35-Year Check-In: Updating My 40 by 40 Bucket List Journey

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What I Wanted at 30 vs. What I Want Now – A Mid-30s Bucket List Reflection on Growth, Life Goals, and Dreams to Chase Before 40

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For my 30th birthday (which feels like just yesterday, but also a lifetime ago), I created a 40 by 40 bucket list. It was not only a way to help me cope with turning 30, but also adding spice to my 30s and getting older. As well as giving me something more to focus on in my singlehood. Now that I’m turning 35, and I’m halfway to 40 (yikes!), I wanted to revisit my bucket list while reviewing life goals. This bucket list is not just about adventures and fun. It’s also about setting goals in your 30s and creating a personal growth bucket list.

A lot has happened since I created my 40 by 40 bucket list. And now that I’m turning 35, I wanted to share what I learned by 35 and the best goals to set at 35. Or, in other words, updating my bucket list as I grow. And hopefully also inspire you to do the same. Revisiting your bucket list is about keeping yourself accountable to your goals and seeing them through. Not only to add substance and purpose to your life. But also for the sense of achievement, and to show yourself that your word matters.

You can check out the original here, but as time passed, I evolved and developed, so I’m allowing myself to revise the list accordingly.

Table of Contents

🌍 Wanderlust Adventures

Bucket List Adventures: Top Travel Goals to Chase Before 40

Unsurprisingly, this is the longest sub-section in this post. It’s easy to get lost in the loop of life. There’s even something comforting about the routine. But don’t allow yourself to get too stuck or too comfortable. Get out of your little bubble, there’s a whole wide world in it, and there’s more than one place where you fit in. Life can get too serious and scary, too easily. So, where you can, add spice and excitement. If already you’re reviewing life goals before 40 – don’t hesitate to go a bit wild. Be delusional and believe you can do it. It’s the only way.

1) Zip-lining ✔️

There’s nothing quite like flying through the air, with a breathtaking view, somewhere in the middle of nowhere. Screaming, shouting out to the world, not because you’re scared, but because you feel free, and are letting go. Releasing everything, without a care. I’ve already done quite a few, and I’ll continue to go on zip-lining adventures on every trip I can. I still have yet to do the Gibbon Experience, but I also still plan to.

2) Road trip through a foreign country ✔️

It can be daunting to drive through a foreign country where you don’t know the rules. Where all the roads and signs are different. But it can also be exhilarating and is often the best way to discover the true hidden gems – on your own terms. In our trip to Thailand, Ze’ev and I rented a car and drove through the north. It gave us a sense of freedom, and we felt like true bosses. Before that, I also rented a car in Ireland. Which also helped me conquer my fears and feel more in control. While getting out of my comfort zone.

3) Hike the Annapurna

Unfortunately, I have yet to complete this one, but there’s still time to go. I may be older, and can no longer do it like the young-self I used to be. But now I get to experience it differently, which is also great. For you, it may be another iconic hike, but whichever it is – don’t limit yourself because of time and age, let it be a part of your 40 by 40 Bucket List.

4) See the Northern Lights

There are certain wonders in the world that just don’t feel real. Like you stepped into the movies, or another magical world. This is what I imagine the Northern Lights to be like. And I feel like we all need to experience something magical like this, at least once in our lives. Especially when it’s paired with a trip to one or more of the Scandinavian countries.

5) Go to Disneyland or Disney World

There are certain experiences that you don’t have to be a child to enjoy – this is one of them. While it can help you feel like a kid again, I think there’s also so much to enjoy here as an adult. It’s about the whole experience, feeling like you walked into a Disney universe. Just focusing on having FUN and letting loose.

6) Eurotrip

Over the years, I’ve been on mini-Eurotrips, in different formats, but I’m withholding the tick for now, as I’m hoping to do a full-on Eurotrip one day. There’s just something about going to a continent with basically no borders, and zigzagging between the countries. Driving through the different villages and historical landmarks, with pure freedom.

7) Go on a solo-trip ✔️

Oh, I bet you already know how much I love advocating for solo travel. I believe every person should experience travelling alone at least once in their life, if not more. When done properly, it’s one of the most liberating experiences you can have. My travels to Austria and Porto helped me get even more comfortable in my own company. They helped me grow more thick-skinned. Care less about what people will think or say, and just be present in the moment and place.

