40 things to do before 40 (AD)

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Life feels short for us these days, particularly after quite a traumatic year. My husband was attacked, almost losing his life, and life feels more precious than ever this year. I’m 35 at the moment, and won’t be 40 until April 2028.

I’m looking ahead to the next few years and have decided to compile a list of 40 things to achieve before I’m 40. 40 things that I want to do, places to visit, things to learn or achievements to make before my 40th Birthday rolls around in April 2028.

I’m looking forward to the years ahead, with a mixture of excitement and anticipation. I have so many things that I want to achieve, and I am someone who enjoys having goals. Aims to work towards are something that I enjoy and I love the idea of having this list to look on when I’m wanting to book a fun day out, family activity or even a holiday.

I am going to be earning the money for these activities from a variety of ways including via paid surveys, market research and from blogging itself too. I’ll be looking out for great deals and opportunities that may present themselves along the way and I’ll come back to this post to update things as I’ve achieved them.

As I enter the next chapter of life, as a parent with children in education, I find myself with a little more time to think about who I am and what I want to achieve.

My goals will span various parts of my life – from self-care, learning new skills, adventure and creativity and giving back to spirituality and mindfulness too.

Here are my 40 things to do before I’m 40:

Travel

Go on a cruise – I’m not a big fan of car travel, but there are Cruises from Southampton, which is a short train ride from my home, which would make a cruise perfect!

Take a trip to Disneyland Paris – we were going to do this in 2023 but it wasn’t to be due to a change in family finances.

Visit a Therme spa – there may be one in the UK before I’m 40 too!

Enjoy a day trip to Lapland – before the ‘magic’ age has passed with my daughters.

Visit the Roman Baths – they look fantastic.

Holiday in Edinburgh – ideally in Winter time!

See the Northern Lights – ideally from a cruise of the Norwegian Fjords.

Days out

Attend a Wimbledon match – I’m in the ballot!

Watch the New Year’s Eve fireworks in London – maybe from a hotel so we’re not freezing and having to keep our daughters awake until midnight!

Go ice skating – I’ll need one of those penguins I’m sure.

Visit a Christmas market – I’m sure my eldest would love it too.

Eat in the Harrod’s food court – have you seen those rotisserie chicken wraps? Lush!

Enjoy a fancy afternoon tea in London – somewhere upmarket and fancy feeling.

Travel on a sleeper train – maybe to Edinburgh or Cornwall.

Visit a safari park – we’ve been before but not for years.

Feed a sloth – my favourite animal! Maybe at PWP.

Complete an escape room – I’d love to visit one with my husband and now both our daughters are out a few hours every day, at the same time, we might have a chance!

Watch a movie at a drive in cinema – just sounds like a fun family experience.

Go axe throwing – I see these places popping up everywhere now and they look fun.

Go on a zip wire – something very far out of my comfort zone, and not sure my body won’t break in half, but they seem fun too!

Mindfulness and personal development

Go to a sound bath session – I’ve seen one locally so might give it a go!

Climb the O2 – another activity that is a little out of my comfort zone.

Get a tattoo – I’ve never had one before but have an idea for a subtle one.

Attend a psychic night – I will rope a couple of my friends in and it’ll be great fun I’m sure.

Use a telescope to look at the stars – just something lovely to enjoy with my husband one evening.

Read 50 books – I’m a big lover of a self development book and want to make more effort to read those.

Complete a one-year journal – I’m already a few months into this one and really enjoying it.

New skills

Grow tomatoes from seed – I’ve bought them as little plants before but love the idea of this as a challenge.

Grow a full herb bed of my favourite herbs – I’ve got a few already, but want to expand in the next year and help them thrive instead of them dying after a few months because I forget to look after them.

Learn to play chess – I’m sure I knew once!

Learn how to make candles – I LOVE having candles around my home and would love to learn to make them.

Make items from air dried clay – I have seen a few TikToks on making little trinkets and lovely items and I’d love to give this a go.

Go on a flower arranging course – a Christmas one might be nice.

Business related

Start another website – I do have some other websites, but they’re small scale. I’d love to turn my hand to another ‘Katykicker’ but in a specific niche. I already own the URL too.

Double my income from advertising – a BIG goal to be honest. I’m with Mediavine and trying my best!

Publish a book – I’ve got a couple of ideas, and might just self-publish one myself. We shall see!

Family related

Enjoy a family photo shoot – maybe a Christmas one.

Start a new Christmas tradition – I’m going to research this one for Christmas 2023 I think.

Teach both my daughters to ride bikes – I want to do this myself.

Have a yes day – I’ve seen them online and they look great fun.

Growing older is a privilege not afforded to everyone and I intend to embrace making my way towards being another decade older. I’m very grateful for my wonderful family, home and a life that allows me to live with chronic pain and still enjoy myself where possible.

While turning 40 itself is just a number for me it is a great opportunity to mark what is a milestone Birthday by packing life full of adventures and learning new skills.

I feel like my life has become filled with even more purpose and determination recently and I intend to do my best to enjoy it all.