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As I celebrate my 28th birthday today, July 10th — where are my fellow cancer peeps at?! — I thought it would be nice to write a little self-care reflection on my personal goals and birthday wishes for the upcoming year.
Since the big 3-0 is just around the corner, I would like to see if I can hit these goals in my 20s before I turn 30.
Before we get into it, I just want to say a very happy birthday to muawhhh. I also want to let myself know that I am amazing, I am talented, and I am truly loved because positive affirmations are all a part of that self-care ish.
Related Post: 2 Powerful Words That’ll Change Your Life
As I anticipate what’s to come in the year 28, 27 was a year of many lessons in my life. I learned a lot about myself and my relationships with other people.
I lost myself and then I found my new self. A self that is stronger, wiser, better, and more human. After being tested with family life, work-life, church life, and personal life, I feel more equipped to handle more challenges thrown my way.
With all of the lessons learned, it has made me realize that I deserve so much more out of life than what I give myself credit for. After all, we are only promised today so we have to do everything that we can to live in the present moment.
That is why I need to start living for myself and no one else. By the time (God-willing, of course) year 30 rolls around, I would love to have conquered these goals below.
Table of Contents
Reinvent Yourself
To be fair, I feel as though I’m doing this right now. Recently about a month ago, I got a head start on this because I decided to get really serious about this blogging thing and I’m now working on building it up so I can do this full-time.
After graduating with a Master’s degree last fall and working in the corporate world for lord knows how long now, I can honestly say that I am so over sacrificing my dreams for others.
Now, I want to take the realms into my own hands and do my own thing. When I’m not suffering from writer’s block, I really enjoy writing, learning all that I can about this blogging world, being social online — the blogging community is great! — and embracing the different ways of making money with a blog.
I also enjoy creating pins like the one below, finding blog post ideas, and writing pieces that I think will help others and bring solutions to things I have also dealt with in my life. Additionally, I like that I don’t have to use much of my extroverted side in this biz because I prefer to let my introverted side take the lead.
Pin For Later!
Now don’t get me wrong, there are some things that kinda bug me about blogging though. Sometimes feeling alone in this journey, having to be my own motivator, procrastinating, getting writer’s block, sifting through ample amounts of information that’s out there about blogging, and — let’s not forget, my personal fav — the technical side that comes with blogging!
Other than that, the positives always seem to outweigh the negatives.
To me, reinventing yourself means being open to change/growth and always finding new things about who you truly want to be in this world. So with that being said, I think I’ve found the one, mom! Lol but no really, I feel like I’ve found my rhythm in this blogging game and I just need to keep going.
So my goal before I hit 30, is to become a full-time blogger. Not a personal blogger, not a hobby blogger, not a side-chick blogger, but a full-time blogger. Can I do this?! I think I can.
Travel Solo
With the way things are going right now, I don’t know when it’ll be safe to travel again. Nevertheless, I have a list of places I would love to visit and experience their culture/food someday. I am a big foodie and I love trying new things, especially when it comes to desserts and seafood. Gosh, I can go on and on about delicious food, but I won’t — at least not yet!
Anyways, back to traveling! Traveling exposes you to so many different, unique, and beautiful cultures that surprises and enlightens your sense of thought. As part of my self-care practice, I think traveling is one of the finest ways to improve your emotional health by being open, accepting new experiences, and being empathetic towards others.
I would love to travel solo to Japan, France, Italy, London, Spain, Brazil, South Africa, South Korea, Egypt, Pakistan, and Isreal. There is more to add to the list but those are the main ones I got so far.
Really, I just want to travel more. period. With or without people. So, one of my goals would definitely be to do more of that in the coming years.
Find a Therapist/Mentor
I’ve noticed that my mind sometimes gets out of whack with overthinking. So, to help my mental health, I would like to see a therapist and talk through some of the issues I have or have been dealing with in the past.
I should have seen a therapist last year amidst all of the total chaos that was happening around me, but I didn’t know where to start. So in this new year, I will figure that out.
I also want to find a blog mentor or coach that will help me stay motivated and keep me on track to making this full-time blog thing a real-life thing.
Let Go & Be Happy
Since the year 27 was very serious for me, I’m on a mission to be the happiest chica I can be. I’m going to start by removing all negativity from my personal circle as much as possible.
This year, I deserve happiness. So to make that happen, if that means going to the beach every other month during the summer — I’m doing it! Orrr drinking more apple juice just because it makes me happy — I’m doing it! Or even if it means sitting up on a rooftop just because, then heck — I’ve already got a head start on that!
Create/Write in an Emotional Journal
The hunt to find the perfect emotional journal is on! This year, I think I might just create one instead. I’m completely aware that I still have a lot of emotions inside of me that (at times) need to be processed carefully. I don’t want to get to a point where all of the emotions inside get bottled up with nowhere to go.
