A couple months ago, Instagram targeted me with a “40 things in my 40th year” list. I love a good list, so I started curating my own as my birthday quickly approached.

I finally finished my list and am excited to share it here. I think it helps to have some intentionality and accountability, and maybe you’ll be inspired to make your own collection.

You don’t need a milestone birthday, or a lengthy list. Maybe you can choose three goals for the next 30 days. Or maybe one thing for the next week. Start small; start somewhere. And have fun with it!

These are in addition to my annual goals centered around my #oneword, wholeness, including reading, writing, and exercise.

• Write a letter to my younger self
• Write a letter to my future self (open at 50)
• Identify and release one habit that no longer serves me
• Do a values check‑in and write my top 5 values and how I’ll honor them
• Start a gratitude list
• Choose a monthly theme (e.g., rest, joy, connection, creativity)
• Choose one “deep dive” topic to learn about this year
• Spend one full day alone doing things I love
• Do a 24‑hour digital detox
• Complete a 30‑day hydration streak
• Go to bed by 10pm for 14 nights
• Stretch for 10 minutes a day for 14 days
• Try the Mediterranean or DASH Diet
• Get an annual physical
• Book a massage at Renegade Therapeutic 
• Try one new gut‑supporting habit for 30 days
• Take one class or workshop
• Try a new creative hobby
• Take a photo walk once each season
• Complete one DIY home project
• Try a new drink, food, or café I’ve never tried
• Visit a museum or gallery
• Attend a community event or festival
• Visit a local landmark I’ve never explored
• Make my kids’ birthday cakes/desserts
• Plan 12 date nights (one per month)
• Plan a weekend away with my husband
• Write 10 handwritten cards to people who matter
• Start a tiny family ritual (e.g., Sunday pancakes, Friday walks)
• Plan one “yes day” or “yes afternoon” with the kids (within reason)
• Interview a family member and record their stories
• Get updated family photos
• Go to a concert, show, or live event
• Visit water once per season
• Do one thing that scares me (but excites me)
• Go to the zoo
• Get a tattoo and/or piercing
• Ride a bicycle
• Go see Nate Bargatze’s movie Breadwinner with my family
• Go to a karaoke bar

I love how Copilot helped me organize them into 5 categories:

1. Reflection & Intention (all the grounding, inner‑work, values, and clarity‑setting items)
2. Health, Reset & Well‑Being (physical wellness, sleep, hydration, nutrition, and restorative practices)
3. Creativity, Learning & Exploration (new hobbies, classes, creative expression, and trying new experiences)
4. Family, Connection & Relationships (anything involving kids, spouse, family stories, rituals, and connection)
5. Fun, Play & Adventure (concerts, tattoos, zoo trips, scary‑but‑exciting things, and pure joy)

💗