8) Wine tasting tour

I love wine, I love travelling – wine-not combine the two? I would love to do a tour in Tuscany, but I ain’t picky. This is such a great way to have an all-in-one experience. Your favourite beverage, while travelling, seeing beautiful places, learning new things and soaking up some of the local culture and produce. If you’re not a wine person, you can either become one or do another type of tour (coffee, tea, beer, etc.)

9) Sleep under the stars ✔️

This gets a nice big tick, as I’ve done this a few times. But I’d gladly do this many more times over. There’s so much that the city lights blind out. And nothing compares to being in the middle of nowhere, with nothing but the stars and moonlight, in the quiet stillness. If you need to shut off your mind for a bit, just go somewhere you can see the Milky Way.

10) Helicopter ride

There’s just something about flying and being on top of the world, seeing everything from afar and above. Not only the beautiful scenes, but also just seeing beyond what the eye can see from up close.

11) Backpack through Southeast Asia ✔️

While every continent has its own uniqueness, I could never possibly get enough of Asia. There’s also something about Southeast Asia that just makes it perfect for backpacking (not only the price 😛). I’ve done this in my mid-20s, and it’s probably the prime time to do so. But if you missed this timing, it’s never too late, and I think that doing something like this in your 30s is super unique. You can just do it a bit more upscale.

12) Skinny Dipping ✔️

If you need a lesson in the art of letting go – this is it. This is not only thrilling, it’s also one of the easiest ways to seek discomfort and find the comfort in it. If you do it right, skinny dipping will also help you feel better in your own body and learn to embrace it. Also, this helps you feel a bit more youthful and silly, which is an integral part of creating a 40 by 40 Bucket List.

13) Visit every continent

To be honest, I would also love to visit every country. But that in itself is a full-time job (though I’m still holding out hope). There’s a whole, wonderful world out there. Why not explore it? See as much as you can? You don’t have to see it all, you just need to see enough for you to experience different things. Whatever you need out of it. I think each continent has something unique to offer, and I intend to soak it all up.

✔️Asia – Probably my favourite one, I both live and have travelled here, and can never get enough of it.
✖️Africa – This is probably the one that fascinates me most.
✔️North America – I’ve been a few times, but to be honest, I feel like I’ve yet to see it properly or enough of it.
✖️South America – Growing up on Argentinian telenovellas, this is one of my biggest dreams, and nothing is going to stop me from making it come true.
✖️Antarctica – It always felt like a made up place from the movies, and I just love living in a fantasy world from time to time.
✔️Europe – My second favourite continent, so much history and rich culture, and while it is diversifying, I still want to explore more of it.
✖️Oceania – Such a unique place, with so much diversity and most importantly, cool wildlife.

14) Go on a Safari trip in Africa

Again, this whole continent is alluring to me. It’s so different from what I know and is familiar to me, in every aspect. Especially culturally, as I’ve never seen or encountered anything like it. Plus, combine that with seeing animals in the wild, and I’m sold. And of course, tie it all up with a long weekend in Zanzibar.

15) See all the current 7 wonders of the world

I mean, don’t we all wanna see the 7 wonders? If there’s a good way to add some wonder into your life, why not do it? To be honest, I would love to complete the full list of places to see before you die, but I guess I’ll start with these. For now, I’ve only seen one, so I have a lot of catching up to do.

16) Drive a race car

There’s just something about speed that gives me a rush like no other. Like that moment, just before the plane takes off – where it goes full speed on the runway. Or when you “by mistake” go 140 on a 100 kph highway. It’s both an amazing form of release and feeling powerful. Also, the race car drivers’ outfits are super cool.

17) Fly very last minute

I’ve always wanted to wake up in the morning, drive to the airport and just buy a ticket for the next flight leaving. Not sure how possible this is today, but I guess I could just book a ticket online on the way to the airport. To me, this is a great lesson in true spontaneity – both in just up and leaving last minute, with no plan, but also going with the flow and seeing where the world takes you.

