I haven't actually given this subject a ton of thought because I know our future is unknown and I don't know how many of these things I can do before I die. However, it's really fun to think about! There are so many things in the world and in nature to explore that it is hard to think of the top five, but I believe that these five are important to a person's growth and to their development as a person of this world.
1. Falling in love with, marrying and growing old with the love of your life.
This is probably the most important thing that I want to do in life. Finding your best friend and your love will help you become a better person and help you grow in faith and become closer to God. Finding someone who is worthy of your heart, emotions, time, energy and life is an adventure in itself! The journey is so life-changing because as you search for that person you begin to understand yourself and who you want to be.
2. Take a road trip across the country.
Any trip you take is important to your personality and character, and it is meant to be that way; as you go to different places and experience different sights outside of your home/state, you begin to realize that there are people just like you or very different from you in other parts of the country, and many can have a lasting impact on your heart. When you travel across the country, especially with other people, you will see sights, sounds, and smells that you wouldn't back at your home and you will make many memories with people that mean the world to you.
3. Travel outside the country at least once. (In Italy, for example!)
This picture is from when I went overseas for the first time. This is Lucca, Italy. This place was so beautiful and had scenes like something out of a movie or book. Going outside the country, even to Old Quebec or Prince Edward Island (which is on my bucket list), you can have a better understanding of the world and how different people in other cultures act and go about their daily lives. Traveling is more than just getting souvenirs to take home, which is nice, but it is about getting out and going beyond the normal "touring sites." When I went to London, my family and I rode a double-decker bus all the way to the end of the line and got to see how people outside of the city got to live in the regular family flats. So traveling is not just about going to the normal places anyone would visit. It's about going downtown, or outside of the city to a little town, and making your own favorite travel stop in the country.
4. Adopt a pet.
Even if it is just for a little while, a pet is an amazing friend and companion that can change your life. Buy a dog or cat from the shelter, change their life, and in return they will change yours.
5. Run a 5K or 10K...run a long distance (with friends).
One of the best things is to give back to the community, whether through volunteering or giving money to a good cause. One of the best things that I did when I was in high school was running 5Ks with my field hockey team. We all supported each other while we ran and we also helped other people in the process. I recently did a nearly nine-mile run. Running a long distance gives you confidence in yourself, and after, you feel so refreshed and healthy! Doing distance running/jogging for a good cause is great; you get to help others and also yourself in the process. This is why this win-win situation is something you should do before you die.
Here were some of the things I hope to do before I die! Maybe you will think of some other things and add to your list! Get out there, make a difference and live!