The Origin Story
One year ago, I wrote a list in my journal: 29 things I wanted to do more of in celebration of my 29th year. (that’s a mouth full)
Credit where credit is due—this idea came from my best friend Katie. (Yes, she’s a genius.)
As I wrapped up my last year in my twenties, this little writing exercise turned out to be exactly what I needed. It helped me declutter my brain and focus on the things that mattered most.
So, here’s a look back at what I accomplished, what I didn’t, what I’m carrying with me into my 30s, and what shaped me into the version of myself I am today.
Things I Proudly Accomplished
→ Took more walks
This one mattered. I prioritized moving my body, and that led to long walking conversations with friends, learning how to listen to my body, and learning to love it, too.
→ Photographed over 30 elopements in 2024
Andrew and I crushed our season, and we’re already set to beat that number this year.
→ Talked to my brothers more
Middle child, only girl—classic combo. I’ve always had a complicated relationship with my siblings, but this year, I’ve grown so much closer to my younger brother. Through music. Through faith. Through intentional effort.
He started breaking the walls down first—and I soon followed.
My older brother? That story’s still being written. Maybe I’ll share it someday. For now, I send the “I love you” sign 🤟🏻 every time I think of him and he sends it back.
→ I wove another tapestry
During a low season, I sat crying at my loom. And as I worked, the tears slowly faded, and I found peace in the back-and-forth rhythm of weaving.
→ I swam in the ocean
→ Visited my niece and nephews in Michigan
→ Listened to Noah Kahan on repeat
→ Sat in the sun. Mastered the slow morning.
→ Read way more than 29 books (and counting).
→ Ate cake. A lot. And loved every bite.
Things I Failed At
→ Saving money
Haha. Huge fail. Moving on. Working on it.
→ Eating more greens
I tried, y’all. But working with a chaotic travel schedule and seasonal swings made it tough. That said—I have taken on the challenge of eating more real food. Less from a package, more from a basket.
→ Sharing my opinion
This one’s tricky. I originally wrote it down as “share your opinion,” but I think what I really meant was: speak your mind. Be honest about what I believe, even if it doesn’t match what’s around me.
So this goal is morphing. My 30s will be about standing firm in who I am—no more chameleon mode in social settings. Just me. All the time.
→ Letting things go
I wish I could say I nailed this one. But no—I’m still carrying a lot from my early 20s. I know healing takes time. And maybe letting go isn’t a moment, but a long, slow unraveling.
→ Hike 29 trails
Did not happen. Zero shame.
Things I’m Taking Into My 30s
→ Give more hugs
Did you know hugs can lower your heart rate, boost your immune system, and reduce pain and stress?
I’ve always struggled to initiate physical touch, but I’ve started facing that fear—and so far? 100% success rate.
→ Keep drinking water
Shoutout to my parents for raising us on water, tea, and milk. I’m a lifelong water girl and can’t leave the house without it.
→ Create more art—for me
This has healed my inner child in ways I can’t describe. After going full-time with photography, I’ve needed space to create for me. This blog is part of that.
→ Keep writing
And so I did. And so I will.
Can’t believe I wrote that last year—and now I’m here, sharing it all with you.
→ Cherish Andrew
2024 brought some major hurdles to our marriage. I lost sight of the vows I made—to love him in the good and the hard. I came so close to losing the best gift God has ever given me. I don’t take that lightly anymore. I choose him now, every day.
→ Read the gospel. Share the gospel.
I’m proud of myself for this one. I’ve made Sunday morning devotionals a ritual—coffee in hand, scripture in front of me, preparing my heart for the week. I am not perfect. I get distracted some Sundays. However, I want to keep diving into the Word. I want to grow in faith. I want to become more comfortable sharing God’s love.
→ Spend more time with my mom and dad
Sunday dinners. Nashville trips. Birthday gatherings. Theatre excursions. These are the memories I’ll carry forever—and I want more of them.
→ Tattoo #5, check✅
Even better? I got to do this one with my little brother Reece. #6 is brewing… stay tuned. Huge shoutout to one of my favorite tattoo artist – Kailey Russell with @fleabagtattoos
→ Find balance in healthy living
I quit a job that gave me daily panic attacks. I built a life and a business that works for me right now. And when it stops working? I’ll adapt. Again and again.
→ Take more photos of my life
Mission accomplished. Year 29 was documented and beautiful and so full of life.
→ Show kindness first
I debated putting this in the “failed” category. Because I wasn’t kind every moment. But I tried. I’m still trying. And I always will.
So… Was It Worth It?
Year 29 was full of joy and heartache.
Tears and belly laughs.
Dancing and praying and growing and breaking and building.
It was one of my most memorable years yet. And I truly believe this list played a big role in that.
There’s something powerful about writing your desires down—giving your year direction, without boxing it in. It helped me reflect on what matters. What I want to work on. What I’m carrying into the next decade. And what I’m ready to leave behind.
Want to Create Your Own List?
Write down your age. Then number a list from 1 to that number.
Now fill it in—things you want to do, try, feel, say, let go of, grow into.
Nothing is too big. Nothing is too small.
There are no rules—just a list.
And maybe, like me, it’ll help you become just a little more you.
✨ Need a little nudge to get started?
I created a free printable template to help guide you through the process.
It’s simple, intentional, and designed just for you.
👇 Download the “Make Your Birthday List” template (PDF)
Print it, pour a cup of coffee, and take a few quiet minutes to reflect. Your next chapter starts with a list—and this one’s all yours. 💛
Kosky 
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