As I sit here at the age of 19, I find myself counting down the days until my long awaited 21st birthday. At 21, you can booze it up legally and appear at all the 21+ night clubs you and your friends have been dying to go to.
However, turning 21 comes with more responsibility and less opportunities to live your life to the fullest. So before I make it to the birthday I've been excited for for so long, I decided to come up with 10 things I hope or have already done before then that will hopefully make life a little more interesting.
1. Go to a concert
Your favorite artist is playing this summer at a venue near you? Buy the tickets and go, because this could very well be your only chance.
2. Get a (summer) job
Specifically, I suggest a summer job. If you find a cool ice cream shop, seafood place, or beach to work at, you won't mind working as much as you would at a regular part-time job. You'll meet some new friends, which will make work less like a job and more like a hang out, and you'll still be making some money.
3. Start up a conversation with someone you've never met
You were taught at a young age not to speak to strangers. While your parents were just looking out for your safety, I think it's a mistake to not talk to every unfamiliar face you see. I think there's a lot to be learned from talking to someone you knew nothing about initially.
4. Road trip
Think of the drive as your vacation rather than your destination. Invite some friends to come with you, roll the windows down, and blast some music. Road trips are a chance to explore the world around you and create memories with the ones you travel with.
5. Eat breakfast at a old-fashioned diner late at night
Maybe it's a stop along your road trip or just a late-night craving. Spend 2 a.m. with close friends eating pancakes at a diner.
6. Fall in love and get your heart broken
Go on a date with someone. Let yourself open up and share secrets with a significant other. Just remember, though, not all relationships last. Heartbreak is part of growing up. The good thing about breakups are the lesson that comes with them. Somehow, you always end up OK, and maybe even better in the end.
7. Go to a house party
It may be out of your comfort zone to walk into a house full of strangers, but it could lead to a unforgettable night.
8. Spend a whole day outside
We often take for granted the beauty around us. Go for a hike or a bike ride, spend the day at the beach, or just sit on your lawn and take in the natural world that we don't appreciate enough.
9. Remind the ones you love that you love them often
Life is too short to hold grudges and not say "I love you." Tell your loved ones, friends, and family that you love them as often as you can.
10. Write a letter to yourself that you will open on your 21st birthday
Write about the things you hope to have accomplished by the age of 21. Write about your experiences so far in life, and the memories you've shared with others. Remind yourself that life is a crazy, beautiful journey and that the good and bad times are temporary. Live your life how you please to and make time for spontaneous trips, nights out, and for yourself.
