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Essays About Bucket List

What makes a good bucket list essay topics.

When it comes to writing an essay, choosing the right topic is crucial. A good Bucket List essay topic should be interesting, unique, and thought-provoking. It should also be something that you are passionate about, as this will make the writing process much more enjoyable.

To brainstorm and choose an essay topic, start by considering your interests and hobbies. What are the things that you are most passionate about? What are some of the things that you have always wanted to learn more about or experience? These can be great starting points for brainstorming essay topics.

When choosing a topic, it's also important to consider the audience. What will resonate with them? What will make them stop and think? What will make your essay stand out from the rest? Consider these questions as you brainstorm potential topics.

A good essay topic is one that is specific and focused. It should be something that you can explore in depth and provide unique insights on. It should also be something that is relevant and timely, as this will make it more engaging for your readers.

In summary, a good Bucket List essay topic is one that is interesting, unique, relevant, and specific. It should be something that you are passionate about and something that will resonate with your audience.

Best Bucket List Essay Topics

  • The art of bonsai tree cultivation and care
  • Learning to play a musical instrument in a month
  • Exploring a new cuisine every week for a year
  • Mastering the art of calligraphy
  • Learning to speak a new language fluently
  • Skydiving and overcoming fear of heights
  • Traveling to 10 different countries in one year
  • Writing a novel in 30 days
  • Volunteering in a foreign country for a month
  • Learning to surf in a tropical paradise
  • Climbing a mountain and experiencing the thrill of reaching the summit
  • Training for and completing a marathon
  • Taking a photography class and mastering the art of capturing beautiful moments
  • Learning to dance a specific style like salsa or tango
  • Swimming with dolphins in the wild
  • Going on a solo backpacking trip through Europe
  • Hiking the Inca trail to Machu Picchu
  • Learning to scuba dive and exploring the wonders of the underwater world
  • Taking a road trip across the United States
  • Creating a piece of art and showcasing it in a local gallery

Bucket List essay topics Prompts

  • Imagine you are about to embark on a year-long journey to learn a new skill or experience something completely out of your comfort zone. What would you choose to do and why?
  • If you were given the opportunity to travel anywhere in the world for a month, where would you go and what experiences would you seek out?
  • Think about a passion or hobby that you have always wanted to pursue but have never had the time or courage to do so. Describe what it would take for you to finally pursue it and what you hope to gain from the experience.
  • Consider a challenging physical activity or adventure that you have always wanted to conquer. How do you think overcoming this challenge will impact your life and mindset?
  • Reflect on the idea of learning a new skill or experiencing something completely out of your comfort zone. How do you think this experience would change your perspective on life and what do you hope to gain from it?

The Transformative Power of a Bucket List

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Development of Erikson’s Psychosocial Theory in The Bucket List

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my bucket list of wishes essay

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Midlife at the Oasis

Where living an amazing life never gets old

my bucket list of wishes essay

my bucket list reimagined

Lois Alter Mark · July 29, 2014 · 58 Comments

Africa plane

I wrote my first bucket list when I was in my 20s. And it was really more of a wish list.

I wanted to visit all 50 states. All seven continents. All seven Wonders of the World.

I had my whole life ahead of me, and these were things that could basically be accomplished and checked off one by one. I didn’t have a big emotional attachment to them but they felt like places I should see. Plus, they would give me bragging rights.

I spent my 30s raising children and had no time to add to the bucket list. I was too busy actually using that bucket to clean my perpetually dirty house — and for the kids to throw up in.

By my 40s, I started to rethink the idea of the bucket list. I no longer cared about seeing every state or even every continent. I just wanted to travel anywhere with my family and show my kids there’s a great big world out there. I wanted them to learn about different cultures, meet new people and realize that, deep down, we all have the same needs and desires and that we have to take care of each other.

Once I turned 50, the bucket list took on a whole new meaning for me. The kids were grown, our beloved dogs were gone and my husband retired. Although we now had the luxury of time, it also felt like time was running out. We had to get moving on the items that were important to us.

We booked a trip to Africa, spending a fortune to go on daily game drives and interact with wildlife. I was so moved by everything I saw and experienced, I pretty much sobbed my way through the trip. It was worth every penny and taught me what a true bucket list trip should be.

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So, when Buick offered to sponsor a bucket list trip for me now, at the age of 55, I put a great deal of thought into where I wanted to go, realizing what a gift this was and that, ultimately, it was much more about what I wanted to do . I’ve learned it’s the experience, not the location, that’s most valuable.

My husband and I decided to volunteer at The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee – a place that had been popping up regularly in conversations over the years – and then spend a few days in Nashville, listening to music and eating our way through the city.

It was life-changing, and I will be writing about it in great detail next week.

After listening to the heartbreaking stories of the elephants’ histories, it was so rewarding to help paint, clean up and maintain the vast space they are lucky to call home – with an occasional elephant checking out our progress. As I’ve gotten older, I can assure you that nothing feels as good as giving back. I now feel personally invested in what happens to these magnificent creatures, and have become addicted to the Ele-cam .

I highly recommend this experience to everyone.

During the trip, we met people who would never have come into our lives otherwise. We had eye-opening discussions, ate dishes we don’t have in San Diego (hello, chicken and dumplings), drove through breathtaking scenery seemingly in the middle of nowhere and got to experience a Saturday night at the Grand Ole Opry and the wonder that is Opryland.

We saw the best (the warm, friendly people, y’all) and worst (the slave pit on the porch of Loretta Lynn’s ranch as a reminder of the past) of the South, and hopefully, like the elephants, will never forget either one.

As I approach 60, I’m no longer throwing around the words “bucket list” loosely. Although I will continue to travel as much as possible, I understand that not every trip is or has to be a bucket list trip. Those are the ones that are so special, they stir something deep inside. They’re the ones you really plan for, the ones you dream about. The ones that, when you actually get to go on them, change you in some profound way.

So, although I’ve only visited 30 states, four continents and, honestly, don’t even know what the seven Wonders of the World are, I am so grateful for the two bucket list trips that have enriched my life in more ways than I ever anticipated.

And, as I try to imagine what a third one would look like, all I can do is send it out into the universe and say, “Encore.”

This post is supported by  Life Reimagined , your guide to rethinking what’s possible and seizing your “what’s next” in work, relationships, health, personal finance and more.  All opinions are my own.

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i’ve become a bucket list control freak

Reader Interactions

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July 29, 2014 at 8:57 pm

How inspiring is your journey! I have started a bucket list in my 30’s and can only imagine what it must feel like to just travel outside of nyc. What a blessing 🙂

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July 30, 2014 at 2:34 am

I didn’t really have a bucket list until a few years ago. How impressive that you have visited 30 states.

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July 30, 2014 at 3:32 am

I experienced the Opry also. Was fantastic. Loved it!

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July 30, 2014 at 4:26 am

That is such an awesome experience! I’m so glad you were able to really do something special like that. I honestly don’t have a bucket list and haven’t even started thinking about what I’d like to do/accomplish in my life yet. But this has definitely inspired me to start thinking! I love giving back.

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July 30, 2014 at 5:12 am

I don’t really have what you would call a bucket list, but I do have a few things in my mind that I want to do. I guess that would be considered a bucket list.

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July 30, 2014 at 5:16 am

I totally agree with how our Bucket List changes with age. I have only 3 more states to visit and only one more national park that is on my list. I have added a cross country trip with my grandkids – I think that would be a fantastic road trip! Hopefully next summer we will be heading out – 6 – 11 – 14 and a Nana with a dream!

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July 30, 2014 at 6:13 am

I love reading about your trips! My husband has never been to Nashville so that is on our list for next Spring. It truly is all about the journey. Just planning a trip instantly brightens my day.

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July 30, 2014 at 6:17 am

Better travel before those grand babies come along. Harder to leave them than own kids. But I still manage to spend all their inheritances on travel around the world. It is the gypsy in me. Live your adventures Lois.

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July 30, 2014 at 6:49 am

I love that you did your elephant visit. It really is a wonderful way to spend time .. and money. I am moved tremendously by these huge animals.

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July 30, 2014 at 7:04 am

Your bucket list is different than mine. Mine is more “life-enhancing” (and does include that tattoo). Yours is life changing. I may have to up my game a bit : )

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July 30, 2014 at 7:07 am

I love this post and I can actually hear your voice in my head when I read it. Fabulous.

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July 30, 2014 at 7:20 am

You’re a huge inspiration, Lois! I love your stories and your thoughts on travel. And I so want to experience a trip that changes me in profound ways. In the meantime, I’ll live vicariously through you.

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July 30, 2014 at 7:46 am

I love this post. it’s such an important reminder of what life is really about, and how time really does change our perspectives.

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July 30, 2014 at 8:03 am

I love to hear about your travels — and even more, I love to travel with you! I also adore this photo of you and Michael.

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July 30, 2014 at 8:13 am

What wonderful experiences. That’s what life is all about. Family and memorable moments. I never liked the term bucket list but love going on adventures and experiencing life. Great post!

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July 30, 2014 at 9:49 am

I am just now learning this at a slightly younger age, that everyday is a new chance to do something you have always wanted to do. Thanks for reaffirming. it is nice to have the shove.

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July 30, 2014 at 9:50 am

It’s always good to try and complete that bucket list as soon as you can.

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July 30, 2014 at 10:04 am

What an inspiring article. You’ve inspired me to make a bucket list.

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July 30, 2014 at 10:26 am

My bucket list is getting very very long!

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July 30, 2014 at 10:41 am

Wow how inspiring. i find the older i get it is no longer about what I want to do but rather about living. I now look at each new adventure or opportunity as a chance to learn and if it’s something I haven’t done before it qualifies as a bucket list accomplishment.

