Turning 25 years old was very difficult for me due to a lot of external factors. When I turned 26 this year I felt much happier and more at peace with life (due in no small part to the amazing trip I took to celebrate). The single factor that has made me feel my adulthood and responsibility is, as can be expected, adopting a child. Having a little human that completely depends on me has made me grow up quicker than almost anything else apart from marriage.

I may be growing up, but I never want to grow old. There are some things I do now that I swore I never would, some things I dreaded that aren't so bad, and some things that make me feel downright grandma-like at the young age of 26. For awhile I was going to bed by 9pm since Willow woke up multiple times per night! Thankfully this time has passed, but the other day I was reminded again that even as I am growing older I never want to grow old.

In light of my desire to always stay young and acknowledge that I still have over three years left before I turn 30 - and many more wonderful years after that! - I decided to make a 30-year-old bucket list. So, without further ado, here are 15 big things I want to do before I say goodbye to my 20s...