So, there’s this belief out in the universe that life begins at 40. With exactly two months to go in my 30s, I thought it might be time to reflect on my life and plan for the future.

Turning 40 is unquestionably a notable milestone. It means I have overcome all the trials and obstacles life has hurled my way. It means I am a survivor. It also means I have done and participated in a lot of stupid shenanigans, but oh the stories I could tell. Afterall, I am still banned from the Cracker Barrel in West Memphis and I’m pretty sure I am no longer allowed in the state of Kentucky.

But they say forty is a great age. You’re old enough to realize what you shouldn’t do and you’re still young enough to not care.

As a public service, I have personally put together a list of things to do once you’ve turned 40. I know I personally look forward to marking each one off.

Go to concerts, all concerts.

We are lucky to live in the perfect area for concerts. With cities like Memphis, Little Rock, Nashville and St. Louis just a few miles away, there’s never a weekend without a concert somewhere. Grab your favorite cowboy hat and boots and see Garth or Luke. Grab a buddy, cash money for bail and an alibi and go see Morgan Wallen. Heck, rent a limo, eat some crab dip and enjoy some Adele live. Life is too short, and memories are too few.

Enjoy a Memphis Grizzlies game. Paint your face, grab a jersey, blast out to “Whoop There it Is,” and take off to Memphis. Sure, you may be forced to dodge bullets on Beale Street and there’s a good chance you will wobble right out of the Fedex Forum and fall flat on your face in front of thousands of Grizz fanatics, but isn’t that life? Just jump right up, laugh, and wobble away.

Go to a local charity event. Who cares if there is a dress code? I’ve yet to see anyone tossed from a fundraiser for not dressing on par with the rest of the attendees. Grab a friend or two, make it a fun moment. Always request a table toward the back of the room and enjoy the show.

Get out in the snow.

Let’s face it, we live in Arkansas. Snow days are few. Don’t run over to the Walmart and frantically gather up all the bread, wine and toilet paper to prepare for the winter weather event. No. Get out after the snow accumulates and drive around enjoying the sights. Can’t see where the road ends and the sidewalk begins? Who cares? No one died from driving on a sidewalk.

Sing Karaoke. Who doesn’t know the words to Toby Keith’s “Should’ve been a Cowboy” or Tanya Tucker’s “Delta Dawn?” Who cares if you aren’t vocally gifted? Just stand up, hold your head high and sing that funky music. Hit the high notes, mix up the lyrics and sway to the beat of the music. Something a little stronger than a Coke Zero should help increase vocal abilities. Oh. Go Facebook Live, too. Want to do something good for your fellow man? This is it.

Stop counting calories.

If you have time to count calories, then you have too much time on your hands. Get the burger with extra bacon.

Get out this spring and walk around town. Not for exercise, just stroll. Wave at people. Stop and talk to people whether you know them or not! People over 40 aren’t shy. Also, if there happens to be a lapse in the sidewalk where you are walking, and I’m betting there will be, walk in the street. Go downtown and walk around the Square. Go see the new storefront at Joe Pete’s and sit down right there and whittle a while.

Go on excursions. We are lucky to have some of the best backroads in the country. Explore them. Get lost. Stop at a creek and skip rocks. Stop at an old homesite and imagine life there 100 years ago. And if nature calls on some remote dirt road, well, figure it out! After a couple of hours of exploring, you will probably find yourself in Missouri or some remote part of Sharp or Lawrence county, but you’ll figure out how to get back home. Be brave. Become an over-forty, backroads adventurer.

Go to Mardi Gras. Ah New Orleans. The city of Cajun Cuisine, weed fog, urine-scented streets and happiness. I’m not sure if anyone is mature or responsible enough to enjoy Mardi Gras before the age of 40. It’s a time to let loose, live life to its fullest. Bring your mom back some New Orleans Pralines and all will be right in the world. And Lysol. Remember the Lysol.