Bucket List Ideas to Make Your Soul Happy

Until last week, I had never made any list of things to do before I die. Sure I’ve had dreams and I have even written many of those dreams down as a way to help manifest them into my life, however the idea of having a “bucket list” never sat well with me. I guess it’s because I felt that every time I would cross an item off the list, it would bring me closer to the end. Can you relate?

Well I’ve had a burst of inspiration that turned my thinking around and got me excited about making such a list. I’ll explain my story, my new and far better name for this list and I’ll even give you over 100 bucket list ideas so you can start too.

Start with Why

The reason I decided to finally begin my bucket list was simple and two-fold.

First, I had been feeling incredibly stressed out by all the political stories in my social media feeds. Times are tough no matter where in the world you live or what political beliefs you align with. We all feel the tension, but focusing on the external world so much was definitely not bringing me joy (one of my hallmarks of a well lived life). I believe truth is found by looking inward so this has been a perfect time for me to review my hopes and dreams for the future.

The second reason I felt this list was a great idea for me now in my life is that I am finally ready to experience that joy no matter what anyone else thinks. It doesn’t matter to me if I look silly or irrational or invest my money, time and efforts into things that other people don’t understand or appreciate. I spent so much of my life following the rules, trying not to rock the boat and pleasing other people.

I’m creating a bucket list to please myself and no one else!

Get Busy Living

The bottom line is that I decided it was time for me to get busy living. Living a full and rich life excites me and motivates me (much more than dying). For this reason I am calling my list the Get Busy Living List. My list so far is composed of a variety of actions I can take that represent my desires and curiosities about life. Some of the items on my list are things I’ve wanted to do for many, many years. Other items I found by reviewing other people’s lists and still others came to me by pure inspiration.

Contrary to what you might think, a Get Busy Living List doesn’t have to be all about expensive once in a lifetime dreams. When you create your list you are free to add even the tiniest action item. For instance, you might want to spend a day smiling at strangers, just to see how many smile back. It’s your list, your truth. You decide. Therein lies the freedom.

So are you ready to create your own list?

100 Bucket List ideas Get Busy Living List ideas to make your soul happy

Get busy traveling

What cities, states or countries have you always wanted to visit? Whether you go on a day trip, a weekend adventure or an epic journey, travel can uplift your soul. Here are some suggestions to get you moving:

1. Nashville Tennessee – the home of country music
2. The Redwood Forests of California – where ancient trees hold the secrets of life
3. The Grand Canyon in Arizona – an ever-changing work of natural art
4. Barcelona Spain – a city of crazy, passionate architecture
5. Rome Italy – where history and legend meets
6. The Scandinavian countries Denmark/Norway/Sweden – home of the Vikings and extreme weather
7. Tokyo, New York, or Sao Paulo – the three largest cities in the world
8. Machu Picchu Peru – a 15th century mountain top citadel
9. The Great Pyramids – one of the world’s biggest mysteries
10. Petra Jordan – Indiana Jones went there

Get Busy Learning

The great thing about learning is that you never have to stop. There will always be new ideas, places, subjects, and skills to learn. Below are some ways you can start:

11. Learn a new language
12. Learn a new sport
13. Learn how to fix something that gets broken – a dining chair, your plumbing, your car
14. Learn how to speak in front of people
15. Learn a form of art – painting, photography, jewelry making
16. Take singing lessons
17. Learn how to play an instrument
18. Pick an event in history and study it
19. Take a survival skills class
20. Learn CPR

Get Busy With Your Health and Fitness

If you don’t have your health, how can you do all your other adventures? Here are some ideas to keep your body and soul happy:

21. Hire a personal trainer
22. Hire a personal chef to make healthy gourmet meals
23. Buy a rebounder and use it (my personal favorite exercise)
24. Do a cleanse
25. Train for a marathon/hike/bike event
26. Go vegetarian
27. Practice meditation every day for a month
28. Replace your household products with non-toxic versions
29. Get a massage
30. Make kombucha

Get Busy in Your Community (Local or Global)

So many exciting things are happening in your community and around the world. Why not join in the fun? Here are some suggestions:

