Turning 18 is a big point in a person’s life. It’s an age that signifies adulthood. But there’s a lot of life to be lived before you hit that age. SO before you get quite there, see how you’re doing in checking some of these must-dos off of your list.

1. Travel outside of your home state
Even if you just pop over to the neighboring state for a day, there’s still a thrill in crossing a state line!

2. Learn to cook an entire meal
Full disclosure, I don’t think I accomplished this before I turned 18, but it would have been dope if I had.

3. Learn how to make a really good Confession — and then make one at least once a month
This is something I learned how to do just after I turned 21, and it transformed my relationship with Jesus. In retrospect, I certainly wish I would have learned to make a good Confession earlier in life. When you learn to be totally transparent and authentic with your Savior, He’s given the space He needs to actually be your Savior. Need more help with this one? Check out I Confess and Come Clean.

4. Ask someone out on a date (or let someone take you on a date)
Dating is a fun part of being a young person! Don’t read so much into dating that you’re unable to tell someone that you’re interested in taking them out for a nice meal or a fun time to get to know them more.

5. Learn how to treat yourself
This is one of my favorite things to do. Get a little dressed up and go see a movie. Or take yourself to coffee or to watch the sunset! Make yourself a priority every once in a while and grow in your independence. Learn the value of yourself and take care of yourself!

6. Keep a part time job for 6+ months
If you’re old enough to vote, then you should be responsible enough to gain employment and maintain employment for at least half a year. Bonus points for keeping said job for at least one year. Bonus bonus points for getting a promotion.

7. Purge your closet and give at least 3 trashbags full of clothes to charity
Just think of all the free closet space! And think of all the people who could benefit from your donation!

8. Go on a retreat
Dedicated time spent with Jesus is a game changer, especially as you transition into your adult relationship with Him. Don’t skip this one! Bonus points: have some free time this summer? Convince your youth minister to bring you to summer camp or a Steubenville Conference!

9. Do your youth minister a solid and be a small group leader on a retreat
Bonus points for volunteering to lead messy games.

10. Commit to a daily prayer habit and keep it
Write it down, hold yourself to it, and consider asking an accountability partner to hold you to it as well.

11. Open a savings account… and start saving cash money
You’ll thank me later. Trust me.

12. Teach someone how to do something
Teach an old person how to use email, a young person how to tie their shoes, a person your age to fidget spin… get creative! Have fun with this one!

13. Befriend a priest or religious brother or sister
Don’t be afraid of them! Get to know them, ask them their vocation story, and ask them to pray for you (because you better believe that they will).

14. Go to spiritual direction
The spiritual life is a hard journey to go at alone and having someone a bit older, a bit wiser, and a bit holier than you to help you along the way is infinitely worth it. Reach out to your youth minister or parish priest to see who they might suggest for spiritual direction for you.

15. Find a type of exercise that you enjoy doing it and do it regularly
It doesn’t need to be as dull as running — maybe it’s ultimate frisbee, swimming laps, or LARPing. Just find something active that you enjoy doing and make time for it in your life.

16. Do a social media fast
Spend a weekend, a week, a month, or even all of Lent off of social media and take note of how it affects you.

17. Go to a museum of your choice just for fun!
Learn to appreciate things from the past that illustrate what humanity is capable of and let yourself be inspired.

18. Consecrate yourself to Mary
Before you turn 18, it’s a good idea to make Jesus a priority and, what better way to draw near to Him than by drawing near to His Mother? Give yourself over to her and she will draw you near to your Savior, her Son. If you’ve never heard of the total consecration to Mary, basically, what it is is a 33 day prayer, in which you give yourself over to her so that she can draw you closer to her Son. She’s the most loving Mother you’ve ever had and she longs to make you holy. Invite her into your life and let her do that.