Bucket List...What.Why.How
"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." - Mark Twain
From my experience, I can tell you that the fondest memories that I have from my time abroad were the spontaneous moments when I took risks and ignored my subconscious fears. I wouldn't be able to tell you about the time when I randomly decided to go zip lining in Toledo, Spain, if I had lingered a second longer on my fears. It's important to keep a list of things that you've always wanted to do. Writing out your dreams makes them more tangible and therefore more realistic.
Starting a bucket list may seem daunting at first, but once you complete the first to-do on your list, things get a lot easier. It's easy to get trapped in the mundane routine of what we call life, which is why it is important to have something that reminds us to live. When I say live it doesn't mean to continue on in your everyday routine, it means to stop what you are doing and remember that we only have a limited time on this earth. It means to remind yourself of what you are passionate about and what motivates you. It means to live your life to the fullest and to never give up on that dream that's been on the back of your mind.
What does a bucket list consist of? Many people think a bucket list is comprised of travel destinations or crazy experiences (sky diving or bungee jumping), but that isn't always true. A bucket list is a personal reminder of the things that you have wanted to accomplish. It can be as small as trying a new sport, or as big as moving to a new city that excites you!
How do I start a bucket list? The best way to start a bucket list is to loosen up and be a dreamer. Here are questions that can provide great bucket list goals:
What would I do with my life if money were no object?
Am I happy in my current job?
What motivates me and how can I practically take steps to pursue what I love?
What countries do I want to travel to? What's stopping me from traveling?
Am I happy with the direction that my life is headed? If not, then why am I settling?
Is there any activity/sport that I have been wishing to do? Why am I still waiting to do it?
These are just a few of the questions that you can ask yourself to compose your bucket list.
I've shared my bucket list items below to get you inspired!
Attempt a new language and visit the country!
A new language is exciting and useful especially as our economy moves more towards globalization. Luckily for you there are plenty of resources available to help you become proficient in the new language of your choice.
Duolingo is the most popular free way to learn a new language! With an average rating of 4.7, I can guarantee you from personal experience that duolingo is one of the best in the markets for learning a new language.
The best way to become proficient in a new language is to visit the country and practice! Although it is great to interact with the app, speaking with people who are native speakers helps you to become more familiar with the new language.
Get out of your routine and travel!
Traveling is a constant reminder that the world doesn't just consist of the country that we are from or even the state that we live in. It allows us to see a completely different side of the world and to see how others in the world view life and live. It bursts our bubble of comfortability and challenges us to see the world from a different perspective.
Is traveling realistic for me? Yes, I repeat yes! The only thing that should be expensive about traveling overseas is the upfront costs of the plane ticket. If you are still hesitant about the costs of traveling abroad, check out my blog on traveling on a budget!
Make a friend from a different country
Linda, a friend I met from the UK while living in Madrid
You would be surprised at how many things you have in common with people from other countries. Making international friends changed my perception on how I thought about everyday things. It also challenged me to look at political and economic issues from a more global perspective. Most importantly, it gives you reasons to keep traveling abroad!
Put away your map and go on an adventure
The biggest mistake you can make while traveling is to be handicapped by your map! Put down the map and just explore, don't be afraid of getting lost. The best memories I have from my trips are the times when I just decided to wander without having a goal in mind. I discovered new restaurants, quaint coffee shops, and even went zipping. The best way to immerse yourself in the culture is to open yourself up to new experiences and ideas.
Happy travels...always remember to sail away from the safe harbor and explore, dream and discover!
Come & Stay looks forward to helping you mark off destinations and adventures from your bucket list in the near future. Share on our FB page @comestay a destination that's on your bucket list!
