You've seen the lists many times. "21 things to do on your 21st birthday", "21 things you MUST do before turning 21", and so on. The lists say things like "take 21 shots" and kiss a stranger for As a "good girl", I just can't live up to those crazy expectations. And yet, it seems appropriate to round out my last week as a 20-year-old with a laundry list of things to do before turning 21. Here's an alternative list for all you good girls out there.
1. Do something crazy.
Hike to the bottom of the grand canyon, run a half-marathon, set up an IRA. You get the picture.
2. Do something illegal.
Driving six miles an hour over the speed limit should do the trick. You might even consider getting real crazy and not coming to a complete stop at a stop sign once or twice. (Disclaimer: always drive carefully. I am not endorsing poor driving habits. In fact, I find that when not following the rules, people tend to be more careful. So that's my hope for you, good girl. Be extra careful when not abiding by traffic laws.)
3. Drink.
Water. Seriously. Especially if you live somewhere that's often hot or sunny. It tastes much better than alcohol anyway. If you're out of the United States, you might try a cider or a strawberry daiquiri.
4. Dance like everyone's watching.
Feel free to do this in the shower, or kill it on a dance floor. It's your choice!
5. Be dirty.
Go hiking, camping, rock-climbing, house-building, mud-running...anything adventurous that will get you nice and dirty. Don't be afraid to take chances, make mistakes, and get messy!
6. Go to jail.
Visit the imprisoned. You'll learn something new about the justice system and possibly about yourself.
7. Steal something.
Like someone's heart. They might never forgive you, but if you do it right, you'll both be better off in the long run.
8. Ignore your boss.
Yep. Sometimes bosses can say ridiculous things like "your job is more important than school or your personal life". To which you should say "bye."
9. Break something.
Such as a bad habit. Or an awkward silence.
10. Give up.
Let go of your long-held grudges. And stop waiting for that boy who just doesn't get it to ask you out.
11. Keep a secret.
Do something good for someone else and remain anonymous. Telling no one of your mini-triumph might be a challenge, but then you know you did the good deed purely for its intrinsic value.
12. Forget something important.
Like the time your little brother blamed you for eating your dad's ice cream when you actually ate it together. Or the time when your grandmother did that annoying habit that made you want to scream. Forgive and forget. Forgive and forget.
13. Tattle-tale on your favorite person.
People do great things that they are too humble to share. While being mindful that they may be trying to live number 11, tell the world how great your favorite person is. Whether they held the door for you or something much bigger, it's never a bad time to show appreciation for your loved ones.
14. Love with the freedom of a millennial.
As millennials, we are encouraged to love however we desire. You, good girl, are going to choose the right way to love. Love everyone with your whole heart, not just your body.
15. Blow up someone's phone.
If you know someone in need of encouragement, call them! text them! Blow up their phone with happy words. It will make their day and yours.
16. Burn a book.
You know that class that kicked your butt? Remember how you kicked right back and nailed your final exam? It's time to celebrate by burning your textbook in celebration.
17. Be greedy.
Try to get to know someone by learning as much as you can about them. Ask deep questions and wait to hear meaningful answers. Take true interest in their life and you'll be surprised how much you can learn. If you are patient enough, you can get through to anyone.
18. Lose patience.
When the world seems to be closing in on itself, loose patience waiting for it to change itself. you are the only person who can make an immediate difference because only you know the change that needs to happen.
19. Be someone else for a day.
The next time you get angry or upset with someone, put yourself into the place of that person. Notice how they see you and how they might be feeling.
20. Be homeless.
First, understand what it means to be homeless by truly listening to the story of a local homeless person. Not only will you remind yourself of how fortunate you are to have the phone or that computer you are reading this article on, but you will be treating the person with the respect or dignity that he or she reserves. Second, remember that the world is your home. Leave the house you grew up in and travel. Have no home for a day, a week, a month, a semester, or a year. Enjoy the freedom of not having a house while remembering how fortunate you are to have a home.
21. Forget your past.
Everyone has done things they aren't proud of. Before your 21st birthday, find a way to get rid of those acts. Confess to a priest, your dog, your diary, or your older sister. Learn from the past and don't beat yourself up over it. Move on and grow.
Stay good, and enjoy your 21st birthday, good girl!
