:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-1155022119-d0c840d0a7794cdbb7c4dc8810a35d41.jpg)
When I turned 30, like most people, I panicked, I cried, I planned and threw a massive birthday party, and then I made a list. I decided to embrace my 30th year by writing a list of 30 fabulous things that I wanted to experience or achieve over the next 12 months that would make the year fun (rather than make me stress about not having checked all the age-appropriate boxes). While my list included to-dos that were specific to my life—master the art of making caramel, go to the ballet—I’ve put together a more general list to inspire you.
Congrats, you’re 30! Instead of complaining about being another year older, make a list, seize the day, and have some fun. Here are 30 things to do in your 30s.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-1155022119-d0c840d0a7794cdbb7c4dc8810a35d41.jpg)
- Spend the weekend in an American city you’ve never visited.
- Read a classic you’ve always wanted to read but never got around to.
- Fall in love.
- If you’re single, go out with someone who is scandalously young, like a recent college grad.
- Host a dinner party.
- Buy a nice piece of furniture.
- Get rid of your roots. Go natural or close to it.
- Invest in face and hand creams. Use them often. Your 40-year-old self will thank you.
- Step up your booze game: Get top shelf. You’ve been drinking charcoal-filtered long enough.
- Buy one piece of nice jewelry for yourself.
- Save money. Whether it’s for a new car or to fund your next trip, you’ll be happy you did it.
- Keep exercising. Keep your routine—you will regret it if you don’t.
- Buy and use cloth napkins.
- Say thank you when people compliment you.
- Start a wine cellar—even if it’s in the back of your hallway closet. Invest in lesser-known bottles when wine tasting, and store them to enjoy at a later date.
- Drink more water.
- Make cocktails with fresh-picked citrus—think daiquiris or margaritas with limes, greyhounds with grapefruit, or sidecars with lemons.
- Print your favorite photos, frame them, and display them elegantly in your home.
- Get rid of any tired underwear—no matter how comfortable they are. If they have holes in them or if they’re stained, throw them away.
- Write and send thank you cards.
- Use proper glasses: flutes or coupes for sparkling wine, pint glasses for beer, etc.
- Bake a cake from scratch for a friend who is turning 30 too.
- Take a lesson (golf, pasta making, calligraphy, or whatever).
- Swim in the ocean.
- Go on a road trip to visit an old friend.
- Bring a friend a surprise bouquet of flowers for no reason at all.
- On a super-sunny day, plan an impromptu picnic in a local park.
- Try a new hairstyle.
- Call your parents at least three times a week. They’re getting older too.
- Wake up every day and remember: You are perfectly fine just the way you are.