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July 30, 2014 at 10:46 am

It is good to have a bucket list, dreams, goals and things we aspire to do in our life. It keeps us young in our hearts and minds. Great list.

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July 30, 2014 at 10:59 am

Sounds like a lot of travel. I am glad to hear you enjoyed all of them.

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July 30, 2014 at 12:15 pm

I love bucket lists! Especially if there are elephants involved. 🙂

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July 30, 2014 at 12:22 pm

Good for you! What a fantastic opportunity. Sounds like you truly are living a life reminagined. I love inspirational stories like this.

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July 30, 2014 at 12:58 pm

So funny how we change as we mature isn’t it!! I’ve never created a bucket list even though I’m a huge list maker and planner. But I did recently start a pin board called bucket list to put things on, especially really neat places I’d love to visit. 🙂

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July 30, 2014 at 1:02 pm

What A Amazing Bucket List I Would Love To Go Sky Diving Someday!1

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July 30, 2014 at 1:15 pm

What amazing journeys you have been on so far! It sounds like volunteering at The Elephant Sanctuary was a great experience!

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July 30, 2014 at 1:45 pm

Sounds like you are enjoying your life after 50. Love reading about your journey. It is very inspiring.

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July 30, 2014 at 3:33 pm

As you said so beautifully,it is about the people we meet along the way (especially those that would not have come in to our lives had we not left “home”), the flavors we experience, and the feeling of doing something important! Yeah elephants and YEAH comfortable cars to you there!

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July 30, 2014 at 3:36 pm

What a great experience and a wonderful way to give of yourself!

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July 30, 2014 at 4:04 pm

I am so proud of you for continuing to work toward your bucket list. As we get older and life changes so do we, but we do not have to give up on our dreams.

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July 30, 2014 at 4:46 pm

Wow, it is so awesome that Buick allowed you to go on a bucket list, I have a small before 30 bucket list that needs to wrap up soon.

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July 30, 2014 at 6:12 pm

I want to see all 50 states & all 7 continents as well! I am slowly editing my bucket list as I turn another year wiser to make it more realistic 🙂

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July 30, 2014 at 6:36 pm

Wow! First of all, I love your writing style! Second of all, what amazing experiences you’ve had in your travels! I would love to visit that place in Tennessee! Thank you for sharing!

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July 30, 2014 at 6:37 pm

This is definitely a great list. And you have certainly covered a lot of miles.

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July 30, 2014 at 6:39 pm

I’ve never made a bucket list. I’m going to have to make one.

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I agree that my bucket list would be much different now than it would have been in my 20s. How our perspectives and priorities change!

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July 30, 2014 at 6:42 pm

Sounds like a great trip! Nashville is one of the places I want to visit with the kids. Like you as the kids get older, I want to travel with them and show them the world. We’re taking a bucket list trip in a few weeks, a cruise! Can’t wait!

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July 30, 2014 at 6:50 pm

Sounds like an amazing place to go. I am sure words cannot explain how wonderful it was for you!

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July 30, 2014 at 7:55 pm

Oh wow you have done so many things.

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July 30, 2014 at 8:28 pm

Wow! You are so right. I am now 50 and my Bucket List has changed dramatically. I hate to be a copy cat but my dream is to visit Loretta’s Ranch I had no idea they have a slave porch. It made me almost hold my breathe. I loved your experience and I am new to NC I am from NY but that elephant cam is definitely something I am looking forward to learning more about. So much food for thought. I’m going to follow your blog I think your definitely someone I like very much.

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July 30, 2014 at 8:47 pm

I did two items on my bucket list this month. I am so happy and now planning what I can do next!

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July 30, 2014 at 9:12 pm

Isn’t is amazing at the changes we see in ourselves as we mature. The things that we used to love don’t interest us anymore when we’re older. That was really nice of Buick to sponsor that for you. I have a bucket list and hope to do a few of them soon myself as well.

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July 30, 2014 at 9:40 pm

I don’t have a bucket list. I joined the military when I was 22 and that took me all over the world so I was able to see and do things all for free which made it that much better. I am a mom now and hope to take my son on an exotic vacation.

I am very inspired by your post and it is nice of Buick to sponsor your trip.

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July 30, 2014 at 10:24 pm

I love the idea of a bucket list. Right now, mine is a mental list- I really should write it down!

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July 30, 2014 at 10:43 pm

I am so jealous! It looks like you had a wonderful experience that you will never forget! So cool that you got to get so close to an elephant! How cute!

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July 30, 2014 at 11:25 pm

I actually thought in 5 years my husband and I would e able to go and start our bucket list, yet life had other plans for us and out bucket list now involves diapers, bottles, toys and playdates

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July 31, 2014 at 5:14 am

I’ve been on safari in Africa, an overwater bungalow in Tahiti, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, and more. I think now I really enjoy trips with my family to Disney World, Vermont and other fun places. Love your lists and how you are achieving them.

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July 31, 2014 at 12:12 pm

This is a beautiful post! I can only hope to travel the world as much as you have. I have rarely left my home state!

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July 31, 2014 at 1:01 pm

30 states is a lot! I wish I could say the same. I like bucket list trips.

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July 31, 2014 at 3:10 pm

Thank you for such a beautiful post 🙂 I am in my late 30’s and have three small children, so any major travelling is definitely on hold for the moment. Give it a few more years though, and we have plenty of ideas for adventures to be had!

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July 31, 2014 at 4:31 pm

What an awesome experience! Looks fun!

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July 31, 2014 at 8:55 pm

I totally need to reimagine mine as well. I have done a few things already but need to add more

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August 1, 2014 at 6:47 am

Sounds like an amazing trip!!!

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August 1, 2014 at 8:30 am

Loved this! So glad I found your blog. Feel like I know you already. P.S. Hershey, Virginia and Williamsburg are overrated.

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August 2, 2014 at 7:41 am

Wow, this is such a great list! I’d love to be able travel around. Our kids are a little young yet, so it’ll definitely be something we do in a few more years.

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August 4, 2014 at 9:54 am

I love the idea of a bucket list. I need to revisit mine. Thanks for the inspiration!

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The Bucket List Project

"it is better to live one day as a lion than a thousand days as a lamb.", 36 quotes to inspire your bucket list, june 12, 2020 eric gamble.

Neon Sign with a bucket list quote that says This is the Sign You've Been Looking For

I find that certain bucket list quotes are a great way to recharge and remind me of my commitment to the bucket list project. Other bucket list quotes, just offer a pick-me-up and make me smile again, which is sometimes all we really need in life.

So, if you are struggling right now in come capacity, hopefully these 36 Quotes will Inspire your bucket list too. The first 5 quotes under each category are standard quotes meant to offer a bit of inspiration. While, the 6th quote under each category is just a funny quote meant to bring a smile to your face.

Table of Contents

Adventure Travel Bucket List Quotes

Neon Sign with a bucket list travel quote that says You Are Here

  • “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that 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
  • “Live your life by a compass, not a clock.” – Stephen R. Covey
  • “If we were meant to stay in one place, we’d have roots instead of feet.” – Rachel Wolchin
  • “For my part, I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel’s sake. The great affair is to move.” – Robert Louis Stevenson
  • “The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.” – Saint Augustine
  • FUN QUOTE : “I love flying. I’ve been to almost as many places as my luggage.” – Bob Hope

my bucket list of wishes essay

Adventure Activities & Experiences Bucket List Quotes

Neon Sign with a bucket list quote that says Do Something Great

  • “Courage is being scared to death, but saddling up anyway.” ― John Wayne
  • “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.” ― Helen Keller, from The Open Door A Sense
  • “Adventure can be an end in itself. Self-discovery is the secret ingredient.” – Grace Lichtenstein
  • “If it scares you, it might be a good thing to try.” – Seth Godin
  • “Because in the end, you won’t remember the time you spent working in the office or mowing your lawn. Climb that goddamn mountain.” ― Jack Kerouac
  • FUN QUOTE : “Adventure, yeah. I guess that’s what you call it when everybody comes back alive.” ― Mercedes Lackey, from Spirits White as Lightning

Personal Growth Bucket List Quotes

Neon Sign with a bucket list quote that says Work Harder

  • “Don’t say you don’t have enough time. You have exactly the same number of hours per day that were given to Helen Keller, Pasteur, Michaelangelo, Mother Teresea, Leonardo da Vinci, Thomas Jefferson and Albert Einstein.” – H. Jackson Brown, from Life’s Little Instruction Book
  • “You can only lose your virginity once. But in every aspect of my life — building businesses, raising a family, embarking upon adventures — I try to do things for the first time every day.” – Richard Branson, from Finding My Virginity: The New Autobiography
  • “Many people die with their music still in them. Why is this so? Too often it is because they are always getting ready to live. Before they know it, time runs out.” – Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr.
  • “We don’t get a chance to do that many things, and each one should be really excellent. Because these are our lives.” – Steve Jobs
  • “Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.” — Mahatma Gandhi
  • FUN QUOTE : “If you obey all the rules you miss all the fun.” – Katharine Hepburn

Helping Others Bucket List Quotes  

Neon Sign with a bucket list quote that says We Can Be Heroes Just for One Day

  • “We can’t help everyone, but everyone can help someone.” – Ronald Reagan
  • “Your true character Is most accurately measured by how you treat those who can do ‘Nothing’ for you” – Mother Teresa
  • “No one is useless in this world who lightens the burden of it to anyone else.” – Charles Dickens
  • “Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does.” – William James
  • “No one has ever become poor by giving.” – Anne Frank, from The Play of “The Diary of Anne Frank
  • FUN QUOTE : “If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito.” ― The Dalai Lama

