Oh my God! I can’t believe I will be turning 30 in less than a week—eep!—and this list I’ve been dragging along for a good 4 years will finally hit its finish line. If you weren’t aware, I made a 30 Before 30 List when I was 26—and revised it last year—but I’ve been making yearly birthday goals list for the entire decade. To me, it seems like the spirit of being a twenty-something—always so excited to explore new opportunities, always driven to achieve more. So it feels full circle to be able to close the decade with this motherlode of a list.
While I already poured my heart out in regards to my 20s in this love letter, this post will go into more details about the things I’ve experienced in the last 4 years and how much I’ve learnt and grown from them. A lot of the things on this list seem arbitrary whose significance is clear only to me and some others may seem impressive to you guys; either way, I’d advise you to read it with a grain of salt. Obviously, the things on this list are just the highlights of my late 20s and my life is made up of low moments omitted from this post as well. Let’s see what and how I did approaching my 30s!
Oh my God! I can’t believe I will be turning 30 in less than a week—eep!—and this list I’ve been dragging along for a good 4 years will finally hit its finish line. If you weren’t aware, I made a 30 Before 30 List when I was 26—and revised it last year—but I’ve been making yearly birthday goals list for the entire decade. To me, it seems like the spirit of being a twenty-something—always so excited to explore new opportunities, always driven to achieve more. So it feels full circle to be able to close the decade with this motherlode of a list.
While I already poured my heart out in regards to my 20s in this love letter, this post will go into more details about the things I’ve experienced in the last 4 years and how much I’ve learnt and grown from them. A lot of the things on this list seem arbitrary whose significance is clear only to me and some others may seem impressive to you guys; either way, I’d advise you to read it with a grain of salt. Obviously, the things on this list are just the highlights of my late 20s and my life is made up of low moments omitted from this post as well. Let’s see what and how I did approaching my 30s!
The Big Reveal
1. Graduate with a bachelor’s degree ✔︎
Gosh! My whole decade was about pursuing an education and finally being able to hold a degree of my own. Needless to say, it was an uphill battle lined with financial dramas, nervous breakdowns and full-blown quarter life crises. There were definitely times when I wanted to just phone it in for the rest of my life and accept that I would never be, at least, adequate.
But I did it! FINALLY! And I ended it with a great bang, creating something I am still proud of to this day. So, thank you to everyone who’s supported me, couldn’t have done it without you!
2. Visit one new island in Indonesia/Learn more about Indonesia ✔︎
Until a couple months ago I would’ve crossed this off as one of the things I didn’t achieve, but very recently I was given the opportunity to visit Makassar in South Sulawesi—which is an Indonesian island I hadn’t visited before—but more on that later.
3. Declutter my belongings ✔︎
To be honest, I don’t really remember for sure, whether or not I have done this since I added it to the list. However, I have purged my belongings regularly lately, so it’s safe to consider this done.
1. Graduate with a bachelor’s degree ✔︎
Gosh! My whole decade was about pursuing an education and finally being able to hold a degree of my own. Needless to say, it was an uphill battle lined with financial dramas, nervous breakdowns and full-blown quarter life crises. There were definitely times when I wanted to just phone it in for the rest of my life and accept that I would never be, at least, adequate.
But I did it! FINALLY! And I ended it with a great bang, creating something I am still proud of to this day. So, thank you to everyone who’s supported me, couldn’t have done it without you!
2. Visit one new island in Indonesia/Learn more about Indonesia ✔︎
Until a couple months ago I would’ve crossed this off as one of the things I didn’t achieve, but very recently I was given the opportunity to visit Makassar in South Sulawesi—which is an Indonesian island I hadn’t visited before—but more on that later.
3. Declutter my belongings ✔︎
To be honest, I don’t really remember for sure, whether or not I have done this since I added it to the list. However, I have purged my belongings regularly lately, so it’s safe to consider this done.
4. Be financially stable ✔︎
I’ve already remarked on this before, so let me just repeat that here. Not to boast, but I am very happy to say that I’ve achieved this one too. For years, working freelance, I’d never imagined I would see the day when I would be working in a field that I love for enough money to keep me going—and provide for my family too! Let’s not mistake this for financial freedom, mind you—if I stop working altogether today, I will run out of money in 3-4 months, perhaps—but I feel like I am exactly where I need to be.
