All of us have a bucket list of so many things we want to do. Most of these things we will not be able to accomplish until we are well into adulthood. So here is a list of 20 things to do before you are 20 years old.
1. Build a treehouse/fort
You need to build a fort or treehouse and have an imaginary adventure. You could be in an igloo in the arctic playing cards, or defending your fort in the middle of a war somewhere. Or you could even be on a boat traveling across the world. Who knows, maybe you'll encounter some Pirates!
2. Conquer A Fear
We all are afraid of, or really don't like certain things. No matter what it may be, you need to attempt to conquer that fear. Whether it be flying, public speaking, climbing to the top of the jungle gym or sitting in the dark without the nightlight. You'll feel so much better once you get it over with, and realize it was not as bad as you thought it would be.
3. Digital Detox
My challenge to you is to get rid of all technology for an entire weekend. Chances are that you came across this article on your daily circle of checking social media. In order to accomplish this, you must abandon your phone, computer, television, tablet, and basically anything with a "power" button. A life without the burden of checking Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, or attempting to beat your high score on Flappy Bird will feel great. Once you get outside finally, the fresh air will make you feel like a new person.
4. Exercise
I recommend learning how to do this properly before you graduate high school. Most schools have a gym that you can workout in after school. In addition, there generally is a gym teacher there who can teach you how to use the various machines, as well as the proper techniques to lifting weights. This knowledge is valuable because once you graduate, you are going to crave some sort of exercise. No longer are the days of hating gym class, you will be missing it. And you will find yourself in a local gym, not knowing how to use any of the equipment in front of your weak muscles. But going to the gym is not the only way to exercise! You can participate in a recreational sport, yoga class, or even a cycling class!
5. Fall in Love
Now you might think this means to fall in love with someone. But for this list, it means to fall in love with a passion. Find your passion, one thing that you feel so strongly about, that you cannot do without it. It literally could be anything from a sport or cooking, or even to music or travel.
6. Fly
By the time you're 20, you should fly. Whether it is on a plane, skydiving, hang gliding, or even a hot air balloon. The feeling of weightlessness is like no other.
7. Get a job
No one wants to work, but everyone benefits from it. I started working as a busser, and then I worked through three additional positions and finally made my way to serving. Compared to my coworkers, I have the ability to see how the business works as a whole. Which not only helps me excel at my position, but it has given me a new outlook on how the world works in many different aspects.
8. Give Back
One thing that always makes me feel good inside is giving back where I can. I highly recommend this because of the impact you can make on other people. Personally, I take positions in organizations that allow me to donate my time and effort to make the organization better for those who come after me. If I hadn't gotten the opportunities to do certain things when I was younger, I probably would not be who I am today. You could coach for a youth sport that you played, volunteer at an event or donate money to organizations that have helped you positively in the past.
9. Go camping.
At some point, you must go camping outdoors. You could be in a tent or in a cabin. Taking a weekend in the wilderness to explore and escape the stresses of the real world will be a memory you will never forget! Some activities could include fishing, zip lining, and making smores. This one is a great way to spend your time during the Digital Detox!
10. Go to a concert.
This one is almost self-explanatory. Hearing a band live, rather than a recording on the radio, or your iPod, is usually about a million times better. Yes, some bands are not that good in concert, but there are some who are amazing live. I cannot really explain what it's like, so you'll just have to do it yourself to find out.
11. Go to a professional sporting event
This is a must on this list, even if your team sucks. Who knows when a Philadelphia sports team will win big. But regardless of winning or losing, it is still a joy to present at the game. The atmosphere is one of a kind, especially in the city of Philly. Whether a Philly team wins or not, I am, as well as many others, are proud to be a Philadelphia sports fan.
12. Grow a garden
Take some time to grow some flowers. This will get you off your butt and into the fresh air. Your grown flowers will help the birds, bees and butterflies! And you can use your flowers to make a bouquet, it'll save you about $20 at the store. Plus, you are helping the planet, in which you live!
13. Learn to cook
Your mom will not be there forever to make breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Once you hit college, your wallet will not be able to handle paying for food every day either. If you can make Ramen, PB&J, Popcorn, or Hamburgers, you should be set. But you'll definitely need to learn how to cook a wider variety of foods for after college because you can only eat Ramen so many times.
14. Let go of a friendship
People come and go in your life and everyone you meet will make an impact on you. Once a friendship becomes toxic, you need to just let go and move on. You deserve better than just moping around and wishing things were different. When you let go, you can focus your energy on other things. And you will allow yourself to meet new friends that want to be in your life.
15. Learn a musical instrument
If I could recommend one instrument for you to learn, it would be the ukulele. It is one of the easiest instruments to pick-up and learn. The uke is also one of the happiest instruments in the world. When you play it, it will enlighten not only your life but the lives of those around you.
16. Love yourself.
When you love yourself, you allow yourself to let go of the ridiculous expectations of others to do so. You are unique, and no one has your smile or laugh or positive outlook on life. Once you learn to love yourself, you can focus your energy on other things and future success.
17. Sleep under the stars.
Get out, enjoy nature at times you've never been up and out. This follows number nine, Go Camping. You will wonder what is beyond this world, and just admire the beauty universe as it is.
18. Travel to another continent.
Up until this point, you've probably only traveled within the country. It is time for you to indulge in a different culture. If you won't be able to go until after you are 20, at least start planning and saving for the trip! You could even apply for a study abroad program at your school.
19. Try new food.
When I was younger, I never ate certain things. But once I decided to try new things, I have found foods that are SO much better than a plain slice of pizza. There are millions of different foods in our world, so you should give more options presented to you a chance. I mean who knew that an egg on a burger would be so good!? (Thanks, Red Robin)
20. Vote.
You can make a difference, do not sit back and watch it all happen. The silent majority has a big impact on what happens in this country. Do not think that because everyone is voting for one candidate, that you should too because you think your vote for anyone else would be irrelevant.
How many have you done? How many more do you have to complete? Get on it!