Making Amends Bucket List Quotes

Neon Sign with a bucket list quote that says Everything is Going to Be Alright

  • “Mistakes are always forgivable if one has the courage to admit them.” ― Bruce Lee
  • “The bitterest tears shed over graves are for words left unsaid and for deeds left undone.” ― Harriet Beecher Stowe
  • “When seeking forgiveness, remember, that forgiveness includes change. Don’t just ask for forgiveness because you are sorry. Ask because you are willing to put the time and effort in to change.” ― Akiroq Brost
  • “You must ask for God’s help. Even when you have done so, it may seem to you for a long time that no help, or less help than you need, is being given. Never mind. After each failure, ask forgiveness, pick yourself up, and try again. Very often what God first helps us towards is not the virtue itself but just this power of always trying again.” – C. S. Lewis
  • “For every minute you are angry you lose sixty seconds of happiness.” –  Ralph Waldo Emerson
  • FUN QUOTE : “Sometimes the first step to forgiveness is understanding that the other person is a complete idiot.” –  Anonymous

Our Couple’s Bucket List Quotes

Neon Sign with a bucket list quote that says Do It Together Never Alone

  • “Actually, the best gift you could have given her was a lifetime of adventures.” — Lewis Carroll
  • “As soon as I saw you, I knew a grand adventure was about to happen.” — A. A. Milne
  • “I have found out there is no surer way to find out whether you like people or hate them than to travel with them.” – Mark Twain
  • “Life has taught us that love does not consist in gazing at each other, but in looking together in the same direction.” — Antoine Desaint-Exupery
  • “It doesn’t matter where you’re going, it’s who you have beside you.” – Anonymous
  • FUN QUOTE : “I believe that if life gives you lemons, you should make lemonade… And try to find somebody whose life has given them vodka, and have a party.” – Ron White

So now it’s your turn to inspire us with your favorite bucket list quotes! Do you have a favorite quote that motivates you? Has any quote inspired you to tackle an item on your own bucket list project? What is your favorite travel quote you have hanging on your wall? Let us know your favorite quotes about bucket list items in the comments below & help to inspire others!

Pinterest Picture of a woman holding a pink Travel Wallet with the bucket list quote Adventure Awaits

Disclosure: This post, “36 Quotes to Inspire Your Bucket List ”, may contain affiliate links. Using the links doesn’t cost you any extra, and it helps keep the site free, fun, and community supported! Eric & Darcee will never recommend a product that we don’t genuinely believe in, actually use ourselves, have researched, and trust.

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53 thoughts on “ 36 quotes to inspire your bucket list ”.

“If it scares you, it might be a good thing to try.”– Seth Godin. This one is my favorite and I follow it religiously, as the thing which pushes me out of my comfort zone always helps me a lot.

Loved each and every one of these quotes and cannot seem to choose a favorite. However, I especially love the section under personal growth and helping others. Thanks a lot for the inspiration!

I love this list! I’ve always been a quote person and like to live my life by them (some of them at least!). One of my favorites has always been Jack Kerouac’s “Because in the end, you won’t remember the time you spent working in the office or mowing your lawn. Climb that goddamn mountain.” It was a big inspiration for me when I began to shift from working in an office on a full term basis to traveling more often. Great list!

That is awesome Melissa! Yeah, we really love that quote by Jack Kerouac also! So many people waste so much time on trivial things and end up regretting it in the long run. I am so happy to hear that you are working on your travel bucket list and climbing that goddam mountain!!

Hi Eric, these are a lot of inspirational quotes. Like Di Hackman says, a person needs to make a journal and read them often to stay inspired. Thanks.

Thanks Mimmie! We love inspiring others to chase their own bucket list dreams! But it also offers us inspiration to tackle the many items on our own Bucket List Project too!

Great inspiring quotes, thank you.

All these quotes made me realize, it is important to pack the bags and explore the world. My favorite quote was “Live your life by a compass, not a clock.” – Stephen R. Covey.

I must admit that right now it takes very little to inspire wanderlust in me. I do tend to live so I will never be disappointed by things I never did. A good way to push me beyond my comfort spot many times. The Helen Keller quote about a daring adventure was my email signature for a very long time. I want to take Katherine Hepburn’s advice and not miss any of the fun! And maybe add some of the vodka that Ron White suggests when I need to get a little silly. Thanks for keeping me inspired.

I really like reading these quotes; I especially need the positivity right now. The St Augustine one is a classic. You’ve really inspired me to add to my bucket list, hopefully we can travel again next year.

I love life quotes because they keep me motivated and grounded, a lot of these resonated with me, thanks for sharing

Thanks for the great post and reminding me how powerful quotes are for motivation and guidance. I never want to to think about Richard Branson’s virginity again, but I do appreciate the metaphor and outlook. The one quote I think I’ll keep in mind as I travel and explore is “If it scares you, it might be a good thing to try”. Such a great way to push through difficult travel situations and the occasional moments of uncomfort that can arise. I could have decided that mantra before bungee jumping or my first day traveling alone in Delhi, India.

This is so great, thank you!

I just love quotes. They’re always from a variety of people from different walks of life. And always so wise! I think my favourite is your quote from Gandhi “Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.”

Yeah, I guess I had not ever heard that quote by Gandhi before but after discovering it, it has one of my favorite bucket list quotes of all!

Some inspiration quotes lose their impact after being used too often but it was nice to see some lesser known ones in this post. Always a good way to cheer you up and inspire!

Interesting perspective but I don’t think a quote would lose any impact if it is new to the person reading or hearing it. I guess it all just depends on the perception and need of the person!

Can relate to so many of them!!! especially the one that states… 30 seconds of anger makes you miss 60 second of happiness.

These are all such great quotes! I especially liked your fun quotes, like the one about the mosquito. Hilarious and Incredibly accurate.

haha, yeah, I like the mosquito quote too!

I love the “Don’t say you don’t have enough time…” quote. My absolutely favorite travel quote has been a motivational quote for other reasons…”Traveling…It leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.” ~Ibn Batuta It’s inspired me to see my travels as a way to experience and relay stories.

Yeah the Dont Say You Dont Have Enough Time quote is one of my favorite too! I love that Ibn Batuta quote too! It is definitely a great Travel Quote for sure@

There are some great quotes in here. I like this one by Jack Kerouac. Because in the end, you won’t remember the time you spent working in the office or mowing your lawn. Climb that goddamn mountain – it reminds me that you need to make every moment count.

Yeah that is a great Bucket List Quote! Have you read, On the Road or any other Jack Kerouac books? It is on my adventure travel books to read!

I love reading different inspirational quotes. “Actually, the best gift you could have given her was a lifetime of adventures.” — Lewis Carroll. That’s one of my favorites! I also love the quote from Steve Jobs. There is so much we can do in our life, and so often we just run in circles doing things for others and not what our heart truly wants!

Yeah, that Lewis Carroll quote is my personal favorite when I think about my new bride! I know it may seem cheesy, but I just want to keep giving her a lifetime of adventures! As for the Personal Growth motivational quotes, I like that Steve Jobs quote as well but I have to say of the 5 bucket list quotes under personal growth, it may be 5th place in order of importance to me personally.

This is a great collection of quotes. This one from Seth Godin is my favorite. “If it scares you, it might be a good thing to try.”

It does not only apply to our bucket list but it also applies when we make decisions and investments and risks.

I agree! It always amazes me how people will invest or even gamble at a casino because they dream of winning the millions but are often to afraid of taking a chance with higher bets or riskier opportunities. But c’est la vie!

I like: “If it scares you, it might be a good thing to try.” I find that the things that scare me most often also excite me…except snakes lol.

Haha, well maybe you need to research the Snake Spa I keep seeing videos about! Apparently snake massages are some of the best in the world! But you’re right, I love that scared in my belly feeling. Reminds me of when I was young!

“Explore. Dream. Discover.” The Mark Twain quote is one of my favorites!

You & Darcee are similar, she loves all the Mark Twain Quotes whether they are about travel, society, or some weird aspect in life!

Awesome quotes! I love this one “Don’t say you don’t have enough time …” So true! Always getting caught up in not having enough time, no excuses!

Yeah, that one really blew my mind too cause all of those great people had the exact same amount of time as I do. I guess it is more about priorities!

Awesome quotes and inspire me to work hard for my travel goals nice post!

Liked Katherine Hepburn’s “if you obey rules you’ll miss all the fun.” I love this and I can definitely relate to this!

Yeah that may be one of Darcee’s favorite for sure too!

I like William James quote. Steve Jobs is my favorite person who has quoted effective messages. My favorite quote had always been, “Live, as if this is your last day”

That is a great bucket list quote by Steve Jobs! May have to add that to my personal list for sure!

There are some great quotes in there and quite a few I have never heard before. #2 is my fave on this list. Cheers

The first quote from Mark Twain is one of my favorites. I actually have a lot of inspirational quotes saved just like these!

I like Twain a lot and we learned a lot more about him when we visiting his home in Hartford. But, I think Darcee really loves Mark Twain Quotes as inspiration for her bucket list even more than I do!

Thanks! Loved these–especially “Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.” — Mahatma Gandhi

I am not going to lie Cindy, prior to researching quotes to inspire my bucket list, I hadn’t ever heard that quote from Gandhi. But after learning it, I think it became one of my top 10 motivational quotes of all time. I love the entire principal behind it!

I enjoyed reading through these bucket list quotes. Out of the ones that you listed, the quote from Mercedes Lackey on adventure made me laugh. My husband and I have done several adventures that required hospital visits and have made it back home. Haha.

haha, oh my goodness Jackie! That is crazy but totally AWESOME! I am not going to lie, we haven’t gotten to your head to the hospital level yet, but I am sure Darcee worries I might!

Lewis Carroll’s quote about a lifetime of adventure is one of the best motivational quotes. Glad to see it in your list!