5. Finish a Japanese book
Yeah, I was really ambitious when I added this goal to the list—although it was already a step less ambitious than what I had before it. While a Japanese book may be doable, it will require a lot of time and brain power—which I don’t always have to spare. Frankly, this just hasn’t been a priority to me. It’s still something I’d like to accomplish one day, but I don’t see myself doing it anytime soon.
6. Actually read 50 books a year ✔︎
Back in 2018 I magically managed to finish 60 books in 365 days—how crazy is that?! You can check out the best and worst books I read that year. Ask me to repeat this achievement today and I will not manage. Don’t get me wrong, I still read regularly to this day—this year I am 83% done with my yearly goal with 2 books ahead of time—but I see reading differently now. Today I focus more on the quality rather than the quantity of the books I flip through—and I’ve continued to read books I enjoy immensely more and more.
4. Be financially stable ✔︎
I’ve already remarked on this before, so let me just repeat that here. Not to boast, but I am very happy to say that I’ve achieved this one too. For years, working freelance, I’d never imagined I would see the day when I would be working in a field that I love for enough money to keep me going—and provide for my family too! Let’s not mistake this for financial freedom, mind you—if I stop working altogether today, I will run out of money in 3-4 months, perhaps—but I feel like I am exactly where I need to be.
5. Finish a Japanese book
Yeah, I was really ambitious when I added this goal to the list—although it was already a step less ambitious than what I had before it. While a Japanese book may be doable, it will require a lot of time and brain power—which I don’t always have to spare. Frankly, this just hasn’t been a priority to me. It’s still something I’d like to accomplish one day, but I don’t see myself doing it anytime soon.
6. Actually read 50 books a year ✔︎
Back in 2018 I magically managed to finish 60 books in 365 days—how crazy is that?! You can check out the best and worst books I read that year. Ask me to repeat this achievement today and I will not manage. Don’t get me wrong, I still read regularly to this day—this year I am 83% done with my yearly goal with 2 books ahead of time—but I see reading differently now. Today I focus more on the quality rather than the quantity of the books I flip through—and I’ve continued to read books I enjoy immensely more and more.
9. Experiment with local produce ✔︎
To be honest, I’d love to have done more for this by now. So far, I’ve made things with sorghum (both flour and grain), sapodilla and sagoo. In my pantry I’ve actually already stocked up on ubee flour and corn starch, but haven’t made anything with them.
10. Keep healthy habits ✔︎
This is pretty hard to tell, but it’s been pretty on and off lately. For me, it’s always the little things. I try to eat at least one form of fruits and vegetable everyday—and I always make sure to stock up on them every 2 weeks or so. Other than that, I definitely still drink lots of water and opt for walking whenever I can. It’s not the best, but it’s a start.
11. Get a fertility plan
Yup, this one’s finally revealed! Unfortunately, I haven’t got around to doing it yet, so yeah.
7. Become a published author ✔︎
I cannot tell you how proud and happy I am that this was accomplished! For years I had been extremely pessimistic about this one—until I found out how doable and credible self-publishing is—and last year I finally published Take It Slow. Not only did this book do rather well and communicate my passionate message to people I don’t even know, it also opened doors for me in ways I hadn’t imagined—I mean, I got invited to speak on two online events, can you believe it?
8. Learn about taxes ✔︎
Again, let me just repeat what I said on this goal before: Done and done! At least to the degree that I need to care about it. Now that I’m working at an office, they practically take care of the whole thing for me (lol). I don’t know, though, maybe I’ll need to learn more about it if and when I start making significant income outside of the office again. Well, it’s always a work in progress.
7. Become a published author ✔︎
I cannot tell you how proud and happy I am that this was accomplished! For years I had been extremely pessimistic about this one—until I found out how doable and credible self-publishing is—and last year I finally published Take It Slow. Not only did this book do rather well and communicate my passionate message to people I don’t even know, it also opened doors for me in ways I hadn’t imagined—I mean, I got invited to speak on two online events, can you believe it?
