17 Things I Wish I Did Before Turning 35

Did we do all the things we had hoped to do? Are we where we had hoped we would be? Life is a series of choices, so have no regrets. But we can always imagine!

17 things I Wish I Did Before Turning 35

1. Travel alone to a far away country
   If you have never done this before, you should. Traveling alone is an entirely different experience than traveling with a friend. Challenge yourself. It might not be comfortable at first, but you will reap rewards you are not even aware of yet.
2. Get rid of toxic relationships earlier
   It seems like such an easy one! But sometimes we don’t do the thing for ourselves that we know is best. It can be hard. But consider your relationship with yourself – consider caring for yourself, the way that you would expect a friend to. Then love yourself enough to cut toxicity out of your life. Now.
3. Put my own needs before anyone else
   We often barge through life doing what we have learned, or what is expected of us. Sit with yourself a while. Find out what you need. Then be unapologetic going after them, or for putting yourself first. Not all the time, balance is everything. But find out when you need to put yourself first, and just do it.
4. Violate unnecessary rules Rules were made to be broken! Just kidding. But the rules that are made for your life are often made by others. Consider them. Are they really what is best for you? If not, break the rules. Make your own, that work for you, and stick to them instead.
5. Say no firmly
   This does not make you a monster. If people are not listening, and you do not wish to proceed, just say no. Practice this. Practice makes perfect. Know your rights. In time it will not feel uncomfortable at all, you will simply be taking a stand for yourself, and reaping the rewards.
6. Care less about what others think
   Practice this too! You are the only person that should be concerned with your choices. Forget the rest.
7. Take the class you always thought about
   Remember that painting/ pottery/ hip hop class you always thought about taking because it would be SO fun? Do it while you have the time.
8. Study abroad
   Before family or any kind of responsibility comes into the equation, look into studying abroad. You can learn invaluable things about the world and forge lifelong friendships. This is a life-changing opportunity so take it if, and while you can.
9. Try a risky career move
   Ever had a business idea you wanted to go gangbusters with, and only needed young craziness to actually pursue it? Go for it.The worst that can happen is that you will fail. But at least you would have given your nude modelling career a go, and had fun in the process!
10. Listen to my heart
    Listen to your heart, instead of your head. See where it takes you.
11. Plan a dream holiday with all of my best friends
    Although we can still try and do this throughout our lives, making memories like this can set the precedent for the future. Do it early. Do it as much as you possibly can.
12. Trust myself
    Easier said than done. But again, practice makes perfect. If we perfect this in our twenties, we are setting the standard for the years to come.
13. Play music
    Sing in a band! Have fun! Not only will you meet people and have a great time, you can learn about a new world, and gain confidence through performance.
14. Do everything your parents told you not to
    Well, at least one. See where your own path takes you. Learn to trust yourself.
15. Take the road less traveled
    We do this subconsciously sometimes when we don’t even realize it. Try to get off the beaten path in your earlier years, at a time when you might not have anyone to care for but yourself. (But always tell someone where you’re going.)
16. Fall in love with the right person
    We all know the fun stories of the bad boys or girls. But practice falling in love with the good person. It will propel you toward happiness, and fill you with decency and peace that you deserve.
17. Love your past, as part of you
    Remember that our pasts make us who we are! So whatever happens, the journey you took brought you right to this moment. And it’s never too late.

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