18) Train ride through Europe ✔️

Trains in general are a great mode of transportation, especially when travelling as a tourist. Whenever I’m in a new place, I try to take the train at least once. Whether it’s within the city, as an easy way to explore it. Or between cities, so I can also travel through amazing scenery and stare out the window. I’ve taken some great train rides, especially in Europe, but I’m still holding out for the Bernina Express, Jacobite Steam Train or one of THESE other great ones

🎭 Global Festivities & Cultural Immersions

Travel Culture: Experience the World’s Rich Traditions and Celebrations

Not only is the world vast, but so are the cultures around and across it. So why get stuck in just yours? There’s nothing quite as beautiful as witnessing different cultures, and different people practising them. It’s a glimpse into another world, into another way of life. You don’t have to abandon yours; you just need to open yourself up to experiencing someone else’s, even just for a short bit. Why just see the world when you can also immerse yourself in it and gain more cultural experiences?

19) Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland

As part of experiencing the local culture, celebrating their local holidays is a wonderful way to soak everything up. Especially when it’s an iconic holiday, in its country of origin. St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland doesn’t seem like just another tourist trap. It’s genuinely a special day that means a lot to the locals. I also heard there’s a lot more to it than meets the eye (or ear).

20) Attend a unique festival abroad

There are so many, you could probably spend your lifetime checking them off your list. These world festivals are probably the best and easiest way to experience the local culture and celebrate it. Pick the one best suited for you, and allow yourself to just be present, to feel free, with not a care in the world. There are so many I would love to be a part of. But my top picks are: Songkran (Water Festival) and Loy Krathong (Festival of Lights) in Thailand. Diwali (Festival of Lights) and Holi (Festival of Colours) in India. Día de los Muertos in Mexico. Oktoberfest in Germany. The Carnival of Venice.

21) Live in a different country

While it may not seem like it at times, you have your whole, long life ahead of you. And (while limited), you have so much time on this earth – why spend it all in one place? This goes beyond just visiting another country or city. It’s about truly committing to it and finding yourself in another setting. This not only allows you to explore another country as “a local”. But also explore yourself in a completely different environment. At the top of my list are Thailand and London.

🧠 Lifelong Learning Pursuits

Educational Goals: Skills and Knowledge to Acquire on Your Journey to 40

Being a curious person, wanting to absorb more, instead of letting life pass you by – is not only going to make you and your life more interesting, it’s also more attractive. Ask questions, look things up, and be an active participant in classes and tours you’re on. Don’t just let yourself, your life and your brain be stagnant. Educating yourself and learning new skills is also the best form of personal growth. Oh, and don’t just let AI do all of the work for you. Thinking is fun, when you get passed the laziness.

22) Learn a new language ✔️

One day, I discovered that I could speak Spanish. Probably from all the telenovelas I used to watch. Since then, I’ve been speaking it whenever I can – while travelling, with co-workers, and taking private lessons. Personally, I also love Duolingo – it may not be the same as having an actual conversation… But it’s still better than nothing. And, it’s also a fun, interactive way to learn and improve. For me, it just feels like playing a fun game on my phone. But you can also try online courses or an app like iTalki (which I love and use as well). Speaking another language is not only useful for travel, and sometimes even for work. But it’s also fun, and cool and stimulates your brain.

23) Learn a musical instrument

For years now, I’ve been trying to learn the guitar, and while I do know a few chords, it hardly counts. My dream, though, is to learn how to play the drums. And while it may be difficult, I’m still holding out hope. Music is super therapeutic, and it’s something I’ve always loved.

24) Take a random class/workshop ✔️

Well, it doesn’t have to be totally random, but I do love to try new things. And experience activities outside of my comfort zone. Preferably something artistic, like pottery or jewellery making. But to be honest, I’m completely open-minded, and want it to come from a genuine place of interest and inspiration of the moment, and where I am. I think this could go great during a trip. When I was in Laos, for example, we did a woodworking workshop, where we carved an elephant/Buddha out of a chunk of wood. It was fun, creative and a great way to experience the local culture and interact with locals.

🍽️ Culinary Explorations

Foodie Bucket List: Delicious Experiences to Savour Around the Globe

Quite often I feel like I’m living from one meal to the next – so why not take advantage of it (if already), to turn it into a bucket list experience. It’s not only a way to fill your belly, it’s also a way to your heart and soul. Food, as simple or complex (and silly) as it may be, creates deep connections. With yourself, with others and the place in your world. Which, as we know, can help you with battling loneliness. So, how fun is that? Feeling less lonely via your stomach!

