Waiting those last few months, or even weeks, before turning 21 is grueling. Between watching everyone around you turn 21 and having to wait your turn impatiently and constantly imagining the freedom and fun that comes with finally being legally allowed to drink--it's all so difficult! Turning twenty-one in the United States is probably one of the most celebrated and acknowledged rights-of-passage known to man. Everyone dreams of watching the minutes tick by on the clock until it magically strikes midnight and you can finally hand your I.D. to the bouncer like a proud adult.
However, there's more to turning 21 than just being able to legally drink. While turning 18 is a milestone in itself, marking your transition into adulthood and a new stage of your life, turning 21 opens up a whole new chapter in your life. At this point, you've already experienced three years of being an independent, responsible adult, and now the expectations are set even higher around you. What was once a new and novel feeling of independence has become the realization that you're expected to start supporting yourself financially and have a grasp of what your future is going to be like.
But before your life takes a sharp turn in a new direction, there are some freedoms and opportunities you should experience without question. Here are 21 things that you should without a doubt do or try before you turn 21:
1. Travel abroad.
There are so many incredible opportunities when it comes to traveling to a different country, and while you're still young and not tied to other obligations, you should take the opportunity to explore what's out there outside of your familiar boundaries.
2. Take a spontaneous road trip.
Whether you convince some friends or your sibling(s) to join you along for the ride, head out on the open road and see where your gas mileage takes you.
3. Learn another language.
You don't have to be fluent in it, but you never know when learning Spanish, Italian, or even Mandarin can come in handy.
4. Give back to a charitable cause.
There is no feeling more wholesome than being able to give back to those in need. Take your blessings in life and turn them into a passion. Find a cause or advocacy that you support and contribute what you can towards it.
5. Change up your appearance just for the fun of it.
It doesn't have to be anything drastic...maybe a new haircut or even just switching up your daily makeup routine. Sometimes it's fun to test out a new look and who knows, you might even love it.
6. Know how to do your own laundry.
This one's pretty self-explanatory and kind of boring, but every grown adult should know that you never want to mix your whites and reds or how to start a washing machine. I learned it the hard way... myself--your parents won't always be there for you to teach you how to sort your dirty clothes.
7. Delve into a new hobby.
Go outside your comfort zone a bit and try something you've never done before. Perhaps there's a yoga class you've been anxious to try out, or you're really into creative writing, or want to get into photography. There's so many cool hobbies and interests to get into, you just have to be willing to give them a try.
8. Open a savings account if you haven't already.
Seriously...money goes fast and you'll be wondering where all your paychecks went if you're not carefully saving. Plus, it's a good habit to budget your expenses and learn how to responsibly handle your own money.
9. Drop any toxic friends.
Life's too short to hang around people who make you feel awful about yourself. You don't know how much better your life can be until you cut the toxic and negative people out of your life.
10. Go on a camping trip.
There's true beauty in the outdoors, and most people are usually too tied up in technology and social media to put their phones and laptops down for a day or two and just appreciate the natural world. You'll gain a true appreciation for what you have in life after spending some quality time with Mother Nature.
11.Face your greatest fear.
Let go of all your worries and fears and take a leap...literally! Maybe try skydiving or bungee jumping, or it can be something not as extreme like swimming in the ocean or climbing top the top of a tall building. You'll feel so accomplished and proud of yourself for taking steps towards facing your fears.
12. Send a handwritten letter to someone you love.
Sure, texting and DM-ing is so much easier and quicker than snail mail, but there's nothing more heartwarming than receiving a letter that someone took the time to write by hand and send in the mail. Whether it be to your parents, grandparents, or your best friend, I'm sure they'll appreciate the gesture as well as having physical proof of the love you have for them.
13. Create a lifetime bucket list.
It doesn't matter how long, add all of your short-term and long-term goals and dreams and put it somewhere safe. You'll be amazed at all the things you can cross off throughout the years, and it may inspire you to pursue things you were once too scared or wary to try.
14. Visit your old teachers.
Take a trip back to one of your old schools and take the time to drop into some of your old teachers' classrooms. I'm sure they'd be so surprised to see and hear how far you've come since you were one of their students. Not to mention, it's always important to show how grateful you are for the people that got you where you are today.
15. Relax!
Take a day, two, or even a week off from all the responsibilities of life and just lay low. Don't worry about school or work or any social obligations. Just take some time to pamper yourself and simply rest.
16. Go through old pictures.
There's nothing more nostalgic than going through old photo albums and seeing how goofy you looked as a toddler. And it's sure to bring back some amazing memories and remind you of some familiar faces from your past.
17. Read a book.
Whether you're an avid reader or simply a novice, find a title that intrigues you and read the book from cover to end. There's nothing more calming and pleasing than spending a few hours a week with your nose in a good book.
18. Make a recipe that you saw online.
You know exactly which ones I'm talking about. The videos that pop-up on your Facebook timeline or Pinterest page that have you drooling and saying you'd make some time, but, in reality, it never happens. Even if it turns out horrible, at least you can say you tried.
19. Relive a trend from your childhood.
There's nothing more nostalgic and hilarious than attempting to bring back a trend from when you were in elementary school. Maybe it was Silly Bandz, Juicy Tracksuits, or Ed Hardy sneakers. See what memories come flooding back and spend some time laughing with your friends over what was the it trend way back in the day.
20. Spend a day re-watching your all-time favorite movies.
Whether they made you laugh or cry or wish they never ended, compile the movies that you love the most and spend the day with a bucket of popcorn and the TV remote. If you want to make it more fun, invite some friends over and turn it into a sleepover like you used to do in middle school.
21. Do what makes you happy!
That is the most important thing to remember in life. If something is weighing you down, then do something to change it! You're turning 21...it's time to revel in all the incredible things life has blessed you with and what's in store for the future. Be yourself, love yourself, and make your own happiness your number one priority!
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