In March I turned 29. No big deal I thought, it's OK to be 29 with no career, no house, no car and no savings. Totally OK *panicked face*. I chose to spend my twenties doing things a little different to the norm. I decided to travel, to see the world and to experience things outside of my comfort zone. As my twenties winds down I don't regret a thing. Sure, I'd love to have my own home by now, and a career I'm passionate about but the truth is I struggled fitting in working hard to save money and travelling (as well as university twice) into the past decade so I don't reasonably think I could have also bought a house and made a career too.
In an attempt to feel less panicked about getting older and with my second backpacking adventure coming to a close I decided that it's time to think about the next step and the things that I want to achieve before I turn 30. I read a blog post in 2015 by Emily Quinton of Makelight, in it Emily wrote a list of her 40 things to achieve before she turned 40 later that year. It got me thinking about my own goals or things I wanted to tick off the list by my next birthday milestone.
A little while ago I started to actually write my list after thinking about it for a long time. There are some very big things on there and some tiny things. Some for the sheer joy of experiencing something new, or a thing I've done and always wanted to do again. Some to further my knowledge and further my travels. Some to help me move forward with my life and help with my creative practice as an artist.
* Backpack South America ✔️
* Visit India ✔️
* Move in with Craig
* Exhibit in London (again)
* Make a zine
* Climb a mountain
* Visit the Scottish Highlands
* Go walking on the Isle of Wight
* Complete a sketchbook
* Make pottery
* Weekend in Cambridge ✔️
* Weekend in Tallinn, Estonia or another Baltic Country
* Buy a bicycle with a basket
* Host a Garden Party
* Read three classic* books (2/3) *modern classic acceptable!
* See three classic movies (1/3)
* Camp in the Wild ✔️
* Afternoon tea at The Ritz/Sketch in London ✔️
* See Monet's Waterlilies in Paris
* Complete a '100 day project' ✔️
* Make a large scale painting/drawing
* Go on an artist residency
* Professionally frame my drawings
* Establish an online store ✔️
* Grow chillies for Craig
* Bake a cake
* Forest of Dean holiday ✔️
* Horse ride again ✔️
* Renovate my mums garden
* Become a runner
Some, like that last one are doubtful but I'm hopeful I can at least give it a go. I'm one of those people who absolutely loves any kind of list so the thought of being able to tick something off will give me the kick I need to get off my bum. I'm hopeful that by giving myself fun goals I can ease into a new decade without feeling too pressured or anxious by the things I haven't yet achieved. As my 30th is next March I've kept some things off the list like buying a house and finding a dream job as I know I'll never fulfil those goals by 30. But, theres always a 40 before 40 to write!
Thank you Emily for inspiring me and for helping me to be brave by putting my little and large goals out into the world.
Do you have a list of things to achieve in your life or by a certain age? Are you someone who has a bucket list? I'd love to know what some of your goals are, big or little, silly or serious. Let me know in the comments below.
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