I've gone skinny dipping, slept in a Tuscan Villa, and rode a horse through the Appalachian Mountains. I got hypothermia from jumping into a freezing lake for the Polar Bear Plunge, dumped water all over me learning a bartender trick, and ran 13.1 miles when I used to despise distance running with a passion. Some may say it's a YOLO mind set, but for me, I do it all for the Bucket List.
What exactly is a Bucket List? The actual definition is "a number of experiences or achievements that a person hopes to have or accomplish during their lifetime." There have been countless movies made and blogs created based on this incredible list with dreams listed a mile long. Most assume a bucket list has to be filled with crazy, daring adventures. While these are some of the beauties of a bucket list, most goals are small promises to yourself that you will one day fulfill. Whether that means making Dean's List at least one semester, or learning to bake a perfect plate of brownies, it is all about inspiring yourself to do what will make you happy.
The key is to make the list full of goals that are actually obtainable. Rather than saying I will visit all seven continents (I will die if I go to Antarctica), I plan on seeing all seven Natural Wonders of the World. For example, if you are the Queen/King of picky eating, maybe saying you will eat a bug should not be on your bucket list. Here are some beautiful reasons to grab a pencil and paper and make your list.
1. You will learn to fight your fears.
Afraid of heights, but have always wanted to ride the largest roller coaster at the amusement park? Now is your time to do it. You'll be able to laugh at your face in those ridiculously expensive pictures at the end.
Ashley and I paying to be dropped 170 feet: Check
2. You will learn to live in the moment.
We get so caught up in the day to day hustle and bustle that taking some time to focus on your goals will allow you to focus on what is right in front of you.
Donate my hair: Check
3. You will learn to appreciate life.
Sometimes we forget how precious life really is and that there are adventures out there besides landing a dream job, getting married, and having kids. There are countless adventures, cultures, and lands to explore. We are given this one life and it is important to life it to the max.
Add lock to Lock Bridge, Paris: Check
4. You will create memories to last a lifetime.
Years from now, as you talk to your kids, friends, or family ,you can say, "Oh my gosh, I remember that one time I decided to jump out of perfectly good airplane?" Your goals may even include friends, so you can forever laugh at the stupidity of taking a leap of faith. It even may help you answer the question, 'How do you want to be remembered?'
Four States in Five Days road trip: Check
5. You will be reminded to dream big and go after your dreams.
With a bucket list, there can be no goal too small. Use it as your driving factor to get shit done.
Run 13.1 Miles: Check
6. You will have an amazing reason to do some of the craziest things you can think of.
Yeah, that one time I got hypothermia from jumping into a freezing cold lake? All for the bucket list.
Polar Bear Plunge: Check
7. You will learn to inspire yourself.
You did it. You finished your goal and can check it off your list. After possibly fighting mentally with yourself, or even physically, you finished something you may have never thought possible. You rock!
Survive driving in a snowstorm: Check (I am now the Queen of winter driving, thank you.)
My personal bucket list is roughly 320 items long (and constantly growing), and while my friends and family laugh at this statement, I remember the memories already created. If I didn't have 'Start a Blog' on my bucket list, I would have never continued to pursue my love of writing, leading to you reading this article. It is the perfect opportunity to say 'why not' and re-energize yourself. It is the chance to remind yourself that you are human and there is more to life than paying bills and going to work. The Bucket List is the best way to have no more excuses. As Nike perfectly puts it, Just Do It.
Need a little inspiration? Here's my entire list, or this highly inspirational list that I got at least half my ideas from.