Yeah, I really like his bucket list quotes in general & really liked exploring his life when we went to Oxford, England!

So inspiring and motivating. You picked some great quotes. Definitely ones to keep in a journal and reread often!

Glad you liked them! I agree, it is always good to write them out from time to time to reinforce the power of these movtivational quotes!

Oh gosh, I love all of these! It’s so hard to choose! But one of my faves is definitely this one: “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.”

I know that is a great one! We were lucky enough to visit Helen Keller’s home in Florence, Alabama a while back. What an amazing woman!

I’m inspired! Thank you! Loved this list.

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Essay Samples on Bucket List

A bucket list is a list of things one hopes to do before they die. It can be a powerful tool for self-reflection and goal-setting. Writing the bucket list essay can be a fun and meaningful way to explore your dreams and aspirations.

There are many different ways to approach a bucket list essay. Some people focus on their long-term goals, while others focus on more immediate desires. You could also organize your essay around different categories, such as travel, career, and personal development.

To write a compelling bucket list essay, it’s important to be honest and specific about your goals. Use vivid language to bring your dreams to life and convey your passion for achieving them. Be sure to include both big, ambitious goals and smaller, more achievable ones.

Remember, the purpose of bucket list essays is not just to list your goals, but to reflect on what matters most to you and why. So take the time to explore your dreams and aspirations, and don’t be afraid to be bold and adventurous in your writing.

If you’re struggling to come up with ideas for your bucket list, try brainstorming with friends or family members or better use our platform to find numerous bucket list essay examples for free.

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Bucket List

my bucket list of wishes essay

By Katherine Schulten

  • March 17, 2017

What’s on your “bucket list,” or wish list of things you want to do before you die?

Post as many of your hopes and goals as you like in the comments, then read this related article by the Times’s “Sketch Guy,” Carl Richards, “ The Wish List I Made After My Wife Almost Died .”

As he reminds us, it’s too late to do these things on your deathbed, so what if you started doing the items on your wish list today?

Find many more ways to use our new Picture Prompt feature in this lesson plan .

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My Bucket List

For example, some students don’t like the word “essay” because it seems like work. So, I used the word ‘letter’ instead or ‘essay.’ I asked my students to write a letter to describe their ‘bucket list.’ My students’ results were impressive (considering that they are exhausted from studying for grade 7 tests).

Photo by Longhorndave

Writing Lesson

In this writing lesson, write a five-paragraph letter that talks about things you want to do in your life.

‘My bucket list’ is the subject of the letter. ‘Bucket list’ is a slang phrase for your life goals. It’s the things you want to do before you die. Bucket list comes from the English expression – kick the bucket – which means to die.

The letter about your life dreams should tell a story, with a beginning, middle, and conclusion. Your letter should include:

  • details about what you wan to do
  • good paragraph structure
  • an introduction and a conclusion
  • sentences that read smoothly

Writing Prompts

Here is the writing prompt to start your thinking. “Before I go, I want to …”

In this sentence ‘go’ means die.

Choose one (or more) of these ideas for your letter: “Before I go, I want to …”

Student Writing

Here are two examples of student writing. They are grade 7 students. English is not their first language. This is what they wrote after one edit. I have not changed their writing.

Dear Grandpa,

It’s me. It’s been almost 2 years since you kicked the bucket. I want to do things you couldn’t before I kick the bucket.

Before I go to meet you, first I want to go to an amusement park with my grandma. You always told me your stories about when you were young. Also you told me about when you hoped to get better and go to an amusement park with grandma. So, before I kick the bucket, I would like to visit an amusement park with my grandma.

Second, I want to go into FNC Academy. FNC is a place where FT Island and Oh Won-bi work. When I go to FNC Academy, I will learn very much and go out to the world. You always wanted me to be a talk show host! I will try to become the legend of talk show hosts.

Third, as you wanted, I will make my sister become a famous violinist. When she becomes a famous violinist, I promise to visit you. I think she can be the next famous violinist in the world.

Fourth, I want to become a scientist. I will make a time machine and go back to the time when you were not sick. I will give you the medicine to make you better. And we will live happily ever after.

Lastly, I hope you come back. I hope you come back and have a nice time with me and do everything we couldn’t do when you were sick. This is the thing I have always wanted. Then let’s meet after I kick the bucket.

Have a nice Christmas,

Dear Santa Claus,

Hi Mr. Santa. It’s me. I am a 14 year old girl who has many dreams. There are some things I would like to do before I kick the bucket.

I would like to visit the DMZ. A school teacher said the DMZ is the cleanest place in the world because no one has been there for 60 years. I heard that there are many explosives but I hope to avoid a landmine if I go there.

I would like to see FT Island in concert. Preferably, a front row center seat. Then I can see them easily. Even thinking about it makes me happy. It would be cool to sit in the front seat and scream.

I would like to go to FNC Academy. FNC Academy is where FT Island, Oh Won-bi and CN Blue work. These are my favorite singers. I will like to go there with J and look around inside. Maybe Han Sung -ho will let J go on a comedy show.

These are the things I want to do before I kick the bucket. I hope you help me do these things. Thank you for reading my letter, Santa Claus. I will wait for your present on X-mas. Bye. ASAP.

2 thoughts on “My Bucket List”

Great idea! Thank you.

Thanks for the super positive comment, Kristen. If you try this writing exercise, let me know how it works.

Rob, the brains behind this website

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How to create a Bucket List on MyWishes

A bucket list is a list of items someone would like to do or achieve before they die. The phrase originates from the term “kicked the bucket”.

Creating a Bucket List

No matter our age, financial or health circumstances we can all create a bucket list. This might be a short list of personal activities or an elaborate list of goals. Inspiration can take many forms. Your bucket list might be inspired by friends, family and a range of different interests. We are all unique and everyone’s bucket list will differ. The most important thing is to list items that are important to you at this moment in time and then focusing on experiencing or achieving them.

Learning from other peoples regrets can be a powerful catalyst for self-reflection and improvement.  You might find the ‘top 5 regrets of the dying’ of value and inspiration before adding items to your Bucket List.

Top 5 regrets of the dying

The top five regrets of the dying, as witnessed by Bronnie Ware (a Palliative Care Nurse) can be found below.

1. I wish I’d had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.

“This was the most common regret of all. When people realise that their life is almost over and look back clearly on it, it is easy to see how many dreams have gone unfulfilled. Most people had not honoured even a half of their dreams and had to die knowing that it was due to choices they had made, or not made. Health brings a freedom very few realise, until they no longer have it.”

2. I wish I hadn’t worked so hard.

“This came from every male patient that I nursed. They missed their children’s youth and their partner’s companionship. Women also spoke of this regret, but as most were from an older generation, many of the female patients had not been breadwinners. All of the men I nursed deeply regretted spending so much of their lives on the treadmill of a work existence.”

3. I wish I’d had the courage to express my feelings.

“Many people suppressed their feelings in order to keep peace with others. As a result, they settled for a mediocre existence and never became who they were truly capable of becoming. Many developed illnesses relating to the bitterness and resentment they carried as a result.”

4. I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends.

“Often they would not truly realise the full benefits of old friends until their dying weeks and it was not always possible to track them down. Many had become so caught up in their own lives that they had let golden friendships slip by over the years. There were many deep regrets about not giving friendships the time and effort that they deserved. Everyone misses their friends when they are dying.”

5. I wish that I had let myself be happier.

“This is a surprisingly common one. Many did not realise until the end that happiness is a choice. They had stayed stuck in old patterns and habits. The so-called ‘comfort’ of familiarity overflowed into their emotions, as well as their physical lives. Fear of change had them pretending to others, and to their selves, that they were content, when deep within, they longed to laugh properly and have silliness in their life again.”

Creating and sharing your bucket list on MyWishes

Creating your bucket list.

Register or login to your free MyWishes account and go to the Bucket List feature. Now click on the ‘Add New Item To My Bucket List’ button. You will now be able to add the item to your Bucket List and assign a date that you hope to achieve it by.

Bucket List App

Making your bucket list public

By default MyWishes vanity URLs are set to ‘public’. This allows for non-sensitive information to be shared publicly when a user would like to do so. If your account is set to public and you would like to share your Bucket List item tick the box as shown below.

my bucket list of wishes essay

If you do not want the item on your Bucket List to be made public do not tick this box. If you would like to disable your vanity URL and in doing so disable the ability to share anything onto your public MyWishes page click here .

my bucket list of wishes essay

The image above is from of a ‘Public’ Bucket List

Publishing your goals and achievements

You can publish the goals that you have set on your bucket list across your social media channels. This may help give you the encouragement you need to achieve them. The social media sharing buttons can be found next to each of the items you add to your Bucket List.

Bucket list on social media

Your Bucket List 

Once you have saved your Bucket List you can refer to it and update it as often as you like. If you do not achieve a Bucket List  item within the timeframe you have set simply change the ‘due date’ to an achievable date in the future.

my bucket list of wishes essay

Further resources of inspiration

  • ‘The Top 5 Regrets of the Dying’ book by Bronnie Ware ( further information)
  • The Bucket List film with Jack Nicholson & Morgan Freeman ( IMDB Review )
  • Stephen Sutton’s Bucket List – Possibly the most incredible and elaborate buck list of all time can be seen here ( Stephen Sutton’s website )

Other tutorials that you might find of interest

  • Last Will & Testament Glossary
  • Organ Donation and leaving a legacy
  • How to send funeral invitations by email
  • How to ‘tag’ physical photos
  • Use Spotify to decide which songs should be played at someone’s funeral
  • How to create a video to be played at a funeral, wake or memorial service using PowerPoint
  • The Postural Care Passport
  • Being bereaved at Christmas

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Short Essay on My Greatest Wish [100, 200, 400 Words] With PDF

We all possess some kinds of wishes in our lives. No matter all of them become reality or not, we love to fantasise about our wishes. In this session today, I am going to show you how exactly you can write essays on the topic: ‘My Greatest Wish.’