8. Learn about taxes ✔︎
Again, let me just repeat what I said on this goal before: Done and done! At least to the degree that I need to care about it. Now that I’m working at an office, they practically take care of the whole thing for me (lol). I don’t know, though, maybe I’ll need to learn more about it if and when I start making significant income outside of the office again. Well, it’s always a work in progress.
9. Experiment with local produce ✔︎
To be honest, I’d love to have done more for this by now. So far, I’ve made things with sorghum (both flour and grain), sapodilla and sagoo. In my pantry I’ve actually already stocked up on ubee flour and corn starch, but haven’t made anything with them.
10. Keep healthy habits ✔︎
This is pretty hard to tell, but it’s been pretty on and off lately. For me, it’s always the little things. I try to eat at least one form of fruits and vegetable everyday—and I always make sure to stock up on them every 2 weeks or so. Other than that, I definitely still drink lots of water and opt for walking whenever I can. It’s not the best, but it’s a start.
11. Get a fertility plan
Yup, this one’s finally revealed! Unfortunately, I haven’t got around to doing it yet, so yeah.
12. Learn a new craft ✔︎
Okay, there are two ways to interpret this goal. At first, I meant it as a handicraft kind of skill—which I don’t think I managed to pick up—but later on changed it to any new skill. The latter was done and done, thanks to my new job—which I’ve now had for two years. I learnt a lot, ranging from copywriting skills—which are pretty diverse—to technical skills, like how to set up a YouTube live talkshow. Here’s to more things we get to learn in the future!
13. Build my (portfolio) website ✔︎
Well, I mean, you’re looking at it, so obviously this was accomplished. I’ve wanted this one since I first started blogging and a lot of people have encouraged me to go for it. I’m so glad that it finally happened—with the help of Agung and my friend Ginfa—last year. If you’re new here and have yet to explore the website, do check out the portfolio section! It has yet to be updated lately, though. I’d love to do that sometime soon.
14. Join an exhibition/Keep in contact with people & friends ✔︎
Since these are two very different goals, I’d like to address them separately. The first one is technically not done yet, but it is coming very soon and I am so excited about it. Again, it’s one of those goals that I never thought would happen, yet somehow the opportunity presented itself. The latter is always a work in progress, no doubt, but I’d like to say that I’ve been pretty good at it lately—especially lately. Not only that, I also managed to make some new friends as well, which is always good news.
15. Live debt-free ✔︎
So long as you own a functioning credit card—that you actively use—technically you will never live debt-free. And, since according to Frank Abignale credit card transactions are more advisable since they build up credit scores that will make it easier for you to get loans and buy a house, I definitely keep one too. But, for the most part—if we don’t count the monthly subscription that will need to pay regularly anyway—I can safely say that this applies to my life today. Good job, me! Pat yourself in the back!
16. Work in an office ✔︎
Gosh! This goal really just shows how long ago this list was made. Since 2018, I have not only worked in one office, but two—and staying for more or less 2 years at each one. For the most part, I was right to assume that working in an office would be very different from working full-time, but it’s not all bad. I was lucky enough to find two offices that has brought me joy for the majority of the time. Sure, there were bad moments and I would think about resigning now and then. What I recently learnt, however, is that bad times can get better and there is fulfillment in going the distance in one place. That was such a new experience and feeling for me, it got me all excited.
12. Learn a new craft ✔︎
Okay, there are two ways to interpret this goal. At first, I meant it as a handicraft kind of skill—which I don’t think I managed to pick up—but later on changed it to any new skill. The latter was done and done, thanks to my new job—which I’ve now had for two years. I learnt a lot, ranging from copywriting skills—which are pretty diverse—to technical skills, like how to set up a YouTube live talkshow. Here’s to more things we get to learn in the future!
13. Build my (portfolio) website ✔︎
Well, I mean, you’re looking at it, so obviously this was accomplished. I’ve wanted this one since I first started blogging and a lot of people have encouraged me to go for it. I’m so glad that it finally happened—with the help of Agung and my friend Ginfa—last year. If you’re new here and have yet to explore the website, do check out the portfolio section! It has yet to be updated lately, though. I’d love to do that sometime soon.