25) Eat at a Gordon Ramsay restaurant ✔️

While it wasn’t one of his fanciest, his Street Burger in London is amazing. It’s a whole experience in itself. I’m still holding out for one of his more proper restaurants. I’m not huge on spending tons of money on dining out. But I just think there’s something about this experience that gives you an opportunity, at least once in your life, to splurge and feel posh. We all need to feel a little extra sometimes, and what better way to do so?

26) Try to cook a crazy, complex recipe ✔️

Honestly, this is an ongoing goal for me. Especially with all the recipes I keep saving on my IG and YT. This is about expanding your reach, testing your limits and doing things you didn’t think you could. It may be small wins, but they’re significant. It’s one of the best, and simplest ways to give yourself a sense of achievement.

27) Cooking classes in foreign countries ✔️

Learning about global cuisine and the local cuisine is an integral part of discovering the local culture and exploring the world. But it’s also a great way to expand your culinary experiences and reveal new things you like and enjoy. It’s also a fun activity to add substance to your trip, and a great way to meet new people. I’ve done classes in Sri Lanka, Vietnam and Thailand, and would love to do some in India, Italy and Japan.

🎬 Entertainment & Leisure Delights

Entertainment Bucket List: Must-See Shows, Movies, and Events to Enjoy

Life can get way too serious, too fast. And it’s freaking scary. So why deprive yourself of a much-needed break from reality in the form of leisure activities? I’m never for avoiding your issues and just seeking distractions, especially if you have things to get done. And if you want to be successful. BUT! You also need to recharge and let your brain rest for a bit, so you can keep on keeping on. Without going crazy or burning out.

28) Watch IMDB’s top 250 movies

While I don’t believe in wasting your time just watching movies and TV series, I do think it’s a great way to just disconnect. And let your brain shut down for a bit. Although some movies are great brain stimulators. When done in moderation, of course. There are also so many films that have cultural impacts and significance.

29) Drive-in theatre

I grew up seeing these in the “American Movies”, and it always seem do damn cool. It may not be overly complex or unique, but it’s something that I didn’t grow up with. And just want to try for myself, and feel like one of those characters in the movies.

30) Go to a favourite musician’s live concert ✔️

When I was younger and was still a fan, I went to see a Simple Plan concert. It was an experience like no other, especially since I wasn’t used to it, and it seemed like a far-fetched dream back then. Since, I’ve been to Maroon 5 (which was like an outer body experience, just being totally present and lost in the moment). Imagine Dragons and other local bands. I have more on my list, and I think this is such a great experience to invest in.

31) Read all of your favourite authors’ books (Jodi Picoult)

Reading has always been a huge part of my life, and I still do love escaping into a fictional world. Especially if it’s written by Jodi Picoult. This helps you explore your imagination beyond the screen, where everything is depicted for you. You have the creative liberty to imagine whatever you want. It’s also a great way to disconnect your brain without rotting in front of a screen. Whether it’s your favourite author, or a list of “to read” books you have.

32) See the Lion King musical ✔️

This is not only about watching an amazing show – it’s also about the whole experience. Make an entire outing out of it, get dressed up, go out for a meal before and a drink after. It’s a great upgrade, but you can also do just the show, or something small along with it, and you’ll still feel like you’re having the time of your life. Whichever musical you choose.

💎 Luxe Lifestyle Experiences

Lifestyle Upgrades: Indulgent Moments to Treat Yourself Before 40

These lifestyle goals are not about my own way of life; it’s about stepping into diverse shoes, an alternate universe, if you will. Trying out other ways of life that are completely different to my own. It’s not about wanting to be someone else or having someone else’s life. It’s about trying new, unique things that you can’t do every day. Stepping away from reality and living in a lala-land for a bit. This is an opportunity to fulfil one of your fantasies, or even two. As well as focus on your much-needed self-care goals.

33) Fly first class

Need I explain? While this is very extra, and I may not do this all the time (even if I do ever have the money for it)… It’s something I just want to try at least once in my life. Again, we all need to feel posh sometimes and get a boost from external splurges.

34) Stay at a 5-star luxury hotel

While I normally do prefer the small, boutique and special hotels (and splurging on hotels seems like a waste to me). I would love to experience this at least once in my life. Again, just for the extra experience, as to me it feels like playing pretend. Which always adds spice to life and your 40 by 40 Bucket List.

