20 before 20

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The dawn of a new year always leads to some time for self-reflection. We look back at the past year and think about friends new and old, loved ones we've lost and loved ones we've met, places we've seen, the music we loved, mistakes we made, goals we achieved. No year is perfect, and some years are more challenging than others. That's life. If 2021 and COVID-19 have taught me anything, it is that you have to roll with the punches. The future is fleeting and fragile, and we may as well embrace the present and try our best to live boldly. Every year I like to set new intentions and hopes for the future. There are many things to do in this world, and I intend to do as much as I can. So in light of the New Year, I made a list. 20 before 20. Twenty goals to achieve before I turn 20. Mine contains some practical goals, exciting adventures, and kid-like dreams. But why not?

So here it is: 20 things to do before I turn 20

1. Go skydiving

2. Learn to sew

3. Become fluent in Spanish

4. Go surfing

5. Continue to question my convictions

6. Start writing every day

7. Run a half marathon

8. Start conversations with strangers

9. Get better at cooking

10. Read 20 books in a year

11. Make a giant blanket fort

12. Learn to scuba dive

13. Host a dinner party

14. Get better at yoga

15. Sleep under the stars in a sleeping bag

16. Get a pen pal from a different country

17. Go camping with my best friends

18. Learn to make pasta from scratch

19. Be more spontaneous

20. See at least 1 of the Seven Wonders of the world

The beauty of this list is that I have limited time to complete it. We take life for granted and forget that not everyone has the luxury of growing old. I encourage you all to make your list with a time limit. Not because it forces you to jam a bunch of activities into a calendar year but instead, it raises the question: what things in life are most important to you right now? Setting goals creates priority in our lives. Sometimes we tend to focus on broad, long-term goals like becoming a doctor, getting married, or getting rich. We often overlook the beauty of short-term goals and adventures. We want to rush into our jobs, big houses, and family life. Sometimes we fail to appreciate the excitement and curiosity for the world that comes in our years of youth.

There is something so liberating with creating goals for the short term. Maybe because these goals are driven by adventure, adrenaline, excitement. But I think it goes beyond that. When I look at my list, I see opportunity. I see an opportunity to expand my perspective as a global citizen, push myself out of my comfort zone, and strengthen my relationship with myself.

Make a list. Title it with whatever you want: "20 before 20" or "30 before 30" or "Goals of 2022" or "Bucket List". Regardless, give the list a timeline and allow yourself to achieve the goals you want to do.

Happy New Year :)