14. Join an exhibition/Keep in contact with people & friends ✔︎
Since these are two very different goals, I’d like to address them separately. The first one is technically not done yet, but it is coming very soon and I am so excited about it. Again, it’s one of those goals that I never thought would happen, yet somehow the opportunity presented itself. The latter is always a work in progress, no doubt, but I’d like to say that I’ve been pretty good at it lately—especially lately. Not only that, I also managed to make some new friends as well, which is always good news.
15. Live debt-free ✔︎
So long as you own a functioning credit card—that you actively use—technically you will never live debt-free. And, since according to Frank Abignale credit card transactions are more advisable since they build up credit scores that will make it easier for you to get loans and buy a house, I definitely keep one too. But, for the most part—if we don’t count the monthly subscription that will need to pay regularly anyway—I can safely say that this applies to my life today. Good job, me! Pat yourself in the back!
16. Work in an office ✔︎
Gosh! This goal really just shows how long ago this list was made. Since 2018, I have not only worked in one office, but two—and staying for more or less 2 years at each one. For the most part, I was right to assume that working in an office would be very different from working full-time, but it’s not all bad. I was lucky enough to find two offices that has brought me joy for the majority of the time. Sure, there were bad moments and I would think about resigning now and then. What I recently learnt, however, is that bad times can get better and there is fulfillment in going the distance in one place. That was such a new experience and feeling for me, it got me all excited.
17. Learn to grow my own food ✔︎
Back in March, I joined a microgreens workshop in which I was taught how to grow little, edible greeneries in a small plot of soil. I started with choy sum and continued with sunflower. The choy sum turned out great—they looked like clover and became bushy rather quickly. I ended up eating it with ramen noodles. The sunflower, though, didn’t pan out quite as well—I think I was confused about what to do with the soil. Will definitely try again.
18. Live more intentionally ✔︎
Before we can even talk about this goal, I think we need to define ‘intent’ first. But, since that will be a long conversation for another time, I’d just consider this done. If we’re talking about food intent, as I have mentioned above, I’m keeping healthy habits, so that’s good. Other than that, I also tend to have purpose for everything I do in life. Where I go, what I see, who’s coming with me—that’s all intentional.
17. Learn to grow my own food ✔︎
Back in March, I joined a microgreens workshop in which I was taught how to grow little, edible greeneries in a small plot of soil. I started with choy sum and continued with sunflower. The choy sum turned out great—they looked like clover and became bushy rather quickly. I ended up eating it with ramen noodles. The sunflower, though, didn’t pan out quite as well—I think I was confused about what to do with the soil. Will definitely try again.
18. Live more intentionally ✔︎
Before we can even talk about this goal, I think we need to define ‘intent’ first. But, since that will be a long conversation for another time, I’d just consider this done. If we’re talking about food intent, as I have mentioned above, I’m keeping healthy habits, so that’s good. Other than that, I also tend to have purpose for everything I do in life. Where I go, what I see, who’s coming with me—that’s all intentional.
19. Make an actual investment ✔︎
It’s not big, but yes I’ve invested in some stocks, bonds and mutual funds. Very little league, nothing grand. For a while I thought I should’ve done better on this—you know, invest in something bigger, take bigger risks—but then I had a chat with my best friend Uli. It turns out, she believes that this whole investing thing is a trend, and we’ll be fine without any such investments. I totally agree with her now. I’d rather put my eggs on various baskets and see what they hatch into.
20. Move out of my parents’ house ✔︎
Haha yeah, remember when I replaced this goal with “Build a home with my partner,” thinking that would be the easier goal? Scratch that. Note to self: never hang hopes for my life on someone else. EVER. Although technically this isn’t done yet, I’d love to be able to do this before the end of the year—and I’m making some plans on how to get the ball rolling. Fingers crossed!
21. Get a full body check up or blood test
I don’t know what else to say about this one, except that it has yet to be accomplished.