35) Experience a posh spa ✔️

This is the ultimate self-care goal. You deserve the pampering and the full-service from time to time. While it doesn’t have to be a luxurious spa every time, I do recommend experiencing it once in your life. And feeling like a VIP for a day. Bonus points if it’s in Thailand, they’re simply the best – in quality, price and service.

💜 Love & Relationship Milestones

Relationship Goals: Building Meaningful Connections and Shared Dreams

This wasn’t in my original 40 by 40 bucket list, because I thought it took away from my singlehood journey. But I learned that I can be independent, love my singleness and still want to find real love. It’s okay to want to find your person, to be in love and say it loud. Wish and hope for it. Share it, put it out there. Don’t be shy to let everyone know. (Perhaps they could even help you). Just like any other goal you want to accomplish – you need to manifest it. (And put the work in).

36) Maintain a healthy, loving relationship ✔️

And, most importantly – do it on my own terms, and NOT according to society. Embracing myself and learning how to be happy in my singleness taught me that I don’t need to conform or settle (as society pressures us to do). Taking the time to build a fulfilling life for myself and a strong, healthy self-relationship is exactly what helped me find the right partner for me, and create with him the healthiest relationship I’ve ever had. If I hadn’t, I long ago would have compromised on my core values, and would have now been miserably married with kids I didn’t want. Just for the sake of not being alone.

37) Build a home with my partner ✔️

Contrary to popular belief, a home can have many forms. It means different things to different people. To me, it means being content, feeling like I belong. It’s my safe space. The place I feel most comfortable, like myself. Where I can let my guards down without worrying, and fully breathe. I’m giving myself a tick on this already, as I feel like I found my place in the world. But it’s still ongoing, and we’re still building our home together.

📈 Personal & Professional Aspirations

Making a Difference: Achieving Your Dreams and Making an Impact

No 40 by 40 bucket list or personal growth bucket list is complete without at least a handful of your personal and professional life goals. It’s not just about your experiences or all the fun, lively things you do that keep you occupied. It’s also about focusing on things that you truly value and the person you want to be. Your personal and professional goals go a few steps beyond, and help you also live a life that truly matters to you. Feel like you’re doing something with yourself and investing in your personal development.

38) Finish writing my book

My biggest dream has always been to write my own books. Ever since I could write, I have been writing. I would read so many books, escaping reality, into a whole new wonderful world. And I would dream of creating such worlds for someone else. While my dream has been slightly diverted with writing blog posts and social media content… I still fully plan on finally completing my book (which I already have half written). And then moving on to the next one. Whatever it is for you, find and finish your own creation – believe that you can, and send your baby into the world.

39) Turn my passion into my career

i.e make the Pop Culture Cupid podcast and my blog my full-time job and the main source of my income. There’s no world in which I imagine myself working for someone else. Or working on something I don’t believe in and have no passion for – for the rest of my life. When I’m working on my passion, I can feel it in myself and my whole world. How much better I feel, how much easier it is to get up in the morning. How driven and motivated I am. And how I just can’t wait to get back to work, and continue doing my thing. Not to mention, my content is helping me make an impact, influence people and help them do and be better. Without having any career goals, you get lost in the cycle of life.

40) Make a difference with what I do ✔️

It may still be on a smaller scale, but a lot of my work has already touched and helped people all around the globe. Which is humbling and an incredible feeling. The main reason, other than the passion I have for it, I keep pushing forward, despite all the difficulties… Is because I know more voices like mine are needed. The comments and messages I get from people on their own singlehood journey are heartwarming. It’s enough to make me feel like I left a mark, and drive me to continue leaving as many marks as I can.

Beyond the List: Embracing Growth and New Aspirations

I couldn’t encapsulate every single thing I want to do and achieve in one list. Often, I even get so lost with all the things I want to do. Which is all the more reason to make a proper list. My 40 by 40 bucket list isn’t supposed to limit me to just these things. It’s meant to inspire me to fill my life up with the things I love and enjoy. Things that bring me joy. For me, this is just the starting point. The main things that I want to focus on for now. To give me purpose and clarity while preventing me from getting overwhelmed. Also, turning 40 is terrifying and completely absurd – these things to do before 40, are the best way to cope and help me look forward to it.

Stay safe, stay healthy and stay strong!
Michal B.L.