The Countdown to 30 Begins

It’s my 29th birthday today and while that’s exciting, I’ve been spending a lot of time thinking about my next birthday. Y’all know that I love using lists to help me focus. My last super successful list was my 12 Goals of 2012. But this year, I want to base the timeline around my birthday, instead of the calendar year. And instead of goals that are one-time, cross-off-the-list items, I want to strive to really alter my life and make my goals patterns and then habits. I’m also really focused on simplifying my life and just slowing down to appreciate what I have.

So I’ve decided to strive to complete thirty items, thirty times each, before I turn thirty. This averages to 2.5 times a month for each of these activities, which is totally doable without being overwhelming. Again, I just hope to focus on the little things and embrace my life where I am this year. I also want to really connect more with the amazing people in my life, so please feel free to jump in on any of these with me, just let me know what you want to do.

Before I give you the list, I’ll leave you with a quote that summarizes my philosophy, if you want to call it that, for the next year of my life. And as always, thanks for reading!

“She did not need much, wanted very little. A kind word, sincerity, fresh air, clean water, a garden, kisses, books to read, sheltering arms, a cozy bed, and to love and be loved in return.” ~ Starra Neely Blade

30 Things 30 Times Before 30

1. Cook a new dish
2. Watch the sunset
3. Go to yoga class
4. Take a walk for exercise with a friend or friends
5. Attend a church service in person
6. Act like a kid, just because I can
7. Perform a random act of kindness
8. Send a piece of snail mail
9. Spend the night in my new house (consecutively)
10. Run on the beach
11. Explore a new place in San Diego county
12. Read in my papasan chair
13. Call, FaceTime, or Skype with my extended family
14. Take a nap
15. Go a whole day without using a car
16. Play a board game
17. Read a book in the Bible
18. Have a casual conversation with a complete stranger
19. Leave my phone at home for the day
20. Say no when I want to say yes
21. Say yes when I want to say no
22. Go to a farmers market or street fair
23. Drive without the radio on
24. Spend a day without looking at my to-do lists
25. Create a scrapbook page
26. Play Duolingo app to learn Spanish
27. Pull over at a scenic spot while driving
28. Enjoy a moment without trying to take a picture of it
29. Look at the stars
30. Go to sleep without setting an alarm