19. Make an actual investment ✔︎
It’s not big, but yes I’ve invested in some stocks, bonds and mutual funds. Very little league, nothing grand. For a while I thought I should’ve done better on this—you know, invest in something bigger, take bigger risks—but then I had a chat with my best friend Uli. It turns out, she believes that this whole investing thing is a trend, and we’ll be fine without any such investments. I totally agree with her now. I’d rather put my eggs on various baskets and see what they hatch into.
20. Move out of my parents’ house ✔︎
Haha yeah, remember when I replaced this goal with “Build a home with my partner,” thinking that would be the easier goal? Scratch that. Note to self: never hang hopes for my life on someone else. EVER. Although technically this isn’t done yet, I’d love to be able to do this before the end of the year—and I’m making some plans on how to get the ball rolling. Fingers crossed!
21. Get a full body check up or blood test
I don’t know what else to say about this one, except that it has yet to be accomplished.
22. Get a pension and emergency fund plan ✔︎
One of things that Agung taught me is how to manage money effectively. He successfully made savings seem a lot less scary and intimidating. This has inspired me to keep to a routine of keeping a savings account and prepare for a rainy day. To be honest, it’s still a long way from being even remotely enough to be a solid emergency fund—let alone a pension plan—but, you know, baby steps. I’m definitely still figuring out various ways I can save up money for future benefits in a somewhat lucrative way—but still legal and, obviously, safe.
23. Learn how to compost properly
Nope, nowhere near done yet (lol).
24. Upgrade my tools ✔︎
Early 2020, before I started my thesis project, I finally upgraded my laptop’s RAM and internal hard disk. Needless to say, it was the best decision ever.
22. Get a pension and emergency fund plan ✔︎
One of things that Agung taught me is how to manage money effectively. He successfully made savings seem a lot less scary and intimidating. This has inspired me to keep to a routine of keeping a savings account and prepare for a rainy day. To be honest, it’s still a long way from being even remotely enough to be a solid emergency fund—let alone a pension plan—but, you know, baby steps. I’m definitely still figuring out various ways I can save up money for future benefits in a somewhat lucrative way—but still legal and, obviously, safe.
23. Learn how to compost properly
Nope, nowhere near done yet (lol).
24. Upgrade my tools ✔︎
Early 2020, before I started my thesis project, I finally upgraded my laptop’s RAM and internal hard disk. Needless to say, it was the best decision ever.
25. Try going to a psychologist once
Despite the fact that I often feel I may need the assistance of a professional, I have never gone to one. My siblings have both consulted a psychologist—even a psychiatrist—within the past 4 years, yet I personally have never gone. My friend suggested that I go at least once, but I think I should research who I’d want to go to first. You know, better safe than sorry.
26. Meet new online friends ✔︎
Not only did I meet one new online friend, I met eight! The first ones I met was back in March 2019, which are the lovely ladies from Tisseus des Idees and their friends Laura and Morgane. We chatted over a plate of vegan Padangnese food and visited Imaji‘s studio. The second ones I met was back in June 2019, which are Mugidingdong (IG no longer available) and his lovely wife at their home in Cinere. We bonded over our love for books and his vinyl collection. Then there was Adel (and her husband Randy) who I met only last month and unexpectedly grew to be rather close with. Always such a pleasant surprise!
27. Discover more places & experiences ✔︎
This is and always will be a life goal of mine. I suppose I left it open-ended on purpose, because discovering places and experiences can mean anything, really. For me, right now, it means going to different towns, meeting different people and seeing different perspectives. Long story short, everything that I have listed here encompasses most of what I’ve been up to since the time I replaced this goal. Here’s to more exploring and discovering!
25. Try going to a psychologist once
Despite the fact that I often feel I may need the assistance of a professional, I have never gone to one. My siblings have both consulted a psychologist—even a psychiatrist—within the past 4 years, yet I personally have never gone. My friend suggested that I go at least once, but I think I should research who I’d want to go to first. You know, better safe than sorry.
