Recently, I’ve started a list of “30 Under 30” – things that I want to accomplish between now and when I turn 30.

When I mentioned this to my husband, he laughed at me and asked why I would do that? Why wouldn’t I want to list 28 things I’ve already accomplished by 28? And you know what, I hadn’t really thought about it. I was thinking more along the lines of a “to-do” list than a “I-did” list. Then I read the chapter “I Should Be Further Along by Now” in Girl Wash Your Face and she talks about making a similar list. So, I took that as a sign, and here are my 28 Accomplishments by 28! This list has also made me reflect upon how much I really have accomplished, and just how important it is too look back and be proud of where I’ve been. I would highly recommend anyone reading this to make a list of your accomplishments, too! If you don’t want to publish it on social, just write it down, or even put them in the comments below! I’d love to hear what you’re proud of!

This is a list dedicated to accomplishments in my adult-life, so mostly my twenties.

1. I married my best friend.

   We have been together for 12 years now, and it hasn’t always been easy. I put this as number one because it is what I’m most thankful for, and proud of!

2. I graduated college.

   In 2012, I graduated from Michigan State University.

3. I survived a 3 month, unpaid internship.

   My husband and I moved to Chicago for my unpaid internship. I worked in retail from 5am-noon, working the internship noon-(sometimes) 8pm.

4. I got hired to do what I went to school for.

   That internship turned into my full-time “dream job”. I even have an office with a view!

5. A package I helped design was awarded in the Top 3 Best Beverage Packages of 2013!

   I was one of the graphic designers on a package that was showcased in the magazine Beverage Industry. We were voted as one of the top three winners for Best Beverage Package of 2013!

6. I have been promoted 3 times in 6 years.

   I now hold the title Senior Art Director.

7. We have traveled to 8 countries.

   Hopefully we can add a few more to the list by 30 🙂

8. I live in my dream apartment.

   I’ve wanted to live in Chicago since I was 12 years old. My idea of living in Chicago is living in a high rise downtown. It took us about 5 years, but we did it!

9. We have a 401K.

   I really can’t take the credit for this as an accomplishment (this is completely thanks to my husband) BUT I am proud of it. So, I added it.

10. I’ve paid off a student loan.

    This was such an empowering moment.

11. I’ve actually paid off almost all of my debt, with just 1 student loan left.

    As you can imagine, moving to Chicago with no savings and a credit card isn’t the best.

12. I have a great credit score.

    I am proud to have great credit at 28, I know some of my friends aren’t as fortunate, and I know I haven’t always been the best at my financials 🙂

13. I’ve learned to cook.

    Honestly, this is a biggie. In college I wanted to surprise my husband with coffee and breakfast in bed. I literally called my mom to ask her how to make coffee.

14. I know myself.

    This is something that really only comes with age and experience (and ancestry DNA tests). I am proud to know who I am and what I stand for now more than ever. And I’m sure that in 5 years I will have learned even more.

15. I realize the importance of family.

    When you’re young, you just expect that your family will always be there, and that it’s fine for you to ditch them to go out with friends. These days, I realize that isn’t always the case, and you should appreciate every second with them.

16. I have lost 30lbs.

    This is something I’m extremely proud of! It has been so. hard. When people visit us in Chicago and we walk around a lot, they always say “I would lose so much weight if I lived here!” and I’m like… “we are always literally walking to go eat food…” Cheers to 30 more!

17. I’ve found a cause that I truly care about.

    It started when taking a “women’s studies” course in college. I had always heard about the inequality in the world, but being young I was sort of stuck in my own bubble until then. Now feeling empowered myself, I want every single women to feel empowered, too. Girls, get sassy! *snap *snap

18. I have a solid support system.

    This is something that I know not everyone has, so I am extremely grateful for it.

19. I read the Harry Potter series.

    Listen, I get it. Everyone else read it in middle school. Yes I am late to the party. But I’m kind of glad I read it as an adult, because I think I picked up on things that other people hadn’t.

20. I read a lot more in general.

    In college, I used to say “I can’t wait to read a book because I want to, not because I have to”. Then I graduated and I don’t think I really picked a book up until 2016. Four years post-grad. So this year I’ve made it a goal to read as many books as I possibly can. Follow along here.

21. I bought my first Michael Kors purse.

    This probably sounds vain, or it may sound trivial to some people. But when we first moved here, and I was seeing all of these well put-together women on the train, I wanted to look like them. I hadn’t figured out how to not look like a college student, and I thought that dressing like them would make people take me seriously. Spoiler alert: They all had Michael Kors purses. So when I received my first promotion, this was something I splurged on as a congratulatory gift to myself. I could never really afford that kind of thing until my mid-twenties, and I was so proud of myself, I think I even cried. Even though it is technically materialistic, I think everyone should have that “special prize” in their mind, and reward themselves for hitting a large goal! It’s okay to be proud of yourself!

22. I won 2 fantasy football championships in 1 year.

    What can I say? I’m pretty proud of that one.

23. I am 63 weeks into a workout program.

    If you haven’t read about my journey with BBG, let me tell ya: I tried and tried multiple times to complete ONE MONTH of the BBG workout by Kayla Itsines. The entire workout program is 12 weeks long, and there is an additional workout for beginners that you can do for 4 weeks prior to the 12 week program. I tried to complete the 4 week pre-training ..four? five times? before actually sticking to it! Now I’m 63 weeks in and I am so proud!

24. I’m teaching myself new skills.

    I am trying to get more into handlettering, web development, video and photography.

25. I’ve eaten some weird s***.

    In high school, I would literally only eat cheese quesadillas, chicken quesadillas, or tacos. In my twenties, I’ve eaten foie gras, escargot, ox tail, bone marrow, venison (I come from a family of hunters and would never eat their venison! Totally regretting that these days) – and I’m sure there have been more.

26. I am proud of my country roots.

    Growing up, I used to take my childhood in the country for granted, because all I ever wanted to do was get out. I feel accomplished having experienced the best of both worlds, and can now appreciate the country life much more. I don’t feel like I’m missing out on anything, and I actually feel pretty balanced.

27. I’ve kept my turtle alive for about 8 years.

    Well, rather, my husband has kept her alive. But she’s alive.

28. I started this blog!

    This has been something that has been on my heart since before our wedding. I DIY’ed everything (with the help of my amazing family and friends) and wanted to show how anyone could do it! I didn’t really put the dedication in, and eventually let the URL go. I’m so proud to have finally gotten into it – it’s such a great way to relieve some of my creative pressure.

If you’re interested in learning more about me, check out this post. Also, leave me a comment with what you’re most proud of!