So this year, it’s my mission to continue working on my emotions and figure out why I feel the way that I do sometimes.
I believe an emotional journal will be the first product I’ll create. I want to make sure it provides enough value for me and anyone else who wants to use it.
So, if you’re like me and you struggle with emotions and want to see when I launch this emotional journal, please subscribe to my blog down below and you’ll be the first to know!
Related Post: 33 Best Self-Care Practices for Your Mind, Body & Soul
Learn a New Skill or Language
Along with reinventing yourself, learning a new skill is very necessary. I’m always eager to learn something new so that I can have another skill under my belt.
I might just have to teach myself some Japanese or French before traveling solo lol. I also never learned to swim, so maybe I’ll take on some swimming lessons with the homies.
Take an Art Therapy Class
I really want to get back to my first love of art. Specifically, charcoal drawing. This form of art allows me to block out all background noise and focus on one thing. I want to start an art series or take an art class that helps me feel absolutely free in creative thought.
Good vs. Evil
So my goal before 30, is to join a charcoal drawing class.
I just hope it’s not super expensive!
Master Cooking 5 Dishes
Cooking has become one of my favorite self-care activities to do when I’m feeling stressed or overworked. Whenever I cook, I feel super calm and fully at peace.
So far, I can only cook breakfast foods like oatmeal, eggs, waffles, pancakes, bacon, and dinner foods like rice, spaghetti, a mean stew sauce, chicken, fish, greens, and a whole thanksgiving meal. But this year (or before 30), I want to memorize and master five new staple dishes to add to my cooking roster.
Pay off Student Loans
Ugh this has been my forever goal since graduating from college. I didn’t get serious about paying off my loans until the beginning of this January. Now, I want to keep this momentum going and get rid of all of the student loans that I have. Interestingly enough, this is the only amount of debt I have to my name, so I think it’s a doable goal, right? I surely hope so!
Now Let’s Discuss:
Did you reach year 30 yet? If so, what advice do you have for things to do before your 30s?
If you are not 30 yet, what do you look forward to in your 30s?
I like to think that I’ve been reinventing myself lately. I don’t want to go into my 30’s with the various traumas I have from my teens/twenties.
I adore that yellow coat on you btw! It’s gorgeous!
I know right!! I want to go to a therapist so that I can make due with past issues and be done with them completely before I hit that new decade. Aww thank you so much sis!! it’s actually a crop shirt with a long tail lol. Thanks for stopping by xxx
I’m right there with you on that train heading to 30. I’m a little more scared than excited so I’m not sure what if there’s anything I’m looking forward to at this time. There are a few things on this list I’d also like to check off before the big 30. Thanks for sharing! Oh and Happy Birthday!
I definitely feel that some days lol but then I think about all the wonderful life I have yet to live (God willing!). Thank you so muchhhhhh and thank you for stopping by xxx
I love the idea of art therapy. Both a creative outlet and you have an enduring piece of art.
Exactly!! And the peace of mind and calmness that it brings you is unmatched. Thank you for stopping by xxx
Happy belated birthday, girl! This was so beautifully written! I love your mindset + personality. I am so happy to hear that you’re ready to follow your dreams instead of sacrificing them! Blogging is definitely a lot of work and pretty lonely, but it’s worth it! And, the blogging community makes it so much better. If you need a blogging friend, I’m here! 🙂 I like all of these goals you set for yourself and hope you’ll get to accomplish them before you hit #30!
Much love always,
GABBY | http://www.gabbyabigaill.com
Omg thank you so much!! Im about to cry. Thank you for your sweet and uplifting words. It is great to have that familiar feeling with others that get it, you know? Thank you so much for stopping by, my new friend xxx
heading thirty is an exciting journey to me.
it means I am a lot wiser, can afford things, and in my power, can help my fellows.
btw, I love cooking!
Yes, preach! I hope I am a lot wiser in my 30s than in my 20s for sure! Aw cooking is awesome!! Thank you for stopping by xxx
I love love these ideas especially the reinvention one.
Yes, reinvention does wonders for the human self. Thank you for stopping by xxx
Happy Belated Article! Lovely post
Aw thank you so much lovely!! Thanks for stopping by xxx
Great list! There are definitely some things I wish I’d done before my 30s–or in them. The more your obligations grow as you get older, the harder it is to make time for yourself.
Ooh thats a word! I will definitely keep that in mind as I get older to make more time for myself to do the things I want to do. Thanks for stopping by xxx
I love cooking and, as usual, I have my favorite dishes. I have become an expert at making pie crust and always look forward to finding that next great recipe that will stick with me. 🙂
I love the ideas on your list; finding a mentor is a wonderful way to move forward with more knowledge about your passion in life.