26. Meet new online friends ✔︎
Not only did I meet one new online friend, I met eight! The first ones I met was back in March 2019, which are the lovely ladies from Tisseus des Idees and their friends Laura and Morgane. We chatted over a plate of vegan Padangnese food and visited Imaji‘s studio. The second ones I met was back in June 2019, which are Mugidingdong (IG no longer available) and his lovely wife at their home in Cinere. We bonded over our love for books and his vinyl collection. Then there was Adel (and her husband Randy) who I met only last month and unexpectedly grew to be rather close with. Always such a pleasant surprise!
27. Discover more places & experiences ✔︎
This is and always will be a life goal of mine. I suppose I left it open-ended on purpose, because discovering places and experiences can mean anything, really. For me, right now, it means going to different towns, meeting different people and seeing different perspectives. Long story short, everything that I have listed here encompasses most of what I’ve been up to since the time I replaced this goal. Here’s to more exploring and discovering!
28. Downsize my wardrobe ✔︎
Ever since I started doing it big time in 2020, I’ve been decluttering my wardrobe regularly from time to time. That first time was pretty harrowing and more emotional than I was prepared for—it was following a breakup, so you can only imagine. However, all the other times that followed was so much easier and I ended up getting rid of a lot of clothes.
What I would usually do is leave out a box for my sister and housekeeper to sift through. After they have picked what they want, I will sell the rest or donate them to swap events or organisations.
29. Learn more about Islam ✔︎
For the longest time I find it hard to talk about religion. For the longest time I feign non-existence. Ramadan this year I finally managed to deepen my knowledge on Islam and I even shared how I feel about my belief today.
28. Downsize my wardrobe ✔︎
Ever since I started doing it big time in 2020, I’ve been decluttering my wardrobe regularly from time to time. That first time was pretty harrowing and more emotional than I was prepared for—it was following a breakup, so you can only imagine. However, all the other times that followed was so much easier and I ended up getting rid of a lot of clothes.
What I would usually do is leave out a box for my sister and housekeeper to sift through. After they have picked what they want, I will sell the rest or donate them to swap events or organisations.
29. Learn more about Islam ✔︎
For the longest time I find it hard to talk about religion. For the longest time I feign non-existence. Ramadan this year I finally managed to deepen my knowledge on Islam and I even shared how I feel about my belief today.
30. Get married
Not going to lie: this is a sensitive topic for me right now. As you can see, it has yet to be checked off the list and not for lack of trying. Don’t get me wrong—I love Agung very much and vice versa, but I suppose a lot comes into play when it comes to starting a marriage. Some things are just out of my control. It doesn’t help that a lot of our friends are already married as well. For now, I’ll just leave it at that.
Starting a New Decade
Oh, gosh, I cannot believe that this time next week I will no longer be in my 20s. I also cannot believe that I’ve been making goal lists for over a decade. It’s been sooo helpful to get me excited for life, even in my lowest points. That being said, I don’t think I will keep making yearly lists like this. I kind of want to know what it feels like to live life without such goals to aim for every year—it’s been so long that I no longer remember the feeling. For now, I’d like to just live in the moment and prioritise things that are in front of me. I think that’s what being in my 30s should be about. We’ll just see what happens.
Thank you for sticking around and supporting me to reach these goals.
Hope you’ll reach yours too!
30. Get married
Not going to lie: this is a sensitive topic for me right now. As you can see, it has yet to be checked off the list and not for lack of trying. Don’t get me wrong—I love Agung very much and vice versa, but I suppose a lot comes into play when it comes to starting a marriage. Some things are just out of my control. It doesn’t help that a lot of our friends are already married as well. For now, I’ll just leave it at that.
Starting a New Decade
Oh, gosh, I cannot believe that this time next week I will no longer be in my 20s. I also cannot believe that I’ve been making goal lists for over a decade. It’s been sooo helpful to get me excited for life, even in my lowest points. That being said, I don’t think I will keep making yearly lists like this. I kind of want to know what it feels like to live life without such goals to aim for every year—it’s been so long that I no longer remember the feeling. For now, I’d like to just live in the moment and prioritise things that are in front of me. I think that’s what being in my 30s should be about. We’ll just see what happens.
Thank you for sticking around and supporting me to reach these goals.
Hope you’ll reach yours too!