Saturday, April 28, 2012

Before You Turn 30...

I may only be in my twenties but the thirties are slowly approaching. Before too long, I will be sipping tea with my friends gossiping about what I should have done when I was younger.
I don’t want to be that lady...someone who has regrets or wishes they could go back in time.

I took some time this morning and did some online googling to create a list of ten things all women (myself included) should do before they turn 30...

Please note: this is not a bucket list, I already have an extensive bucket list for my life, this is simply a list of small milestones I hope to achieve before hitting the big (in my opinion) 3...0!

1. Fall in love
While you can’t control falling in love with someone, you can control your dating habits and abilities. Falling in love is, to many, a way to learn who you are and who you want to be. Get out there and date and maybe before too long, you will find out just who you are compatible with and who you, well, aren’t so compatible with.

DONE


2. Go abroad
What better way is there to get cultured than going abroad? You could look into study abroad opportunities or possible mission trips and internships. Or research vacation trips to take with friends or family. Going abroad is a great experience and it’s better to do it while you are available and not too buckled down with your family and career.

DONE


3. Find an exercise routine you like, and stick with it
Try out different work outs (Yoga, Pilates, Zumba) and stop procrastinating. Make yourself get to the gym and create a routine that fits your body and motivation. Your 30+ year old body will thank you for all your hard work later.

4. Live by yourself
Your twenties is the perfect time to move out of your parents’ house or out of a share house and see how you make it in the real world without all of them always being there. Try getting a place of your own and living by yourself for awhile. Not only will you grow more independent but you will also grow more responsible and learn first-hand what real life is like; plus, you can have any boy stay over when ever you like. Get out there and get that independence.

DONE


5. Learn, or begin learning, a foreign language
Take classes or lessons, listen to tapes, do whatever you have to do to learn how to speak another language. The younger you are, the easier it is to learn a language so it is better to start learning now. Not only will this skill be a great addition to your resume, but it will also expand your culture and increase your learning confidence.

6. Cook at least one really great meal
So you think you’re not made to be a cook? Truth is, any girl can cook if they just read the instructions, practice and then get comfortable in the kitchen. Knowing that you were the one who cooked your meal makes it that much better. Before too long, you’ll be able to cook for your friends and family. Also, keep in mind the saying, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.”

DONE (Actually I can cook lots of things!)


7. Discover your own style
Find out what clothes and make-up you like best and that reveal your personality. The way to do this is by discovering who or what inspires you, what feels good for you and most importantly, what gives you the most confidence. If you have discovered your own style by the time you turn 30, you’ll no longer worry about what anyone else thinks about your appearance.

DONE


8. Find a career that you love
Your twenties are generally the time when you begin seriously job hunting. Do your research on careers, locations, salaries and experience until you find the perfect match for you. Once you’ve found it, go for it. If you don’t get the job, keep searching and keep applying. Don’t give up until you’re satisfied. If you get your career going in your twenties and you love it, that is a lot less stress you will have to carry with you in your thirties and thereafter.

9. Find someone who inspires you
While some people might think that a role model is something that only teenagers should have, they are wrong. It’s okay to look up to someone at any age. Having someone who inspires you can encourage you to succeed and become a better person.

10. Make a big purchase on something for yourself
Saving up for something big can take a while but once you purchase it, you get an instant feeling of responsibility. Prove to yourself that you can get what you want if you work for it. Reward yourself for working hard and buy that designer bag or computer you’ve been wanting for so long.

The clocks ticking...