The Bucket List. Who hasn't heard of the proverbial bucket list? At its core is a belief in pushing humanity to its limits, and past the ones it puts on itself. From the crazy jumping out of an airplane, to the insane climbing Mount Everest, to the absolutely death defying polar plunge, bucket lists can go anywhere. Bucket lists serve to show us that we are boundless, and that we must use the precious moments of our lives to strive toward greatness. First I would like to share a few things on my bucket list, and then I will give you five tips to start an amazing bucket list.
On my bucket list:
1. Complete an Ironman.
The name alone suggests a formidable challenge. Remember how some people gasp when they hear about someone training for a marathon? Well, this is the next level. 2.4 miles in open water, 112 miles on a mountain bike, followed by a grueling 26.2 mile run with nothing but you and your thoughts (and your clothes!) makes this race one of, if not the most grueling and most demanding challenges to human physiology.
2. Climb to the top of Mount Everest.
This may be a bit cliche but I truly wish to experience it. Getting to the top of the world is more than just an astounding achievement, it is a Danté-esque journey of the self. You can learn a lot about survival from a climb like this, but you can also learn a lot about yourself, about your limits, and about your motivation.
3. Cliff jump at Acapulco.
Don't get me wrong, I know how to dive, and I'm okay at it, but I'm no olympic diver. I love thrills, but I'm not a major fan of heights. So in a way, this is more than just an adrenaline rush. It is proof, to me and me alone, that I am more than the boundaries I set upon myself. It is also a beautiful place, which adds a lot to the value of this experience.
4. Graduate from Medical School/ Earn a PhD.
I have been really focused on becoming a doctor for as long as I can remember, but I don't want to restrict myself too much. Either or for this one, because both are monsters to finish AND prove that I have reached a pinnacle in academia (not in education).
5. Visit Brussels, Belgium.
When my mother did our genealogical tree we found out that we are Belgian. Yes, Belgian Waffles, Belgian Chocolate - that Belgian. I've always loved French Culture, and I am in awe of Germany, with it's astounding history, and this blends the two together perfectly. Being sandwiched in between two major world super powers means being heavily influenced by both. A plus: the deviant in me did not want to be stereotypical and dream of Paris or Berlin.
Now, here are my five tips for writing an awesome bucket list (despite the fact that I'm not quite a legal adult yet). A precursor tip: throw out that attainable bull-crap that you were taught in middle school. Strive for the impossible and you'll be surprised by how much you can actually do.
1. Pick something that the you could never see yourself being able to physically complete. Sometimes it's as simple as running a 5K, sometimes it's more hardcore and you tack on a zero or two. No matter what it is, find something that will push you physically; we can always be healthier and this will give us a goal to work toward.
2. Pick something that you could see yourself doing now, but don't have the guts to do. This goes back to the better you; find something that it seems like you are on track to do, but don't think you will follow through. Break the glass ceiling at that consulting firm, do a triple axel, climb up the side of the Eiffel Tower (just don't get caught). Make a promise to yourself to trust in your preparation and believe in your future.
3. Pick a place you've always wanted to see. Splurge a little, travel the world, garner cultural knowledge. Go somewhere beautiful, and when I say beautiful I mean your version of beautiful; I don't want to see millions of people trying to go to Paris simply because other people are going. Only go if you think it is the most beautiful place in the world.
4. Find an educational pursuit, and pursue it. You may have a Phd in astrophysics or a Medical Degree from Harvard, but you have more to learn. Anything from picking up a book and reading it, to attending a lecture series, to pursuing higher education, find a way to make the you of today the dumber version of the you tomorrow.
5. Find something to do for the thrill of it. Other people may say it's not worth it, some may accuse you of having a mid-life crisis, but who cares? Find something that, even though it may have little value in the real world, you want to do just because. Do something you've always wanted and forget about the criticisms of those around you. Think selfishly, because you need to put yourself first, at least sometimes.
