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30 things on my list

Kate Cataldo

People keep telling me I have my whole life ahead of me.

Why don’t I feel that way then?

I think incorporating the concept of creative living is now more important than ever.

Creative living is the idea of making room for the things in your life that are important to you.

As the days continue to go by in these uncertain times, the more our mental, emotional, and physical health declines — and that’s scary.

It’s important to find ways to still include the important things in your everyday life.

So, first, it’s finding out what is important to you.

I’ve been 28 now for two months and the closer I get to 30, the more anxious I get that I am missing out on the things I really want to do with my life.

So, I created a bucket list of 30 things I would like to do before I turn 30. So over the next two years, I am going to be working on making these things happen. Some are actually already underway, but I felt they were still important to put on my list.

Start investing — My dad has been doing this for me since I was a baby, but only the past few years I have slowly been learning all the ways to invest for myself. Before I turn 30, I would like to invest more for myself.

Start my 401(k) — I had one started, used it to start my photography and design, so I should probably start over again soon.

Travel solo — I have learned a lot by doing things alone, and sometimes having special experiences just for yourself can be really enlightening and spiritual.

Swim with sharks — I love getting out of my comfort zone. I’ve swam with dolphins and that was an amazing experience, so let’s add sharks to the list. The only difference is that dolphins are my favorite animal and sharks can bite my arm off for a light afternoon snack, no big deal.

Hold a spider — Getting over your fears is important, and I am terrified of spiders. Big, small, black, brown, doesn’t matter – I hate spiders. So, this will probably be the last thing that’s crossed off this list.

Join a club – I haven’t been a part of a club since high school, but I like the idea of getting back into being a part of something.

Make new friends – I am kind of a lone wolf, and wasn’t always the best at making new friends. Again with getting out of my comfort zone, it’s time to get out there and make new connections.

Take a cross-country road trip –Being a photographer, I dream of capturing the beauty that is this country.

See more live music — The only time I really get to see music live is when visiting my dad in South Carolina. I definitely need more of it in my life.

Learn Italian — I took French in high school, but always wanted to learn Italian. Maybe now is the time I just do it.

Get another tattoo — I had the idea for my current tattoo 6 year ago and finally had it done last summer, but I’m ready for my second.

Learn how to cook — Let me specify, I can cook. I can make simple dishes delicious and work with what I have. But, I want to learn more about what flavors go together and learn about foods I know nothing about – and not by just watching the Food Network.

Buy a house — I really want to figure out where I want to settle down and make my roots.

Flip a house — I definitely wouldn’t mind my first home being a project.

Get a productive morning routine — I am not in any way a morning person, but I would like to start waking up and getting things done!

Learn how to oil paint — Painting is an old love of mine that’s unfortunately been tucked away. I’ve worked with watercolors, acrylics, and inks, but never oils.

Learn to play the violin — I just love the sound and would be amazed if I would be able to make the music myself.

Go backpacking through Europe — I mean do I really need to explain this one?

Go to more stand-up comedy shows — I love to laugh, and laughing is actually really important, so listening to some jokes is just what the doctor ordered.

Start a new business — As an entrepreneur, a day’s work is never done. There’s always new avenues to be ventured.

Stick to a fitness routine — I constantly jump on and off the fitness train. It’s time to stick to enforcing better habits.

Take a dance class — I quit dancing when I was eight years old because I am no ballerina. But, I do love to dance, so why not?

Start swimming again — I hate running, but swimming was always my thing.

Start a journal — I think it would be really cool for my kids to be able to read about my life through my words. It would be a neat heirloom to pass down, and documents the times.

Read more books — I am really good at buying books, and then not reading them.

Get organized — Right now, I am more like organized chaos. Now is a good time to get everything in order.

Go to Las Vegas — I am not a big fan of gambling, but I think everyone should experience Vegas.

Be fancy — Once night, to just get dressed up and eat at a super expensive restaurant and then stay in a big city at a luxury hotel. Yeah, sign me up.

Plan the coolest 30th birthday party — I will ring in my 30’s my way, thank you very much.

Celebrate in Iceland – This is my dream trip, so it’s only appropriate to do it now.

This is just my list of things to incorporate more creative living into my life. My list could go on and on, but these are the big things that make my heart beat!

Bucket lists may seem silly, but they serve a purpose. You’re making goals and each time you do something on that list, not only are you creating a memory for your life, but you are also achieving a goal — and that’s pretty satisfying.

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