Publish Date: 4/4/14
I turn 40 tomorrow on 4-5-14 and I have been reflecting back on my 30s. I had a list of things I wanted to accomplish in my 30s and have checked off quite a bit. Do you make a list of things you want to do in your life? Having a Bucket List or a list of things you want to do with your life is not a bad idea. Sometimes it is also more about who want to be in your life in addition to the experiences. As I get older I realize that experiences are more important than possessions and soul searching can take you places you never dreamed. 40 Things to do Before You Turn 40 is my personal list of what I want to accomplish in my life.
Disclosure: This post not only shares how to live a full life, but also has Affiliate Links that I earn commissions from. This is how I make a living and keep this little blog running. Thank you for supporting me! I appreciate it. Much love, Kristi.
One thing I know is that when I was a teenager I thought I knew everything and thought 40 was old. Really old. Then in my 20s I created and sold a very successful business, graduated from college and searched for who I really was. All my friends were starting families but I knew it wasn’t the right time for me as I had so many things I wanted to accomplish first before I felt I was ready to be with someone else. Then in my 30s I had another business that didn’t end so well, was married and divorced with no kids still, and realized I knew nothing about life. I was living my life to please others. Right before I turned 39 I had an epiphany and sold all of my things, put the rest in the car and took off on the road less traveled. I was on the road 202 Days, drove through 38 states and ran in 10 half marathons! During this last year on the road I found myself again. I’m a strong, courageous woman who isn’t afraid anymore and ready to embark on yet another journey… my 40s!
Update: I was a full-time traveler for four years and found myself in the most beautiful state I had ever seen during my travels – Alaska. I live there now with my pup, Porter Storm.
Everything in blue I accomplished… what about you? What would you add to this list to do before you turn 40?
1. Go skydiving so you know what it feels like to fly.
3. Be able to order a nice bottle of both white and red wine at dinner.
Wine of the Month Clubs are a great way to learn more about wines and which ones you enjoy.
4. Go on a vacation alone for at least three days somewhere you have never been.
5. Drive the Going-to-the-Sun road in Glacier National Park to see the waterfalls.
This road in Glacier National Park are what dreams are made of. 
6. Learn how to code html or another other computer language.
7. Visit a foreign country and meet the locals and act like you live there instead of just visiting.
8. Love someone deeply from the bottom of your soul. Tell them.
9. Be able to kiss a man senseless.
10. Go skinny dipping.
11. See a Broadway Play in New York City: Save up to 40% off tours & activities in New York
12. Grow a plant from seed and watch it grow throughout its life cycle.
Check out my Organic Gardening Subscription Box – Seed Plant Bloom
13. Dip your toes into both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
14. Learn how to drive a stick shift.
15. Laugh until you pee your pants.
16. Forgive your enemies and move on. You only hurt yourself by holding onto grudges. Stop letting them have power over you.
17. Stop judging others, more importantly stop judging yourself.
18. Go to the movies by yourself and like it.
19. Earn a scuba diver’s certificate. Use it.
20. Scuba dive off the Great Barrier Reef and see the wonderment under the sea.
21. Learn to forgive others and let go. Practice it every day. Let go of those expectations while you are at it.
22. Make bread from scratch and work the dough with your bare hands.
23. Write down your fears and tackle each one. Do this often.
24. Talk to a homeless person and hear their story. Just listen, don’t judge.
25. Write a letter to your 13-year old self – what would you say? What advice would you give?
26. Now write a letter to your 60-year old self. What are you most proud of? What would you change if you could go back in time?
27. Have one killer recipe that you can make from scratch that will impress your guests.
28. Watch the leaves change colors in New England.
29. Taste fresh lobster in Maine and try a lobster roll while you are there.
30. Drink a mojito in Miami’s South Beach at the nude beach.
31. Explore the one religion that scares you the most to understand their side.
32. Stand still. Listen. Really listen to your inner voice and trust your intuition. Always. Your intuition knows best.
33. Dance in the rain like no one is watching.
34. Hug someone for two minutes that you don’t know.
35. Learn how to build a fire from scratch.
Camping in Denali National Park and building a campfire – epic!
36. Run a 5k or a half marathon. Challenge yourself physically.
37. Learn a second language and be fluent.
38. Realize that sarcasm hurts others, so choose your words wisely. You don’t have to put someone down to be funny.
39. Get a college or master’s degree for yourself and not for anyone else.
40. Backpack around Europe and South America like you wanted to do when you were 20.
My first coloring book created from pictures I’ve taken around Alaska!
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Very cool to see all the great stuff you have accomplished! I have a question, though – how is it possible that you accomplished #30 but not #10? 🙂
I obviously needed to drink many more mojitos to do #10. Still not brave enough for that one!
You don’t have to be nude at the nude beach in Miami.
Oh crap. I better get movin’, I only have months ’til I’m 40. lol I am extremely impressed (and jealous?) of your 202 day road trip!
Lea – it was one amazing, life-changing road trip. I highly recommend doing one, maybe not as long though. 🙂
You seem like you have really found yourself, Kristi. I remember the first time I met you and how determined you were to run the 5k through Central Park. Your positive attitude has stuck with me even though we’ve only crossed paths a few times.
Love your list and happy birthday. (Mine is a few days away and I’ll turn 44 but haven’t accomplished near as much as you!)
I loved that you stayed with me during that run Nicole! That was a game changer for me and I appreciate all your encouragement. Hope I get to see you this year at BlogHer and Happy Birthday fellow Aries!
Great list! Glad to see that you did so many of the things you had on your list….that is really what is important– to make your life what you want it to be. Happy 40th birthday!
Hi Kristi!
I’m about to turn 39 and feel an epiphany coming… a road trip is exactly what I had in mind.
But how is that possible with a 3-year-old, a job, and no financial reserves?
I’m at a point where I need to build my life (decide on a country and a career path) – but I feel I need a serious break before I could do that!
Greetings,
Sharon
Hi Kristi – you’r awesome women.
I really don’t get the obsession with skinny dipping. I see it on so many bucket lists. I have no desire to do that!
Learning to forgive and learning to let go are so valuable. I love to travel and plan to do so more often. Great post ?
I recently made a 50 things to do before 50. I have 5 years to get it done. Forgiveness is on my list as well. Truly forgiving is a challenge. I think I have it and then the anger sneaks back up
Great ideas! I’m always looking for things to add to my bucket list.