New Year’s resolutions make no sense to me. Why does a change in the calendar year dictate when we’re allowed to make a new commitment? Why can’t we improve our lives and/or the lives of others, challenge ourselves, or try something new whenever the inspiration hits us?

I don’t want to wake up in 20 years disillusioned, wishing I had lived my life differently, regretting missed opportunities, full of disappointment or nostalgia.

My Bucket List

 

Travel – International

Bike along the Danube
Argentina
Australia
Bahamas
Belize
Brazil
Cambodia
Canada
Costa Rica
Czech Republic
Denmark
Ecuador
India
Israel
Laos
Mexico
Myanmar
Nepal
The Netherlands
Nicaragua
Peru
Sri Lanka
Tahiti
Thailand
Turkey [archaeological dig]
Vietnam
New Zealand

Travel – U.S.

Arizona
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Maryland
Massachusetts
New Jersey
New York
North Carolina
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
Texas
Virginia
Washington

Remaining 50 states, but priority:

Alaska
Hawaii
Illinois
New Mexico
Oregon
Tennessee
Vermont
Wisconsin

Adventure

Hang-gliding
Hot air balloon
Parasailing
Paddleboarding
Ragnar Relay
Rapelling
Rock climbing
Skydiving
Wind-surfing
Ziplining

Sports – Running

Race – 5K
Race – 8K
Race – 10K
Race – 15K
Race – Half Marathon
Race – Marathon
Race – Ultrathon
Race – Duathalon
Race – Triathalon
Race – Mud Run
Race – Tough Mudder

Sports – Martial Arts

Try Capoeira
Try Karate [ongoing]
Try Kung Fu [ongoing]
Try Tang Soo Do

Education/Professional

ACRP Certification
Bachelors degree
Masters degree [in progress]
PhD
Project Management Certification
SoCRA Certification

Miscellaneous

Move to a new city
Travel to a new country by myself
Buy a house
Get married
Have children
Read as many classic books as possible [ongoing]
Learn to knit
Learn to change a car tire
Present at a large conference
Publish in a medical journal
Quit smoking
Learn to write website code [completed but considered ongoing]
Inspire someone [completed but considered ongoing]
For as little money as I have, make up for it in volunteering OR for as much money as I have, make up for it in giving (depending on where I am in my life) [completed but considered ongoing]

My list has continued to evolve throughout the years and I expect it to continue to do so, but I’m always taking suggestions. Most challenges are fair game.

Don’t waste your life afraid to take chances. If you fear something, that’s all the more reason to try it. Challenge yourself. What do you want to experience? What’s on your bucket list?