Feature image of Short Essay on My Greatest Wish

Short Essay on My Greatest Wish in 100 Words

Wish is something that helps us to live every day. If we do not wish, then we will soon lose all hope in our life. We will not be able to progress if we leave our hopes and wishes. So like everyone, I too love to wish. I too want my dreams to come true. And my greatest wish is to be a professor.

It is a wish from my childhood. I am studying hard so that my dreams can come true. I can do anything for this wish to succeed. It will make my parents happy. I can teach many students. So I can do anything for my greatest wish.

Short Essay on My Greatest Wish in 200 Words

What helps to live every day? What makes us happy when we feel sad? The answer is our dreams and wishes. Every day we go through a lot of pain and problems. But in the end, we believe that everything will be alright. This is possible because we can dream.

Every man has their own wishes. It is very personal to them, and they try to fulfil it soon. It is their wishes and dreams that help them to live. People work hard daily because they have wishes to work upon.

I too have my own dream. My greatest wish is to become a university professor. This wish is helping me every day to live. When I think of my wish, I feel the happiest. I feel very motivated to work hard daily. Being a professor is a tough job. It needs lots of studies.

One has to study a lot every day so that he can become a professor. They have to give examinations to get the job. The examination to become a professor is really tough. But I still want to pass these hurdles. I want to be successful in my life and make my parents proud and happy. So I am regularly working on my greatest wish.

Short Essay on My Greatest Wish in 400 Words

A. P. J. Abdul Kalam has once said that dreams are not something we see in our dreams, but dreams are something that does not let us sleep. It is very true to us. Wish is the biggest treasure of human life. It is our wishes that help us to develop every day. As we dream, we always think of our future. It is not for fun, but it also helps to plan.

Whenever we wish, it is not just anything small. But these are thoughts for the future. Wishing helps us to build ourselves better. It is part of planning our lives. It helps us to succeed and have happiness. Wishes encourage us to work hard and get good results.

Like everyone, I too have my own wish. I dream of being a university professor. It is very personal to me that I fulfil my wish. Becoming a professor is the greatest wish of my life. It is this wish that is letting me work harder than ever. Whenever I feel tired and do not want to work, my wish tells me to study again. My wish is the biggest source of my happiness.

I am constantly working over my plans. It is very important to get my dreams fulfilled. Because it will make my parents proud of me. I will be happiest to work as a professor. I will earn and become independent. So my wish is not just to teach students, but it also has many other dreams. My greatest wish will fulfil my other wishes as well.

Being a professor is a really tough job. I have to study a lot. I cannot ignore his studies. Then the wish to be a professor will never be fulfilled. I am a part of this. I am working hard daily so that my greatest wish is fulfilled. I have to sit for examinations. Those examinations are difficult and the syllabus is huge. Also, lots of questions will be asked. For that good preparation is needed. But I am not scared of this. I am confident that my greatest wish will be fulfiled soon. Also after becoming a professor, I want to teach students.

There are many children who do not get an education because they are poor. I want to support them. I want to teach these poor children for free so that they can have a happy life. My wish will fulfil the dreams of many others. Also, I love to read books. It is my biggest hobby. After becoming a professor, I will read more and learn more. So for my greatest wish, I will do everything.

In this lesson today, I have discussed the entire context in a very simple language, with an easy approach that all kinds of students understand very easily.

If you still have any doubts regarding this session, kindly let me know in the comment section below. Moreover, if you want me to cover any specific topic for you, kindly mention that too. Many such important sessions are available on our website. You can keep browsing to read those as well.

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The Step-By-Step Guide to Writing Your Bucket List

bucket list title

At the age of 26, Ted thought he had it all.

But little did he know his world was about to get shocked to the core. He had just grown and sold a company for a boatload of cash. Bought his family houses, a fleet of cars, and was traveling the world. Things seemed like they couldn’t get better…

Until one fateful day, he not only had a very close brush with death, but he spent a harrowing 35 minutes waiting for it.

He was 30,000 feet up, and his plane was going down. And as the minutes ticked by, and as he prepared for a crash landing, he realized he would die unhappy:

“As you are praying and thinking, none of the things that you had were the things that you were going to miss. It was not like “Oh, if I only bought that third car.” So, you just go through this and think “I just have so much more to do…”

After luckily making it out alive, one of the first things Ted Leonsis did was create his, now famous, “ 101 things to do before you die .”

It was years later that I found myself asking the same questions Ted was forced to ask himself as he propelled back to earth. Mainly, what makes a good life, and what does that look like for me? I’m not sure what it was, but I came to the realization that although we may be breathing, it does not mean we are actually living.

“Most men lead lives of quiet desperation and go to the grave with their song still in them.” Henry David Thoreau

The status quo is fundamentally unremarkable; therefore, we need to live awry… I know you agree, otherwise, you wouldn’t be reading this right now. And writing your bucket list is pretty much the number one way to do this because it shifts your life in a couple of profound ways:

First, it holds you alone accountable. It’s your list, and yours alone. Anything and everything you add is something you are choosing to accomplish someday, regardless of anyone else.

Second, it creates a blueprint for an intentional life. You may have heard me beat the drum on “living an intentional life” before, and that’s because there’s no other way to LIVE. Creating a bucket list puts you in the driver’s seat of your short life.

And that’s my hope for you with this guide…

That you will dig deep, find out what makes you happy, build out a killer bucket list around those things, and work towards accomplishing them. I promise you that doing this WILL drastically change your life and that you’ll never look back.

But First, before we dive in, let’s go over a few helpful things that will ensure your list doesn’t fall by the wayside.

It’s not all about travel.

bucket list

I get it… You’re a travel junkie just like me. So, it’s going to be hard not to fill your entire list with far-off places and experiences you’ve always daydreamed of. But it’s not all about travel.

As you’ll soon see, we’ve broken things based on main categories like family, learning, health, etc. So, don’t forget that just because you can’t be traveling year ’round it doesn’t mean you still can’t be hammering out some awesome bucket list items.

It’s a living document.

Things change… and that’s good. So, your bucket list will have to follow suit.

For example, I used to have ‘bike through India for 4 months’ as a bucket list goal. But considering that it would be a bit tough with two little kids, I will either toss it, alter it, or keep it for later knowing it might not happen. And I’m fine with that. When life changes, change your bucket list. This is absolutely cool, as long as you’re still actively doing it!

Mix in the small with the big.

Similar to it not being all about travel, it doesn’t all have to be wildly large goals. So, consider adding smaller items—things you’ve always wanted to do but just haven’t gotten around to yet.

Maybe it’s planting a tree, learning to sew, paying for the person’s coffee behind you in line at the cafe, or running the pool table.

The same goes for adding things you want to do in your hometown or nearby because it’ll keep you progressing… And this will keep you activated with your list, while you simultaneously work towards the big ones (and it’s so much fun crossing off an item, even if it’s a small one!).

Be specific.

In order to actually check off your goals, they need to be specific. For example, “lose weight” is a good goal, but it’s not nearly specific enough to add to your list. And that’s because you have no idea when you’ve got there.

Instead, “drop to XXlbs” is perfect (if the weight is your goal, it might be body fat %, etc.) and you’ll know exactly when you can cross it off.

Do it for YOU.

This list is about you. So, don’t add items based on whether other people will think they’re cool.

Here’s the litmus test: Would you still do it if you couldn’t tell another soul? Do you really want to climb Everest? Do you really want to skydive? Do you really want to read Infinite Jest? If so, add ‘em! If not, skip them and add items that get YOU jacked up, whether anyone else on earth knows about it or not.

Add items you’ve already done.

If you have already accomplished stuff you would have added to your bucket list, then toss them into the mix with a big fat checkmark beside it!

What’s cool about this list is that over time it’s a great way to reminisce about the things you’ve done, the experiences you’ve had… all of which will have had a big part in shaping who you ended up being as a human (and I’d bet a better one with a list than not).

Be accountable.

To really spark a fire under your tush, find accountability. Inside our Life Listr app, we have a step in the creation of a new goal that allows you to share that goal with friends or family over Facebook or Twitter.

You don’t have to go as far as posting it for everyone on your social feed to see (although that’s not a bad idea), but the premise behind it is important: get someone to hold you accountable (or join you in that goal) so you don’t let it slip.

Let’s Get Started… It’s now time for the real fun stuff – writing your bucket list!

Follow these steps to create a bucket list of your very own.

Step 1: Give It A Name

give it a name

For more than any other reason, it’s just fun to name your list. If you remember, Ted Leonsis named his “101 things to do before you die,” which is a classic title (although I’d change to “… before I die.”) but also has a definitive number, which you might not want to do.

Some other ideas are:

  • My Life List
  • 101 Things To Do While Alive (if you want to give it a number)
  • My Dream List
  • My Life’s Aspiration List
  • My Lifetime Goals
  • Things to Achieve in My Lifetime
  • My Life’s To Dos
  • My Life’s Bucket List
  • Things to Conquer
  • [YOUR NAME]’s How To Live Guide
  • The Life Plan
  • My Life Blueprint In XXX Goals (if you want to give it a number)
  • My Life’s Must Dos
  • My Livin’ Right Blueprint

…and on and on. You get the point. Play around with your favorites on the next page and, remember, all of this can be changed so don’t overthink it.

Step 2: Brain Dump!

brain dump

We’ll get into fine-tuning and categorizing your bucket list shortly but, for now, just start tossing your BIG ideas down on paper or, of course, inside Life Listr ).

