39 Things To Do Before You Turn 40

Tomorrow’s my 39th birthday and for some reason it feels almost more important than actually turning 40. Maybe because it’s my last year as a “Thirtysomething” and it’s inspired me to make a list of 39 things to do before you turn 40. Some of these I’ve already done and consider them among my favorite life experiences, and others are a reminder to myself what things are important as I embark on another decade of life.

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Things To Do Before Turning 40

Take a girl’s weekend trip with people you barely know
Travel alone overseas or somewhere you’ve never been
Try some kind of diving – scuba, cliff, sky
Teach yourself a new skill from start to finish
Befriend someone of a different race, religion, socioeconomic class, political affiliation
Read at least one classic book
Volunteer and teach your kids about the importance of giving
Own at least one nice watch
Invest in something just because it makes you feel good
Try a new trend even if you don’t think it’s for you
Buy a hat, wear it & don’t care what others think
Go to the movies by yourself & bring a fancy snack
Visit NYC during Christmas time
Try a new cuisine – Indian or Cajun
Take a train ride
Run a 5k, 10k, or marathon
Drive the Pacific Coast Highway
Wear sunscreen and make it a habit
Get regular health checkups
Take care of someone who is ill
Give blood
Make a hot meal for a neighbor
Write a letter to someone and send it
Learn to change a tire
Go to a church of a different religion
Pick up a new hobby
Learn about a world leader from history
Learn a few phrases in different languages
Have at least one perfectly tailored outfit
Ride a horse
Go to a live sporting event
Support a friend through a tough time
Fall in love
Try counseling or therapy
Start a savings account
Pay off a major debt
Restore something – car, house, furniture
Do something you loved as a kid
Learn to stop worrying what others think & do what makes you happy.