A simple Google search of “30 [Goals] Before [Turning] 30” generates an impressive array of hits. With my venture into a new decade mere weeks away, I couldn’t resist creating a set of action steps that will hopefully help guide my year of feeling LIGHT.
1. Dress the Part. I’ve definitely succumbed to “mommy-mode” attire this year and frequently wear black yoga pants and a comfortable top. Kelly Rae’s post on her decision to switch up her wardrobe really resonated with me. Check out her thoughtful Wear Your Joy project HERE.
2. Schedule Date Night. James and I have miserably at carving out time for our relationship during the prior year. I think we went on maybe 3 date nights and 2 additional group events?! This pitiful number needs to change asap…(this Dating Diva needs to take her own advice…)
3. See the Ocean. I love the feeling of infinite possibilities that arises when I stare out at an endless ocean horizon line. I am craving the sounds, light, and vastness of the sea.
4. Go on a Trip as a Couple. We have at least one trip scheduled in June sans baby. I’m sure it will be incredibly difficult to leave Olivia for a couple of days, but I am looking forward to having time to be just Candice and James– for a few days, we are ditching the titles of Mom, Dad, Financial Provider, and Blogger.
5. Organize the Craft Room. My Mom and I typically work on a postage stamp of space- it’s time to find practical solutions for storing a wide range of mixed media.
6. Submit a Piece to a Major Blog. Time to step out of my comfort zone.
7. Finish Olivia’s Baby Book.
8. See a Concert Live.
9. Cultivate a Morning Ritual. Eliminate the chaos and carve out some time for me before Olivia wakes up.
10. Exercise. Vague and simple: find a routine that works for me.
11. Start Meatless Mondays. I’m a big fan of Kris Carr and haven’t looked at dairy or meat in quite the same way since reading her book Crazy Sexy Diet. James and I are committed to exploring more plant based meals this year.
12. Make and Send 30 Cards.
13. Pay It Forward. Try buying someone’s coffee behind me, etc…
14. Complete a Photo a Day Challenge. I participated in Heidi Swapp’s Holiday Foto Find in December on Instagram and loved how the prompts helped me observe and document more.
15. Write Letters to My Daughter. My brother-in-law and his wife gave me a lovely book for Christmas: My Prudent Advice: Lessons for My Daughter. So far, I’ve glanced through the pages and started thinking about some of the prompts. I can already see this collection becoming a treasured reference for both myself and Olivia.
16. Complete a Healthy Juice Cleanse.
17. Start a Dinner Club with Friends. We’ve talked about this one for a long time. As we’ve gotten older, I’ve noticed that our circle of friends meets less regularly- everyone is simply trying to stay afloat with their own responsibilities!
18. Invest in My Blog. Craft regular content with a predictable schedule of postings. I’m going to aim for a post each Monday and Thursday.
19. Juice, Blend, Repeat. I truly hope to incorporate more delicious green juices and smoothies into our daily diet.
20. Cultivate a Sunday Ritual. Establish a routine to take care of practical household matters and set clear intentions for the following week.
21. Reorganize My Cookbooks. Many of the recipes in my collection just don’t make sense given what I’m learning about eating a whole foods diets that is abundant with veggies and lean protein. It’s time to clear the deck so the most flavorful and healthy ones are easy to find.
22. Plant an Herb Garden.
23. Restaurant Tour.
24. Experiment with Vegan Recipes. Buy, cook, and eat tofu and tempeh! Learn how to use my food processor.
25. Establish Boundaries with Social Media/Technology. Facebook has evolved into a tool to keep connected to many blogging ventures though the use of private and educational groups. It’s been increasing difficult to put my phone down and not “check-in” several times a day.
26. Less Pinning, More Doing. Simple attitude adjustment: choose action over perfection.
27. Read a Book for Fun. I don’t remember the last time I’ve carved out time to read something that wasn’t related to child care, parenting, blogging, etc… I’ve got my eye on Elizabeth Gilbert’s The Signature of All Things.
28. Investigate Volunteer Opportunities. I’ve been on the board of several organizations that have fizzled out over the course of several months due to a lack of staff support and organizational readiness. I’d love to utilize my skill set to help a local nonprofit– I’m on the search for a match.
29. Be Present with Olivia. Sing, laugh, dance, practice sign language… So many adventures on the horizon to savor.
30. Spend Time with My Grandparents. Distance has always been a barrier to seeing them in the past. With their recent move to an assisted living facility in our area, I’m hopeful that we can make Sunday night dinners a weekly tradition. Love watching them light up around Olivia.
I really tried to compile a list that didn’t contain any fillers and wouldn’t add to my stress load. I will admit- it’s a bit scary putting all of this “out there.” Actually writing it out means that I’m more accountable and [hopefully] on the path to manifesting these goals.
What would be on your list, friends?
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