Don’t even think twice about them—about the money involved, the difficulty, or the criticism—just get ‘em down! We’ll walk you through plenty more ways to top up your list, but this step is about brain-dumping the big ones, the ones that you’ve always wanted, the ones that you always think about. Go for it.

Step 3: Pick Your Categories

categories

Now that you’ve unloaded the big ones, let’s pick your categories.

Here’s our recommended list:

  • Adventure & Experience
  • Health/Fitness
  • Learn (Skills/Knowledge)
  • Do Good (Charity)
  • Work (Career/Business)
  • Family & Friends

If any categories don’t fit your list, toss or ignore them.

Step 4: Categorize Your Brain Dump

organize

Now take your initial brain dump list and place each item in its most-fitting category. You’ll probably see that some overlap, and that’s totally fine. In fact, many will overlap in some regard. So just choose the most fitting category and plug them in. As you can see, your list is beginning to take shape!

Step 5: Brainstorm Time!

brainstorm

Before we load you up with more ideas than you can handle (don’t skip ahead! This is important!)… I want you to first brainstorm more ideas on your own because doing this will ensure that your list is as true to you as possible, without you having to over-think all your goals later and decide.

So think about these questions and add items to your list.

  • What’s something you’ve said “Oh, I could NEVER do that” but have secretly dreamed of doing?
  • What’s the wildest thing you can think of that would give you massive bragging rights? (and only add things that you’d still do if no one could ever know)
  • What major life changes would you like to make one day?
  • In the last year, have you done anything that seems bucket list worthy? Add it and use it to think of similar things that might also be bucket list worthy for you.
  • Think of your hobbies… are there any big goals related to them that you’d like to accomplish one day?
  • If you were to die tomorrow, what would you wish you could do before it happens?
  • What would you do if you had unlimited time, money and resources?
  • What have you always wanted to do but have not done yet?
  • Any countries, places or locations you want to visit?
  • What have you always dreamed of laying your eyes on?
  • What family dreams do you want to have? What about with friends?
  • What experiences do you want to have/feel?
  • Any work or business goals you’ve always had?
  • What activities or skills have you always wanted to learn?
  • Any fitness goals you want to achieve?
  • What about your finances—any big goals you have?
  • Look again into each of your categories… are there any goals you can think of that fit? Take any ideas you’ve derived from these questions and add them.

Those questions will certainly put the hamster wheel in high gear. Now, let’s take it deeper… See, you probably already have a sweet list of cool things to do, have, and experience. But I’d be remiss if I didn’t share with you the #1 way, I know of to dig deeper and find out what would give your life the greatest meaning it could. Here’s the deal…

If I offered you a crystal ball to peer into your future, to find out exactly how your life would be laid out, would you take it? We don’t have that. We have something better because what follows puts you in the driver’s seat before it’s too late and all in hindsight. But it’s going to take some kahunas because you’re going to have to face your own death… 

Introducing, The Obituary Exercise. It comes from our friend Roz Savage’s technique on getting more of what YOU want out of life while you still can.

Click to Download The Obituary Exercise

I have no doubt that going through this exercise is a LIFE CHANGER. It was the beginning of Roz becoming an ocean rowing world record holder (multiple times) and even the National Geographic Adventurer of the Year!

Please take the time to go through this. Who knows where you’ll end up! And that’s the best part because this process may light up some repressed dreams—stuff that makes you truly you. After you go through the exercise, take what you’ve created and write them as goals.

Step 6: My Bucket List

bucket list

Now that you’ve brainstormed, categorized, and piled up a slew of bucket-list-worthy ideas in this guide, it’s finally time to compile your master list.

Psst! Need some more inspiration? We got you covered with a list of Bucket List Travel Experiences here .

Step 7: Give It A Once-Over

look it over

Now that you’ve finished creating your list, go over it one last time and cut anything that isn’t truly compelling… that isn’t truly you.

And it’s okay to be tough with this because the goal is for you to accomplish your list, right? So anything that you’re not going to put in the work to do because you don’t want it bad enough, nix it. Then, what’s left will be the stuff you’re jacked up to get done!

Step 8: Get Specific

be specific

The last thing you’re going to do is go over your finalized list and make sure everything is specific enough like we discussed earlier.

So go over your list now and add the details that will allow you to KNOW you’ve done them, without a doubt. Now let’s get into the easy process for living your list.

Step 9: How To Actually Get It Done

get it done

Congrats on creating your very own bucket list! And if you thought that was fun, you’re in for a treat because dreaming is only the beginning of living a bucket-list worthy life… now you have to actually LIVE IT! And here’s how:

Phase 1: Create A Focus List 

The big problem with creating such a grandiose list as you’ve just done is that it’s hard to know where to start. Now all you need to do is pick 1-5 goals to focus on, and no more than that. Of course, this can be tough too. So let’s walk through a few ways to make it easier on ya…

First things first, pick one item you can do in the very near future. The reason is that it’ll get you off on the right track with a skip in your step because you’ll actually be accomplishing your bucket list and not just dreaming about it. (You can even use 2 fairly easy goals you can accomplish fairly soon if you’d like.) Another idea is to create mini-lists within your main list so have a smaller, more manageable group of goals to accomplish.

For example, you could create a seasonal mini-list, such as a “Spring 2020 Mini-List,” or a “#WinterGoals” list. Then, mark all the items you can accomplish during that season. Another example is to make a list for your current year (“Nailing Life In 2020”), or one based on your age (“40 Before 40”).

What’s good about these mini-lists is that they put a deadline on a group of goals, which will inevitably light a fire under your butt to get on with them!

And outside of mini-lists and adding an easier goal or two, you ideally want to add 2-3 tasks that need work, so you can continually be working towards them and crossing off the big life goals at the same time as some smaller ones. 

Phase 2: Plan Your Focus Goals

You know the goal, you know it’s a focus, now let’s set you up with the easiest way to eat an elephant (one bite at a time). For each of your Focus Goals, do the following:

Choose a realistic deadline:  It’s okay to be aggressive, but also be realistic.

Create your action steps plan: This is the meat of why you’ll live your list because you’ve created action steps and took action on them! Without doing this, you’ll be leaving it all up to luck and, most likely, time will zip by and you’ll realize you didn’t do nearly the amount of stuff you wanted.

For each goal have a spot for 3 action steps, a title, a due date, and a cost. Many tasks, like “research the smartest way to learn guitar,” won’t have a cost associated, so just leave it blank. But I suggest you do put a title and a due date for each. Then, I recommend you add that task to whichever ToDo List app you may use, or even just to your phone’s calendar, so you can be alerted of these deadlines so you stick to them (we also alert you of your deadlines in the LifeListr app if you’d like).

Phase 3: Get Started!

This new bucket list journey you’re on is exactly that: a journey . It’s not a sprint, it’s a way of life.

And your main priority in all of this is to simply keep progressing. That’s it! What will happen as you work on the action steps of your focus goals will be magical, and your life will never be the same. You’ll feel like you’re living with purpose and intention.

This will snowball into more adventure, more experiences, and an even stronger drive to live the width of your short life, not just the length of it. 

I applaud you for grabbing your life by the reigns. After you’ve hammered out a few items on your list, please share them with us over Facebook , Instagram , Twitter , email us . We LOVE to hear about and brag about our community members making incredible things happen in their lives!

Onwards and upwards, amigo.

P.S. If you want a dedicated place to keep your bucket list brainstorming, master list and focus goals – you’ll want to check out The Bucket List Blueprint!

Bucket List Blueprint

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my bucket list of wishes essay

Bucket List: 101 Things To Do Before You Die

  • by Celes     |    
  • Filed in Goal Setting , Self-Improvement

my bucket list of wishes essay

This article is available for download as an ebook. Click on the button below to download.

101 Things To Do Before You Die

“Every man dies — Not every man really lives.” — William Ross “The only people who fear death are those with regrets.” — Author Unknown

A few days ago, I was surfing online when I came across someone’s bucket list. It inspired me to create my own bucket list and write a post about it at the same time.

What’s a Bucket List?

If you have never heard of the term “bucket list”, it is a list of all the goals you want to achieve, dreams you want to fulfill, and life experiences you wish to experience before you die.

Why Create a Bucket List?

If you don’t live your days by goals and plans, chances are that you spend most of your time caught in a flurry of day-to-day activities . Ever felt that your days are passing you by without any tangible output? What did you accomplish in the past month? What are your goals for the next three months? Look at the things that you have been doing and the things that you’re planning to do next — do they mean anything to you if you are to die today? Having a bucket list reminds you of what’s really important to you so that you can act on them.

Even if you live by goals or to-do lists, they are probably framed within a social context, e.g. performance, career, health. A bucket list opens up the context for your life. It’s a list to identify everything you’ve ever wanted to do, whether it’s big or small, purposeful or random.

It’s just like planning all the highlights for YOUR life. :D Even though I already set goals by default, I still found many new things to do while writing on my own list. It was an incredibly insightful exercise. What’s more, coming up with my list gave me new-found enthusiasm knowing what I have planned ahead for my life!

The objective of creating this list isn’t to create some fear-based mentality towards death. I don’t see our existence to be limited to our physical years on Earth — our physical lifespan is but a short speck of our existence in the universe. The whole point of creating a bucket list is to maximize every moment of our existence and live our life to the fullest. It’s a reminder of all the things we want to achieve in our time on Earth so that instead of spending our time on pointless things, we direct it towards things that matter to us.

