If you’re nearing the end of your 20s, you might be feeling that tinge of dread, but your 30s really are an exciting time. With your 30s comes less doubt, more self-assurance and more personal growth. One of the best ways to foster that personal growth is through creativity. If you’re about to enter into a new decade, take a minute to scan this list and see what creative skills you should have under your belt.

Cook or bake one perfect dish

 

Look, I love Trader Joe’s frozen entrees as much as the next gal, but everyone should have one dish under their belt they can make from scratch and without following a recipe.  Even if you don’t plan on cooking a four-course meal every night, taking a cooking class is actually really fun and can open up new creative skills you didn’t even know you had.

Read more: 5 Things You Should Know How To Cook Before Moving Out

 

Write a decent letter

 

Texting and emailing have done away with the art of snail mail. While blogging is full of creativity, having the ability to craft a beautiful letter to a loved one is something to cherish. Start by journaling and writing letters to yourself, then work up to writing letters to your most loved individuals. It has so much more sentiment than an email.

Read more: A Love Letter To Having Pen Pals

 

Take up at least one artistic medium (for fun)

Art is therapeutic, even if you aren’t very good at it (trust me, I’m speaking from experience). After a particularly bad breakup, I took a watercolor class, and although I was absolutely terrible, I still did it whenever I needed a creative outlet. For the record, I’m also really terrible at pottery, but I know the basics now, just in case! Pick one that you find relaxing and enjoyable.

Read more: Here’s Why You’re An Artist, Even If You Don’t Feel Like It

 

Learn how to take a decent photo

We live in an age where everyone has a high-quality camera at the tips of their fingers. But that doesn’t mean your photos are automatically frame-worthy. There are lots of great tips out there on lighting, exposure, focus and all the nitty gritty details that go into taking a good photo. Think of it as learning how to create the most beautiful memories possible. No more red eyes after 30!

Read more: 7 Simple Tips For Taking More Interesting Photos

 

Get comfortable with public speaking

 

At some point in your life and/or career, you’re going to have to stand up in front of a group of people and speak. Public speaking is totally a learned skill, and will help you feel so much more confident in yourself as the amazing powerhouse woman you are!

Read more: 8 Tips To Help You Become An Excellent Conversationalist

 

This post was updated and adapted from this article originally posted on Glitter Guide in 2018.