31. Join a networking club
32. Volunteer at a local non-profit organization
33. Read or teach kids in a classroom or after school program
34. Fund a Kiva loan
35. March for a cause you’re passionate about
36. Join a bowling league
37. Help plant, weed, or harvest a community garden
38. Invest your time and money on a volunteer vacation
39. Join an art or acting guild
40. Run for public office

Get Busy Going to Events

Each year hundreds of thousands, perhaps millions of events are happening. Which ones have you always wanted to attend or participate in, yet never seem to fit into your schedule? Get out your calendar and make room for some of these events:

41. Attend a hot air balloon festival
42. Watch a live Broadway show
43. Go to a professional sports game
44. See the Northern Lights
45. Attend a movie premier
46. Watch the New Year’s Ball drop in Times Square
47. Party in New Orlean’s at Mardi Gras
48. Go to India for the Holi Festival (Festival of Colours)
49. Attend a music festival such as Coachella or Glastonbury
50. Shop at the Rose Bowl Flea Market

Get Busy Following Your Passion

Do you ever wonder what your life would be like if you had followed a different path? There is always time to explore your options and try new hobbies or a new career. Who knows, it might just open up your world to something wonderful. Consider these ways to follow your passion:

51. Write and publish a book
52. Commit to a new activity or hobby and document your progress like the movie Julie & Julia* or Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead*
53. Change careers, even if that means going back to school to learn new skills
54. Become a foster parent
55. Mentor someone
56. Start a business
57. Start a blog or podcast
58. Become an apprentice or intern for someone
59. Get a license or certification based on your interests
60. Hire a coach to help you discover your passions and take actions on your life purpose

Get Busy Facing Your Fears

Growth happens when you step outside your comfort zone. But if you don’t give yourself a little push, fear can creep in. So get out there and do something every day that scares you. These ideas can help:

61. Go bungee jumping
62. Go white water rafting
63. Stay in a haunted house
64. Get a tattoo
65. Swim with sharks
66. Ride a roller coaster
67. Ask for a raise at work
68. Pitch your products or services to a big company
69. Go skinny dipping
70. Go to the airport, choose a destination on the spot and fly there

Get Busy Doing Random Acts of Kindness

It feels good to do good. Here are some ways you can make a brighter day for someone else:

71. Buy an extra meal at a restaurant and give it to someone in need
72. Sponsor a chid in need via a reputable organization
73. Send a friend or client a card in the mail, just because
74. Pay for a person’s coffee, groceries, or gas
75. Give an extra tip to your hairdresser, waiter or valet
76. Smile at everyone you meet for at least one day
77. Leave positive post-it notes in public places
78. Write a genuine and positive comment on someone’s blog or social media page
79. Allow another car to move in front of you
80. Pick up garbage when you see it and throw it away without complaint

Get Busy Making Genuine Connections

True connections are made when you take the time to eliminate distractions and focus on the important people in your life. Following are some ideas you can connect with your loved ones for a more meaningful life:

81. Put down and silence your phone during a conversation
82. Knock on your neighbor’s door and ask what they might need (a ride, a cup of sugar, a second opinion, or a listening ear)
83. Look in the mirror and declare your love for yourself
84. Share a personal story with someone you trust
85. Apologize and ask for forgiveness where needed
86. Give your partner the benefit of the doubt
87. Talk to someone at work you’ve never talked to before
88. Write to someone who made a difference in your life and let them know
89. Offer a hug to anyone you feel compelled to connect with
90. Reach out to that person who pops into your head

Get Busy Changing Up Your Routine

When you do the same things day in and day out, it’s easy to miss the magical moments in life. When you disrupt your schedule, even just a little bit, you create an opening for new awareness. Here are some simple ways to change up your routine for a little more fun in your day:

91. Take a different route to work or school
92. Skip the Starbucks, save that money for 30 days and buy something fun at the end of the month
93. Practice silence for 24, 48 or 72 hours
94. Eat lunch in the park and then swing on the swings
95. Buy yourself flowers
96. Try a new, exotic food
97. Be a tourist in your own city
98. Rearrange your furniture
99. Work standing up
100. Try a new haircut or color

I recommend you buy a small notebook that you can keep handy in your purse or car. Go through this list and write down the items that speak to you. Start by doing at least one item on your list this week. You can do it by yourself or call a friend to join you. I guarantee the more you “get busy living” the more empowered and happy you will feel.

Which item(s) on this list do you want to try? Share your thoughts below!

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