Create Your Bucket List

If you don’t have a bucket list, I highly recommend you to create one. How much will it cost? Zero. How long will it take? Probably 30 minutes to an hour; more if you get really caught up in writing it. :) What do you stand to gain? Significant clarity in what you want from life. It’s an invaluable exchange. :)

If you already have a bucket list, take this opportunity to review it. See if there are new items you want to add on. If so, add them in. Check if all the items listed are still relevant. If not, remove them.

Now, take out your pen and paper or open up a text document. Start writing down what comes to mind as you read these questions:

  • What if you were to die tomorrow? What would you wish you could do before you die?
  • What would you do if you had unlimited time, money and resources?
  • What have you always wanted to do but have not done yet?
  • Any countries, places or locations you want to visit?
  • What are your biggest goals and dreams?
  • What do you want to see in person?
  • What achievements do you want to have?
  • What experiences do you want to have/feel?
  • Any special moments you want to witness?
  • What activities or skills do you want to learn or try out?
  • What are the most important things you can ever do?
  • What would you like to say/do together with other people? People you love? Family? Friends?
  • Any specific individuals (celebrities, famous people, world leaders) you want to meet in person?
  • What do you want to achieve in the different areas of your life : Social, Love, Family, Career, Finance, Health (your weight, fitness level), Spiritual?
  • What do you need to do to live a life of greatest meaning as defined by you ?

Come up with as many items as you can. The items should be things you have not done yet. Don’t stop until you have at least 101 things! If you find yourself stuck, chances are you are mentally limiting yourself. Release those shackles — your bucket list is meant to be a list of everything you want to achieve, do, see, feel and experience in your life. Check out the next section for added inspiration.

  • 101 Things To Do Before You Die

Here are 101 items to consider for your bucket list. :) Look through the list — is there anything that resonates with you? ​ Note that the list below is a sample list of things you can put for your own list. Not all of them will work for you, and you shouldn’t do them for the sake of it. Take the items that resonate with you and use them for your own list! For your convenience, I’ve included useful resources (hand-picked by me) to aid you in your bucket list quest.

1. Travel all around the world

Paris

Traveling — it’s the single best activity that exposes you to new cultures, broaden your mind, move out of your comfort zone, allow you to meet new people, and experience the wonders of the world.

I’m a strong advocate of traveling and have in fact traveled widely around the world in the past years. In 2011, I went on a 7-month non-stop trip around Europe and U.S. where I met PE readers from around the world and held PE readers meetup in London , London again , New York , and Los Angeles . I’ve subsequently been to Kuala Lumpur , India, South Africa , Hong Kong , Scotland , and Hong Kong where I held PE reader meetups in all of them (except India).

All in all, I’ve spent about 50% of my time between 2011 to 2013 traveling! I look forward to visiting new places such as South America, Canada, Japan, Korea, and New Zealand moving forward.

How about you? What new countries would you like to visit? Here are some traveling resources:

  • List of Countries in the World (Alphabetical Order)
  • Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel
  • Wonders of the World
  • 1000 Places to See Before You Die
  • Insights on Holland — View from an Outsider’s Perspective (Series) — If you’re planning to visit Holland, here’s my 7-part series from when I visited the country in 2011
  • Hostel World — Low-budget accommodation
  • Couch Surfing — Free accommodation for travelers
  • Visa Requirements: Visa Requirements by Nationality
  • Packing: Ultimate Packing List

2. Learn a new language

Foreign Language

Learning a new language is never easy but it’s so satisfying when you are able to converse with someone in a foreign language! I admire people who are multi-lingual — I’m personally fluent in only English and Mandarin while having functional knowledge of Hokkien, Japanese, and Bahasa Indonesia. I hope to learn a few foreign languages — Spanish being one of them — in the future.

Some language resources:

  • List of Languages in the World
  • 12 Rules for Learning Foreign Languages in Record Time
  • How to Learn Any Language — Website
  • Verbling | italki — Language exchange site

3. Try a profession in a different field

What profession are you in now and how long have you been doing this? Is it time for a change in profession? It’s nice to do something different from what you have been doing, and it doesn’t have to involve quitting your current job — you can always experiment with volunteer work in a field you enjoy or start up a part-time business on the side. It’s all about expanding your horizon and trying something new.

4. Achieve your ideal weight

Yoga Exercise

I used to be a severe binge eater (a story which I’ve shared in My Journey With Emotional Eating series) and making the commitment to overcome my emotional eating, live healthily, and lose my excess weight has been one of the single best decisions I’ve made in my life.

Make the commitment to be healthy. What is your ideal weight? Are you at your ideal weight today? What can you do to start being healthy? Some weight loss resources:

  • 10 Reasons You Are Not Losing Weight (and What To Do About Them)
  • How To Stop Emotional Eating (6-part series)
  • How To Lose 25kg in Just 8 Months [Video]
  • How to Develop a Positive Body Image (4-part series)

5. Run a marathon

Running a marathon

A marathon is a long-distance race of 42.2 km (26.2 miles) long — definitely not an easy feat that requires training and hard work! Training and completing a marathon will not only develop you in your physical strength and endurance, but also your mental persistence, will, and attitude. Read:

  • 26 Tips for Running Your Best 262
  • How to Run Your First Marathon

6. Take part in a triathlon

Cycling

A triathlon is a “multiple-stage competition involving the completion of 3 continuous and sequential endurance disciplines.” Modern-day triathlons are swim/bike/run events that are done in that order. If you think that a marathon is tough, wait till you try a triathlon — the ironman triathlon consists of 3.86 km (2.4 mi) swim, a 180.25 km (112-mi) bicycle ride and a 42.2 km (26.2-mi) run (that’s a marathon-length race!), raced in that order and without a break!

But don’t run in the opposite direction just yet — there are many triathlons of varying distances that are completely manageable. For example, a sprint triathlon is 750 m / (0.47 mi) / 20 km (12.4 mi) / 5 km while an Olympic triathlon is 1.5 km (0.93 mi) / 40 km (24.8 mi) / 10 km (6.2 mi). One of my readers decided to train for a triathlon as a personal milestone — despite never having done a marathon in her life! She eventually completed the triathlon after a year of training, and was so proud of herself!

Ready to take up the triathlon challenge? :) Read:

  • How Do I Train For My First Triathlon?
  • The Ultimate Beginners Guide To Triathlons
  • Triathlon Training for Beginners — a training resource website
  • TriFind — Triathlon calendar for America

7. Take up a new sport

Archery

Sports are a great way to keep fit! Whether you’re an indoor or outdoor person, there is a sport for everyone. Here are some sports to try out:

  • Technique sports: Archery, Golf, Bowling, Billiard, Skateboarding, Skating, Roller-blading, Ice skating
  • Racket sports: Squash, Badminton, Tennis, Table tennis
  • Water sports: Water rafting, Kayaking, Wakeboarding, Sailing, Swimming, Scuba diving, Snorkeling
  • Group sports: Soccer, Rugby, Baseball, Basketball, Ultimate frisbee

8. Go scuba diving / snorkeling and experience marine life up close

Scuba Diving

As humans, we spend all of our lives on land. Yet there is a whole world under the sea that we’re not privy to! Do you know that 71% of the Earth’s surface is actually the ocean? And do you know that because of the ocean’s depth, it contains about 300 times the habitable volume of the terrestrial habitats on Earth — and many ocean species are still to be discovered?

With scuba diving and snorkeling, you have the opportunity to get up close and personal with the marine life — and see, feel, and experience the vast ocean in person. Scuba diving is one of my bucket list items!

  • Marine biology [Wiki]
  • Snorkeling.info — Complete resource for snorkeling
  • 25 Best Places To Go Scuba Diving
  • Scuba Diving — Complete resource for scuba diving
  • 10 Top Spots to Snorkel

9. Go skiing

Skiing

There’s something about being able to glide on snow while controlling your motor movements that just makes skiing such a fun sport. It’s by no means easy or safe — one should take lessons before attempting to ski alone — but it’s worth trying out, especially for people who don’t live in winter countries. I personally haven’t skied before and would love to give it a shot next time. Read:

  • Beginner Ski Lesson [Video]
  • Ski resorts by country
  • Ski resources — including recommended ski equipment, ski wear, and accessories

10. Trek the Inca Trail

Inca Trail

The Inca Trail is the most famous trek in South America and is rated by many to be in the top 5 treks in the world. It starts from Chillca and follows a route to Machu Picchu, The Lost City of the Incas. Read:

  • Inca Trail — Comprehensive site dedicated to the Inca Trail
  • Inca Trail [Wiki] — When to go, what train to take, and what to prepare
  • Inca Trail Esssentials [Lonely Planet]

11. Go horseback riding

Celes horseback riding at Elliot's Beach

Horseback riding in Chennai, India, completing an item on my bucket list!

Since as early as 4000-3500 BCE, horses have been domesticated and living alongside men. While horses used to be kept as meat animals, and subsequently as working animals to transport materials and people, today, horse riding has transformed into both a hobby and a competitive sport. Horseback riding in itself can be a good sport to relax and unwind from the busy life. Unlike typical sports where you are alone or with other people, in horseback riding, you work together with an animal — the horse — and often times build an emotional bond with it, sometimes one even stronger, more unspeakable, than what you have with fellow peers.

More on horseback riding:

  • Horseback Riding — How to Start [Video]
  • Know Before You Go: Horseback Riding
  • Complete Idiot’s Guide to Horseback Riding [Book]

12. Do an extreme sport

I don’t consider myself an extreme sports person, but I like to experiment in life. When I was in Cape Town in April 2013, my host and reader Lizette invited me to go paragliding as she has friends who are licensed tandem paragliding pilots. I took up the offer, and went paragliding not once, but twice !

Celes Paragliding in Cape Town, off Lion's Head

Me paragliding in Cape Town on April 18, 2013. Check out THAT view! We were literally floating in the air for a good minute or two. One of the MOST surreal moments in my life!