There you go!! You better make that pie crust lol. Definitely!! I need a mentor for sure. Thank you for stopping by Jaya xxx
I’m only 25, but I definitely feel like I reinvented myself when I became a mother. I would love to travel with my family to different places and hope we can within the next couple of years. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Wow definitely!! I feel like being a mother completely changes you in a lot of ways. Yes, hopefully, the world can quickly heal so that we can do travel soon. Thank you for stopping by xxx
great goals no matter what the age you approach is!!
True that!! These goals can be done even after I am 30, which takes some of the pressure off lol. Thanks for stopping by xxx
These are all valuable things to do before you’re 30. I especially like that you recommended someone travel alone and create a journal. A person never fully appreciates a journal until they are older and have gone through many life’s hardships.
Wow that’s deep, thank you for your insight. Now I will definitely have to be consistent in actually using it lol. Yesss, I am so nervous to travel alone but I think it will be fun once I see the sights. Thanks for stopping by xxx
Love that outfit it looks amazing!
These are great goals in general, even without the age milestone! Especially seeking therapeutic and self care avenues!
Omggg thank you so much!! Yesss, therapy and self-care will definitely be a prominent theme for me this year. Thanks for stopping by xxx
Happy belated birthday. These are so great goals, I hope you get to achieve them all.
Aw thank you so much Kelly!! Much love xxx
Happy belated birthday!! I love the idea of art therapy, seems like so much fun! Good luck with your goals!
Tash – http://www.agirlwithview.co.uk
Thank you thank you Tash! Rightttt Can’t wait to get started on that xxx
I wish I could travel solo. Being a single mom isnt the easiest life but definitely worth it. I’ve dealt with A LOT of struggles the past year and I’ve seen a therapist and wrote in journals, and journals helped me a lot.
Wow you are so strong and truly inspiring! Maybe one day when it’s safe again, you’ll be able to travel and check that off. Thank you for commenting xxx
Great list! And you are killing it in your outfit, I love the yellow and red heels together. I reached 30 earlier this year. I think an important thing to remember (while there is nothing wrong with making goals to accomplish before you’re 30) be proud of everything you’ve already accomplished. A master’s degree? Working and making your own money? I mean those are great accomplishments too! Have fun and good luck accomplishing your goals doll!
Des | https://www.itsbetterinheels.com
p.s. ugh student loans suck
Ayyee thank you!! Yaaassss preach!! Thank you so much for the advice. Sometimes, I do forget how much I’ve already accomplished and I focus on the negatives, which is not a good thing. lol student loans are the worst!! xxx
Belated happy birthday! I’d love to do some of these as well before I turn 30 but I think time is really just too fast all of a sudden 😂 thanks for sharing.
Ayyeee thank you sis!! I know righttttt. I can’t believe it is July already lol. I feel like it was just March yesterday! xxx
You have some great ideas, and really interesting things to get stuck into. What I really enjoyed when reading this was your positive outlook.
Thank you so much for your comment !! Looking at things positively helps me to keep sane lol xxx
I just turned 30 in June and I was so upset that I didn’t accomplish all that I wanted to in my 20s. But I am very grateful that I am happy and thriving. Great post!
Aw wow, happy late birthday and thank you so much for reading!! Looking on the bright side, you get another beautiful decade to accomplish wonderful things. I wish you nothing but the best and prosperity in your new year !! xxx
Happy belated birthday! You have so much personality and it shines through in this blog post with every sentence that you write. I love it! Becoming a full-time blogger is my not so secret dream too. I just started one to two months ago, and I am keeping my fingers crossed. Thanks for sharing, all the best!
Aw thank you so much Ming!! That is motivating to hear! I really want people to see my voice through my words, Thank you for your kind words. Good luck with your blog, it looks wonderful and you have amazing content on there. xxx
I’m 30 next year and I definitely need to reinvent myself! Haha great post! 🙂
Oohhh nice!! Yesss do it!! go into the new decade with a bang!! xxx
Nice post. I love the way you write. I have some things I’d like to do before I turn thirty and some are similar to yours. Right now I’m on a journey of reinventing myself. Nice blog.
Aw yayyy thank you so much!! my heart!! Yessss reinvention is everything and I love your blog as well xxx
I have already crossed the threshold of 30 for a long time, but despite this I have many plans and goals! I love your post. Good luck to you!
Wow ! I just turned 20, but feel like I’m running out of time, there’s just so many things that I want to do, to see, and I feel like I’m already running late ! I really loved this list, these are mostly stuffs that I, myself, want to do too, I can’t wait to cross them out the list !
I also really want to join an art therapy class! I’m only 18 but there’s so much to do 🙂 x