So, here I am sitting on the couch wondering where my twenties went! Every year during my birthday week, I like to reflect on the previous year and brainstorm the next. This year’s reflection is extra special though bc I’ve officially reached the end of my twenties. Yup, 29!! Pretty bittersweet honestly. It feels like just yesterday I was waiting in lines at the club with painful ass heels bc apparently, that was the way to spend my primetime? HA.

Anyway, let me just reflect on 28 since I’m not exactly turning 30 yet, so no need for a decade recap. 28 in particular was interesting. I mean:

• I had surgery to remove my fibroids. I shared a few tidbits on my Instagram highlights if you’d like to know more.
• I spent like 4-5 weeks in the office max bc after recovering from surgery, I went back to the office only to have COVID hit us like a ton of bricks.
• I also decided to go to therapy and have been going since! Self-care at its finest?
• I lived alone for 5-ish months when my then-roommate left back home right when COVID hit. I had a sweet taste of what it was like to be by myself all the time, and it was honestly what I needed. I wish the circumstances were different bc while living alone has always been on my bucketlist, it would only truly be enjoyable if I had the option to socialize with friends outside and have that space for my solo retreat, you know?
• Brian and I are still going strong and have upgraded our relationship 😛 Quarantine has led us to make our one and only TikTok (unpublished bc he would HATE me for it) and basically “forced” us to communicate and learn to simply enjoy being in each other’s presence. On top of our fun moments, we’ve been having in-depth conversations so I guess you can say adulting is going well?

That’s just a gist of my 28th. I spent it indoors just like everyone else although I’m starting to realize I’ve always been a homebody and love being one 🙂 Anyway, I’ve decided to draft a fun 30 before 30 list! Some of these things are definitely dependent upon COVID but hopefully down the road from now when COVID is no longer a “thing,” it would inspire you to create your very own.

1. Set a concrete reading goal – I use Goodreads to track!
2. Unplugging and unwind more – 1-2 hours of social media across all platforms per DAY.
3. Learn how to cook and get excited about cooking!
4. Perfect a dish – I plan to learn and cook it on my own for Thanksgiving or Christmas.
5. Learn about investing (like actually learning).
6. Separate savings and emergency funds.
7. Start a podcast.
8. Hike a National Park.
9. Take a road trip somewhere.
10. Go wine tasting!
11. Be more in tune with my health! For example, I plan on being in sync with my hormones and getting tested bc I know they’re all out of balance.
12. Live according to my menstrual cycle. In particular, I’m talking about syncing with my period cycle.
13. Run a 5K (most likely a virtual run for now)
14. Be a connoisseur in something (ie. wine, coffee, cheese)
15. Take manifesting and scripting seriously!
16. Do something “scary” aka get out of my comfort zone!
17. Start a hobby that would challenge me. No need to monetize it.
18. Make it a habit to take mental health days as needed.
19. Celebrate myself every single day! Small wins count!
20. Learn to budget but also be kind to myself when I want to treat myself! Don’t feel guilty for wanting to make that huge purchase.
21. Familiarize myself with politics and be more vocal on my stance.
22. Seek to hold insightful conversations, ditch the “cancel” culture.
23. Get outside more! (ie yoga on the beach, rooftop, etc)
24. Stop explaining myself.
25. Get acquainted with my benefits (ie. understand my retirement plan)
26. Travel somewhere solo even if it’s just a staycation.
27. Find a cause to be passionate about! We don’t need to advocate for every single thing. Quality > quantity.
28. Live minimally.
29. Adopt eco-friendly habits even if it means doing one simple swap one month at a time.
30. Live my best life unapologetically!

& that’s it! I hope this list inspires you to make your own <3