When approaching twenty-one, most people would agree that they feel as if they are ending the chapter of childhood and beginning the chapter of adulthood. You're too old for childish attics but still a little too young to give it up for good. Most people wait for midnight and head into the bar for a black out night, others have a drink to celebrate coming of legal ages, and some don't even celebrate at all. Upon reflecting on my twentieth year coming to a close, I began to think about the things I haven't done yet, the simple ones. So in light of my upcoming twenty-first birthday, here is my 21 bucket list!
1. Read a classic novel.
Maybe you've read a ton of books in high school English that you hated. Revisit them. You might have been too young to appreciate them.
2. Start a nightly routine.
If it's stretching before bed or indulging in a piece of chocolate after dinner starting a new nightly routine can alter your mood and motivate you to do more constant things throughout the day.
3. Take 24 hours to nurse a hangover.
Your body will thank you later.
4. Volunteer your time.
Nothing is more rewarding than putting some good back into the world. Pay it forward, donate, volunteer.
5. Be brutally honest with someone.
Everyone deserves to hear the honest truth at least once in their life and everyone deserves to speak without a filter every once in a while. It might hurt and feel awkward but it'll benefit both parties in the end.
6. Dine out alone.
That's right. Go out to a restaurant and eat alone. Don't bring work or stay on your phone, just eat alone. It'll give you some perspective and confidence.
7. Forgive someone.
Life's short, let it go for your own sake.
8. Write an angry letter.
Write an angry letter to someone and throw it out. The emotional release is refreshing.
9. Visit your elementary school.
Trust me, it'll blow your mind.
10. Explore a new town.
Take the drive to some town you've never been to and look around. But don't stray too far from home, otherwise it's just like a vacation.
11. Save a whole paycheck.
Your bank account could use a break and the extra cash could come in handy.
12. Turn off or hide your phone.
You time is okay, you won't miss much. A selfie or some twitter beef won't determine your existence.
13. Buy a lotto ticket.
You might get lucky.
14. Learn something new.
Play an instrument or ride a skateboard, learn something out of your comfort zone.
15. Make a drastic change.
Dye a stripe of hair, get a hair cut, wear a color you've never worn. Soon you'll be too old for childish antics so get your kicks in now.
16. Do yoga.
Serious yoga, not the kind you did in gym class.
17. Take and print out pictures.
A million selfies can hold off and all those pictures with friends and family can come out. Nothing beats a physical photograph.
18. Reminisce.
Baby pictures, class pictures, 90's playlists, old toys, TV shows, everything! You'll laugh and cry all at the same time.
19. Go on an online date.
It's definitely an experience (Tinder hookup doesn't count).
20. Eat really bad or good for a whole day.
You'll either feel great or like crap, your choice.
21. Be selfish.
Your life is just beginning, these are the years you get to focus on yourself and it if means being single or refusing an night out, than do it.
