One year ago, I wrote a list of thirty things that I wanted to do before I turned thirty. I didn’t expect this list to mean so much to me but it really changed how I approached the later half of 2019. Obviously, everything going on in the world right now has vastly changed how this list is going to be completed. As you’ll see, there were certain things on the list that could not be completed because of the pandemic and others that needed an upgrade.
All in all, I’m really glad that I took the time to create this list in the first place. As I learned, it was a great place for me to start as a catalyst for my to create an even more comprehensive list that works even more for me. Without further ado, here is my new post!
Work
1. Work in another country
Even though I will be returning to China as soon as I can, I can cross this off my list at least. My time in China has been one hell of a stressful, exhilarating, confusing and overall amazing. I’m excited to see what else this job has in store for me!
Travel
1. The Great Wall of China
I wrote about my experience here in more detail but I loved every part of it.
2. Go on a trip abroad with friends
As I visited The Great Wall with a friend I want to say that this item has been completed. However, I also visited Hong Kong with two friends and none of us are from China so I’m going to count that as well! I didn’t really know what to say about my time in Hong Kong as the political climate was so fraught but I might one day.
In progress/put on hold
1. Visit Bali
I had been planning on going to Bali in May but that has been put on hold.
Life
1. Live in another country for at least 6 months
Even though my six months isn’t technically over, I’ll be finishing it as soon as I head back. Technicalities aside, I’m going to mark this has finished!
2. Write a letter on every birthday for 30 year old Akchita to open–In progress/put on how
I mean, I wrote one last year and I wrote one today and it’s not hard to keep up with writing these.
In progress/put on hold
1. Get a tattoo
I was going to get my first tattoo in February but obviously that didn’t happen.
Experiences
1. Experience New Years in a new city
I welcomed 2020 in Shanghai!
2. See a sunrise and sunset in a new place
I was also able to accomplish this in Shanghai!
Work
1. Establish a career I want
This is no longer something that I think I need or want by 30. Instead, I want to change it to the following:
Work in an area that I am passionate about
Again, this was something I learned in the early months of 2020: why bother chasing a dream that doesn’t do anything for me?
Life
1. Trace my familial roots
I’m also no longer interested in this. It sounds like an amazing thing to do but over this past year, it hasn’t been a priority to me. I’ve come to put so much energy into my found family that tracing my roots backwards hasn’t seemed to be of interest. This will now be the following:
Form a close group of friends and family
2. Keep a written journal for an entire year (write every single day)
This has just seemed impossible for me so I’m going to modify it to help me. If there is anything the first three months of 2020 has taught me, it’s that we need to allow ourselves to change and grow with our needs as they change, not have our past needs hold us back. This will now be the following:
Keep a written journal for half of an entire year (183 days total)
In retrospect, I don’t think I did all that bad when it comes to marking things off this list. Could I have done better? Sure. But taking what this past year has taught me and applying it here, I think that I’ve created a better list to pursue.
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