As we get older there are countless situations we encounter that we somehow aren’t prepared to tackle. Each of us is exposed to different scenarios from a younger age. As most of us steadily approach fabulous 30 we start to evaluate different aspects of our life and how we can be better.
I’ve put together a list of things to consider before age 30. If you’re over this age, this can still be beneficial to you as you may not have considered some on this list. Thirty is that age where we say farewell to the twenties and we're actually considered "adults adults"-as if we weren’t before lol. What I'm saying is, take some time to think about each point on the list and which you could apply in your adulthood journey.
So let's get right into it!
INVEST
Investing is one of the many ways to build wealth and financial stability. It allows your money to “work for you” to reach your goals. You can invest in stocks, bonds, and real estate just to name a few. I would suggest you research and find a good broker who can guide you and provide financial advice.
SAVE, SAVE, SAVE!
In Jamaica, we say "every mickle mek a muckle", this means no matter the amount it will all add up over time. Saving is essential!. As a child growing up saving was always encouraged and taught. You may have had that pink piggy bank, a regular container, or a box to place those coins or paper money. Start early and start now if you haven’t already. It’s never too late to practice this habit. We all have those “rainy days” where that extra cash is needed for various reasons.
HEALTH INSURANCE
Yes, health Insurance is probably too expensive or quite pricey right now but think about your life in the long run. Illness isn’t uncommon -especially with Covid-19 still being around- we aren’t getting any younger. Plan ahead and get covered because emergencies do happen. Save yourself and your family the hassle. Find a suitable health insurance company that has the best plan and benefits for you.
A PASSPORT
I mean why not ?. Having a passport gives you another form of identification and proof of citizenship. Most importantly you can pack your bags or suitcases and run away!!! lol, you know what I mean. So get that passport and lay a few stamps in it! I’d love to lay some stamps from New Zealand or even Africa with a few good friends.
T-R-A-V-E-L!
Traveling and exploring the world exposes you to different cultures and can shift your perspective on life. You can start within your own country and visit various historical sites, views and popular spots. Get to know where you live and embrace your culture. Traveling abroad can be exciting and eye-opening. A solo trip or a group of good friends, it's up to you! Just step out and see what’s out there to be found. Create memories and live a fruitful life. Who knows you may even meet some lovely people along the way!
Vroom Vroom! LEARN HOW TO DRIVE!!
Learning how to drive is a necessary life skill. My tip is to just start and don’t give up on the process. You can either go through a driving school or ask a good friend or family member to teach you. Trust me when I say if I can do it then so can you! In the event of a crisis, you may need to get from point A to point B quickly, and driving allows you the flexibility to do that. For example, before this pandemic, I always took the bus. Since this Covid issue, I had to level up and put my fear of driving to the side and I started driving after taking the exam along with getting my license of course. It was a safer means of transport plus I could get some extra sleep seeing I didn’t have to wake super early to wait on a bus. This is just one of many reasons to start driving.
LEARN HOW TO COOK
This is another essential life skill that we all will benefit from overall. Learning how to cook will be beneficial for you and your family. It is much cheaper to cook a meal that can serve you in several ways versus always eating out. It is healthier in the long run as you can control the ingredients you desire in your meal and in the right portions. Nothing is wrong with eating out now and then but it will save you a lot of money after mastering this skill. It’s also good to have a signature dish that you’re good at preparing and you know everyone will love. With everything being on the internet learning how to cook can be fun especially with YouTube and cooking channels. Try new recipes and improve your skills as time progresses.
EXERCISE REGULARLY
Exercising regularly has numerous benefits and effects on your body- physically, emotionally and mentally, spiritually, and all that good stuff. Simply find a good routine or workout program that works for you. For accountability, you can join a group class, an exercise partner, or even a personal trainer if you have that extra cash. If you’re the solo type then even better for you! I personally enjoy a good dance workout or even one of Popsugar's workouts on YouTube. I have a list of channels that I follow I’ll share them if you like just let me know in the comments! Just make sure to start moving and have some fun while getting sweaty! Your future self will thank you.
COMMUNICATE WITH FRIENDS & FAMILY
Amidst this ongoing pandemic, I find this quite relevant. As we get older life happens and our day-to-day norms change as we move through life. Connections can get lost along the way and people drift for different reasons.
However, we all need to stay connected with each other. You have to remember that you are not alone and to avoid isolating yourself from connections. Try reaching out to a friend you haven’t spoken to in a while. Thanks to technology and cool social media apps we all can connect in a fun and interesting way. Some we know of already-Facebook, Instagram, Zoom & Skype to name a few. Good and honest connections are gems at every stage of life.
Good friends are wonderful gifts from God. Family whether large or small is vital. Make an effort to reach out and keep the link! You never know when you might need someone, especially in hard times.
As we Jamaicans say “Good fren betta dan packet money”, for the non-Jamaicans it simply translates Good friends are better than pocket money”
Stay Connected!
READ/ “Get in the Know” aka GENERAL KNOWLEDGE
I know reading may seem like a task for some people, but it's good for your brain! The fact that you’re taking the time to read this article is awesome brain juice!
Reading prevents cognitive decline so you’ll stay mentally stimulated as you get older. There’s a whole lot of reading material options out there. These include books, puzzles, word games, online articles, research if you’re in the medical field, and so forth. Even learning general knowledge online is a thing.
Knowing general knowledge is a good tool to have. It’s a good conversation starter and being up to date with what’s happening in the world around you is necessary. Basic knowledge in several subject areas can make you more sociable and allows you to gain new connections that can help you along your journey to success. This is just one of the perks of reading and expanding your mind my friends.
SELF CARE!
Self-care is essential for good health and sustenance. So, whether single, in a relationship, or married with kids-or not- you have to practice self-care. It’s important for your mind, body & soul. What self-care may look like for one person may differ for another and that’s okay. Some examples of self-care include lighting some scented candles and listening to music, meditation, reading a book on the beach, or even getting more sleep. Whatever reaches out to you and cleanses your soul in all ways go ahead and do it! Ensure that you’re taking time for yourself and you are replenishing your body in all the right ways. “Self-care is not selfish. You cannot serve from an empty vessel” – Eleanor Brownn
TRY NEW THINGS
Self-discovery is one of the benefits of trying new things. You get to figure out what you like or dislike. At each stage of life, our taste for certain things changes without us even realizing it. The only way to figure this out is to attempt something new or even adventurous. Sometimes we have to push ourselves out of our comfort zone and see what awaits us on the other side. Growth happens at this point but you only know when you try. Who knows your new thing might be eating a meal you never had before, going on a trip, or even starting a new hobby. I say give it a go and never limit yourself! You’ll never know until you try something new!
HAVE FAITH
Did I save the best for last? Having faith is crucial in this adult life. As we try to navigate through uncertainties “holding the faith” is important. You just have to trust God and stay hopeful that things will turn out well. Pray and keep pushing on your journey towards your desired goals and dreams. A few things you can do to increase your faith are reading your bible, praying, meditating on said scriptures, and doing any other activity to improve your faith. Hebrews 11:1 says “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” Stay Hopeful!
What are things you would consider before turning 30 that weren't on this list? I'd love to hear them all!