10 Things You Must Add To Your Bucket List

The Disney Movie ‘Up’ utilises the notion of a bucket list well. At the start of the movie, we see a lovely couple who love to travel. We watch as they meet, marry, and have children. We see some of their life memories as they grow old together. They have things they do and places they go. However, they both desire to go to one special location the most. We watch as they save and save. And we see how life events cause them to use their savings to take care of various emergencies.

Sadly, the couple never makes it to the exotic location. The wife passes away, and the husband is left alone in their house, surrounded by development. The man eventually decides to go on an adventure to the location. The way it happens and the experiences he has along the way invigorate him. It is a magnificent experience to watch on screen.

The takeaway is that we all have things we wish to achieve in life, and crossing off our bucket list items is never guaranteed. Some of us choose different adventures at certain ages. Others choose to cross items off their lists upon retirement. The point of a bucket list is to experience things we deem once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. and everyone’s bucket list will look different. In fact, there are websites and phone apps dedicated to helping people create bucket lists. Lists can be created in so many ways.

You can choose dates to achieve the bucket list item by. You can choose whether it is something you want to do alone or with someone else. It is possible even to see what the more popular items are on other people’s lists. The possibilities are truly endless. Whether you want to experience something you have desired, heard or read so much about, or dreamed of since childhood, no item is a non-bucket list item. In that vein, we’ve compiled 10 bucket list items we think are unique and worth considering.

• • 1. Connect With Past Teachers

When we think of teachers, we may think of negative connotations. They gave us homework, punished us, yelled at us, or even seemed so out of reach. But without teachers, where would we be?

Teachers set the cornerstone for the skills we need to succeed in life. They push us to be better than we could ever imagine. They often act in so many roles outside of instruction that we never even notice. No teacher is perfect; they are humans, but they do thankless work.

If you want to make your bucket list personal and have a moving experience that leaves your bucket filled with tears of joy and appreciation, reach out to some past teachers. Check out your yearbooks, visit the school’s website, or do a general web search to see if they still work there. Then make a call, write a note, or visit the school and say thank you. You will be amazed by the response. This is something that can be done by anyone at any age. You don’t even have to retire to make this bucket list item happen.

• • 1. Give a Heartfelt Surprise to Someone

With so much negativity on television bringing us down, you can really make a difference in someone’s life by giving them a heartfelt surprise. Take the example of a woman who texted a family member to see if they were coming to a holiday meal. She texted the wrong person! When the person texted back, explaining this, she invited him to the meal anyway. This led to a special meal where complete strangers were able to connect and experience kindness and family on a whole new level.

You may not go this far, but perhaps you can pick up someone’s grocery or meal tab. Maybe you can surprise your neighbour’s children with a gift. Or perhaps your gesture will be grander. Kindness creates an experience, and that is what life is all about: treating each other well without expectation. Again, you can do this one at any age.

• • 1. Pack up and Go

Pack your bags and go somewhere random with no pre planning to invoke a sense of romanticism. You can experience the feeling of freedom with no deadlines or pressures. You can take in all the sights, sounds, and experiences in full with no distractions; you are in complete control.

Planning to just go allows you to be spontaneous. Skills that are lost in today’s digital world can be sharpened. You are forced to speak with people and learn about the area you go to. You get so much more from this experience than you would from a planned trip.

It doesn’t have to be a major trip either. You may decide to go away for a weekend or even a day. Just pack what you need and get on the open road. You will feel a vigour second to none. This can be done alone, with friends, or with a partner. And there’s no age limit to getting out and exploring.

• • 1. Read a Book on a Subject You Never Would

Open your mind, and your heart will follow. Reading a book gives you new insight into how others think. It makes you ask questions you would have never thought of, and you may just learn something new about yourself and feel stimulated. So visit your local library or online bookstore for an easy way to get out of your comfort zone and experience something new. After all, that is what a bucket list is all about.

• • 1. Volunteer in Hospice

People in hospice care have unique perspectives on life. Something about facing the end gives people insight into regret, what matters, and accepting the fragility of life. Experiencing this insight is invaluable to enjoying your life to the fullest.

More than that, you have the ability to provide empathy and care to those in a time when comfort matters most. Nothing can replace the feeling of making an impact at the perfect time.

• • 1. Fly a Kite

Flying a kite is so much fun. There are festivals that celebrate this pastime. More than that, though, flying a kite can be done anywhere. It is a great excuse to visit a location you always wanted to see or to just get out and about. Plus, kites come in all shapes and sizes. Setting them up and flying them takes balance and skill, which is great to have at any age. You can also meet people from all walks of life and socialise. You may just invent electricity. Either way, it is very affordable.

• • 1. Fall Asleep on a Grassy Plain

Not only is sleeping outdoors a great way to get close to nature, it also helps you relax and rest your mind, body, and soul. Here are some tips to follow to get the best of this experience:

• • 1. • Bring a pillow as a head rest
       • Bring a mat so that you can rest comfortably on the ground without abrasion
       • Make sure you’re in an area where it’s safe (e.g., no snakes or wild animals)
       • Bring a mosquito repellent and sunscreen to protect your skin
    2. Learn Origami and Leave It Anywhere

Origami is the art of folding paper into different shapes and objects. Learning to do this takes focus as well as patience. But once you learn how to create origami, the things you can make are remarkable.

Plus, it can be very relaxing. Once you have made your origami, leave it in a public place for others to find and rejoice in. Think of times you saw that really cool handmade art that sparked that appreciation and childlike joy. Origami can do that for the masses. You will leave a positive ripple effect everywhere you go.

• • 1. Conquer Your Biggest Fear

Fear can be a real life stopper. It can cause anxiety and mental paralysis. Many people never truly accomplish what they want because of fear. While some fear is real and justified, such as a fear of falling off a tall building, many fears are a result of some limit placed on us by an outside force. Moreover, some fear may result from a traumatic event. Whatever your fear, face it head on.

Take reasonable steps with the right support from friends or a professional. The experience of overcoming a fear is one that will fill you with delight. Only then will the world truly be your oyster.

• • 1. Tell 10 People About Your Bucket List and Encourage Them to Join You

Rather than completing your list alone, invite others to join you. You may choose to have different people join you for different experiences. This not only helps ensure you achieve what is on your list, but it also allows you to experience your items with someone, making it more fun. You may even help someone cross something off their list. Pick an item, set a date, and cross that item off your list.

Conclusion

Having a bucket list is about doing things that matter in life. Some people find this through common bucket list items such as marriage, children, or travel. However, giving time, love, thanks, or sharing experiences with others makes for enriching bucket list items that leave indelible impacts on everyone they touch.

Thus, our 10 items are all about making a positive impact on others and, in return, feeling great about yourself. In doing so, you will learn more about your personal capabilities and the world you live in, which is huge. However, we don’t want to ruin too many of your bucket-list adventures. Much like in Up, you will be surprised by the way things unfold.

At Telecare24, we realise that living means having freedom of choice. We know that bucket list items have no age limit. And we have the tools to help you or your loved one check off those items at any age. Whether you want to know that no matter where you are, you can reach emergency assistance or that your loved one is safe, we have the technology to make it happen.

Contact us today to find out how we can support you on your bucket list journey. Thanks for reading this article. For more information, please check out our blog.