10 Things I’d Like to Achieve in My Life

In less than six months I will turn 30 years old. Writing that out feels strange, like putting the pen to paper makes it all the more real. Or fingers to keyboard. This past year has been a whirlwind, and it's helped me to stop and think about what I really want out of life.

Life is so unbearably brief. We think we have time to do all the things we want, but we never know when this will be cut short. Losing my Mother-In-Law last week, made me stop and think- what do I want? I know work and accomplishments are important but if you aren't enjoying it, it's just not worth it. While I start to think about the approaching doom of my 30's, I wanted to make a list of what I really want out of life.

Laptop Case // Watch (use code “HELENE” for 15% off) // Gold Bracelet // Notebook // Lipstick (this is a total Mac Dupe!) // Necklace (similar) // White Rug

Here are 10 Things I'd Like to Achieve in my life:

1. Write a Book

I have always always wanted to write a book. It's in my blood and genes to do so. My grandmother was a journalist, my Dad was and now teaches journalism and is working on a book that's sure to be incredible, my Mom is a published author and a wrote for big magazines for many years. I'm always working on a book. But never finishing it. So I'm going to DO IT. My Dad recently told me that Mark Twain spent a good bit of time in Heidelberg. Maybe once we move I'll be inspired.

2. Have a fancy kitchen

I don't really need a huge house. I love my little house in Dallas. But I would love a super fancy all white kitchen, complete with marble counter-tops and stainless steel appliances. I'd love it to be large enough for a kitchen island and little bar stools. Growing up, we always hung out in the kitchen and I just loved the set up. I guess you could say I'd like an “instagrammable” kitchen. But I just think those look so fresh and pretty.

3. Move Abroad

I know I'm about to do this. But I haven't quite done it yet. I'd also like to add that once I want to move, I want to really enjoy it. I'm sure things will get stressful, but I want to try to appreciate the time abroad to the fullest. I want to learn from other cultures, not just observe. I want to engulf myself in what the world has to offer and then embrace it.

4. Feel Good About My Body

I have always gone up and down with my weight. Being healthy hasn't always come easily to me. I am a self soother with food. I'd like to focus on my health and finally feel good about myself. I'm not striving for perfection, but I think being healthy and feeling good go hand in hand. I need to make a lifestyle change of focusing on healthy foods and activities. Not just a diet and workout. I need something I can stick to.

5. Financial Freedom

I am a saver. I save my money, but I also enjoy life. I would love just a bit more financial freedom so that I can spend money on things I want more often. Like a marble kitchen counter-tops.

6. More Minimal

I don't think I can become a complete “Minimalist” but since getting rid of most of my stuff and packing my life into two suitcases, I've started to appreciate that less is more. I buy clothes often for events. Instead of just buying things that I know I will wear over and over. I want to stop consuming so much and live a more simple life. I think that starts with having less crap. I am reading “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up” next.

7. Read ALL the classics

I want to read them all. ALL OF THEM. Then maybe I'll know the secrets of the universe. I also want to read all of my parents' writing. Can you believe I haven't? I am a terrible kid

8. Give Back in A Big Way

I think the best thing anyone can o for themselves is to be financially independent enough to give back. I want to not only give money but my time and resources to give back. After all, that's what life is about! The two causes that really get me going are sexual abuse against women and animals. I'd really like to not only donate money, but my time and energy into giving back.

9. Care Less About Trivial Things

I spend a lot of time getting worked about things that I either A. cannot change B. don't affect me in a major way C. I just need to get over it. As I get older, I want to start establishing new methods of moving past these things and start focusing on what I CAN do.

10. Be recognized for something great

I am not saying by any means that I'd like to become famous, but I'd like to be recognized for my work. Maybe my book is a best seller. Maybe my blog goes viral. Maybe I help change the world. Whatever it is, I'd like that to be my legacy, what I'm remembered for. I think all of us have an urge to want to be remembered in a significant way. I'd like that to happen before I die.

So that's what I have on my list. Did I miss anything? What do you have on your list?!