The experience was immense and one that I’ll never forget. Of course, if you’re doing an extreme sport, make sure *all* safety precautions are in place and you are with professional and licensed instructors. While the experience may only last a couple of minutes, those few minutes will be some of the most memorable ones in your life.

More on my paragliding experience here: My Paragliding Experience in Cape Town

Get started:

  • 20 unmissable extreme sports (and where to try them)
  • Bungee jumping: Top 10 bungee jumps in the world
  • Paragliding: Top paragliding sites in the world
  • Skydiving: World’s best places to skydive and bungee jump

13. Climb a mountain

Mountain climbing

Why risk your life to climb a mountain when the journey is fraught with rocky terrains and with ever-changing weather conditions? For some, mountain climbing is an external conquest; some find enjoyment in the sport; others see it as a step in their personal growth journey . Whatever it is, mountain climbing is a feat that takes physical endurance and mental tenacity to accomplish, and is definitely a bucket list worthy item. I haven’t climbed a mountain yet but I plan to do that sometime in the future!

  • “ Why I Climb ” — an article by a climber who has climbed over 300,000 vertical feet, 90,000 on Everest expeditions alone
  • Climbing destinations around the world
  • Top 10 climbs around the world

14. Learn a strategy game

Chess

Strategy games like chess , checkers , chinese chess , Reversi (also known as Otello), Mindsweeper (part of Windows bundle) are great ways to train your mind. As a child, my brother and I played chinese chess together very often; I also enjoy playing mind sports like chess and Reversi a lot and would do so with my friends and against the computer). I don’t know if playing such games helped me to be smarter, but I know it certainly taught me to think quickly, to develop a plan of action in anticipation of future issues, and to think before I act!

  • List of Abstract Strategy Games [Wiki]
  • Yahoo! Games — Free strategy games and board games where you can pit your skills against players around the world

15. Connect with past teachers

Some of us may think of teachers in a bad light. After all, teachers are often remembered for giving us endless assignments and tests and generally making our lives miserable while in school!

Yet, our teachers are also crucial educators who impart importanted knowledge — and life skills — to us during our early ages when we were the most impressionable. They ensured that we would be on the right path as we entered preadolescence, adolescence, and subsequently adulthood. While teachers don’t always get everything right, their intentions come from a good place and they want to see us win .

Think about your past teachers in junior school, high school, and tertiary education. Find ways to get back in touch with them. (Calling your alma mater is always a good start.) Let them know how they have touched your life.

16. Let someone know how much he/she means to you

Best friends cuddling

In our life’s journey, we are constantly touched and supported by people around us, be it friends, family, or acquaintances. Can you identify someone who has made a difference in your life? Write a letter to the person today and let him/her know how much he/she means to you. You can do this as many times as you want, for as many people as you like. Read:

  • #GratitudeChallenge Day 3: Write a Gratitude Note to Someone
  • #KindnessChallenge Day 9: Write a Letter to Someone Who Has Made a Difference in Your Life

17. Give a heartfelt surprise to someone

Girl receiving a surprise

When’s the last time you gave someone a surprise? :) It’s always heartwarming to come home to a nicely cooked dinner, to have a bouquet of flowers sent to you at work, or to even receive a simple text message from a loved one. Who is someone you would like to touch today? What surprise can you give to him/her?

Read: #KindnessChallenge Day 14: Do Something Unexpectedly Nice For Someone

18. Perform a kind deed without expecting anything in return

Children sharing with each other

Many of us are often waiting to receive rather than to give. Yet for any relationship to work, there has to be both giving and receiving. If you often find yourself wondering why no one is giving you what you want, how about practicing giving to others first? :) The rest will follow.

Can you think of someone in your life who is in need of help or can benefit from your help? How can you extend your support to him/her? Read:

  • Day 11: Acts of Kindness in Be a Better Me in 30 Days
  • #GratitudeChallenge Day 9: Share Something You are Grateful For with Someone
  • How to Have More Best Friends: My Heartfelt Guide

19. Make a difference in someone’s life

Donate

Making a difference is more than doing a kind deed, though it can come as a result of a kind deed. When you make a difference in someone’s life, you change the person’s life for the better… permanently. What is the difference YOU want to make in others’ lives? How can you make that happen?

Read: #KindnessChallenge Day 7: Make a Donation

20. Be a mentor to someone

Student and Teacher

Teaching is one of the most rewarding things we can do. No matter how old you are, even if you are in your teens, you are always in the position to mentor someone else — perhaps someone who is more junior than you or someone who is older but can benefit from a particular expertise you have. Mentoring others is also a great way for you to develop yourself too.

Many communities are always looking for volunteer mentors, so check with your local community programs for such opportunities. At the same time, is there anyone you know who can benefit from being mentored by you? Extend your hand to help — who knows, it may well be what he/she needs at this moment!

21. Pursue your passion

Heart in hand

Honestly, life is too short to be spent doing something you don’t love. This was why I quit my day job in September 2008 (during the Global Financial Crisis no less) to pursue my passion to help others grow. I have never looked back ever since — for the past 5 years, I’ve been writing at Personal Excellence and helping people to grow. It has been the most fulfilling thing I’ve ever done and I plan to do this for the rest of my life.

What is your passion? Is it to be an artist? To sing and perform? To be a life coach? To travel? To help other people to grow (same as my passion)? To be the best that you can be? How can you start pursuing it?

If you don’t know what your passion is, this exercise will help you to discover it: Discover Your Life Purpose in the Next 30 Minutes

Some people pursue their passion part time while some make it their careers (or even turn their passion into a business). I personally think that if something is your passion, then you should turn it into your life’s work, because that’s the most synergistic and rewarding path you can pursue. Contrary to common belief that pursuing your passion is at odds with being rich, you can pursue your passion and be financially abundant. I’m an example of this.

These articles document the early stages of my passion journey and will help you in yours:

  • Passion or Money?
  • How To Discover Your Ideal Career: Your Message and Your Medium
  • Overcome Fear Of Loss And Pursue Your Dreams
  • Pursuing Your Passion With No Money
  • Passion Paycheck

22. Start your business

Laptop: Common Mistakes When Writing Business Proposals

Entrepreneurship is fraught with uncertainty but it certainly is fun and rewarding! I started my personal development business in 2008 without knowledge of professional blogging or coaching and started earning more than my last corporate pay within my third year. By being smart, diligent, and persistent in your endeavor, there’s no reason why anyone shouldn’t succeed. Read:

  • Can Everyone Be Successful in Starting Their Business?
  • Successful Businesses Interview Series
  • Million Dollar Tip Series

23. Fly in a hot-air balloon

Hot air balloon

The view of the world as you float away in a hot-air balloon… spectacular. Once, I got to fly in a hot-air balloon while I was in Orange County in 2012… though that was just a stationary balloon ride that went up for a minute before coming back down. My next goal is to have a real hot-air balloon ride.

Read: World’s 10 Best Hot-Air Balloon Adventures

24. Sing to an audience

If you love singing, don’t keep your passion to yourself! The next time there is an event, offer to sing as one of the performance items. Singing shouldn’t be limited to when you are showering in the bathroom. :)

25. Do volunteer work

People collecting trash

Volunteering is a wonderful way to give back to the world. As I mentioned in Day 4: Sign Up for Volunteer Work of the Kindness Challenge,

Volunteer work is one of the best ways to expose yourself to a new medium of helping other people. There are tons of volunteer work out there, from assisting the elderly at the old folks’ home, working with delinquent kids, being a mentor to kids at orphanages, helping out at animal shelters, beach cleanups, and so on. Volunteer work doesn’t have to be some grandiose act. As long as you are offering a part of yourself pro bono to the world (be it in terms of skills, knowledge, time, effort, or money), you are in fact volunteering.

Read more: #KindnessChallenge Day 4: Sign Up for Volunteer Work

Some places to get started:

  • Volunteer Match (for U.S. only)
  • SG Cares (for Singapore)
  • Do-it — Volunteering made easy (for U.K.)

Proceed to page 2 for bucket list ideas #26 to #50…

Hi, I’m Celes. Thanks for reading. Personal Excellence is where I write about how to live our best life as we tackle life’s challenges.  About Me »

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  • How To Deal With Critical People
  • How To Handle Negative Criticism
  • How To Give Constructive Criticism
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  • How To Improve Your Relationship With Your Parents
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Quote of the Moment

‘It’s too late for me to work on X.’ (Pursuing Your Dream Job at Age 57)

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The Market Leader Effect: Where The Winner Takes All

A freeze-frame of a bullet shot through water

Stop Looking For a Magic Bullet For Your Goals

Question mark

How To Know If Your Life Purpose is For Life (And Not Short/Medium Term)

my bucket list of wishes essay

How To Make Life’s Hardest Decisions: 3 Decision Making Methods

Wheat field and blue sky

To Get What You Want, First Admit You Want It

Hi, I'm Celes

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my bucket list of wishes essay

Home / Essay Samples / Life / Goals / Bucket List

Bucket List Essay Examples

A bucket list for fulfilling life.

A bucket list. Something which is so simple yet can come to fruition through courage. I agree, taking a leap of faith can be daunting. It is the idea of the unknown, of breaking that routine and flying out of your comfort zone. But that...

Last Bucket List that Was Filled by the Whole Community

Eddie was diagnosed with an inoperable tumor and only has 6-12 months to live. To make the most of it, his foster mom made a bucket list for him. Surprisingly, the community supported him all the way! Rescue pup with malignant tumor was given the...

Making a Bucket List to Restart a Marriage Life

Many of us fight at the beginning of our family gap. Of course we are very confused and we tend to live in our own world. Or maybe we can move to a new house that is quiet and isolated from those who look after...

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