will see from my own list, some are random and quite easily achievable, while others are more of a feat. Also, I don’t actually have 30 things on my list yet - I’m leaving some space in case something new comes to mind that I could add in the next year or so. After all, there is still time!

Now, in no particular order, here it is: my 30 before 30 list (well, 23 before 30). Some are already completed (I’ve put those in bold), some are in progress, and some are yet to happen.

1. ask a stranger to plan my day (and try to complete it!)

2. run a half marathon

3. crochet a blanket of granny squares (a small one is ok)

4. take a hobby class for 6 months (spanish, dance, sign language, etc) IN PROGRESS

5. go on a wine-tasting trip in tuscany

6. visit 3 more countries (greece, spain, ?) IN PROGRESS

7. go camping with friends

8. pose for a life drawing class

9. take a spontaneous trip abroad

10. go to a silent retreat

11. do a balsamic vinegar tour in modena

12. learn “I don’t speak ____” in 20 languages IN PROGRESS

13. go to mexico

14. see the northern lights?

15. read 5 more classic novels IN PROGRESS

16. go on a hike (preferably a long one)

17. take a solo weekend trip

18. make a vegan cheesecake

19. see cirque du soleil live

20. learn how to hold a handstand IN PROGRESS

21. be involved in another theatre piece

22. get £5000 in savings IN PROGRESS

23. go to vienna (and see the museum of contraception and abortion)

So there you have it, my list so far. As you can see I still have quite a way to go but it should keep me busy for the months to come. Although none of these are necessarily big life-changing goals, they are experiences that will help me learn new things, get out of my comfort zone, and add random side quests into daily life. I love talking about my list with people and hear what others would put on their own list - whether it’s a bucket list or Q1-4, it’s always nice to create a sense of direction and find fulfillment through ticking things off as you go. Long live the lists!