We all have a list, whether tangible or not, of the things we’d like to do and experience before our time expires. Well my friends, life is short, the clock is ticking- so let’s get a move on. If your personal bucket list is a looking a little sparse here are some tips to get your mental gears grinding. Take these tips, mold and tweak them to your liking, and get out there and enjoy this ride we call life.
1. Leave the country
We know how much we all love our block, street or hood but there is so much more to the world than our little corner of the world. Leaving the country opens your eyes to the ways of others. And if you open your mind to it, it has the potential to change you in profound ways. You can take the first step by deciding where you want to go and then get your passport!
2. Attend the Essence Music Festival
Once you’ve returned from your international voyage your wanderlust will be hard to satisfy. You’ll want to go all the time. Unfortunately international travel is not cheap. So when you’re craving a quick, stateside getaway, head on down to New Orleans for the annual Essence Music Festival. The event combines two of the best things in the world, black women and music. How could you go wrong?
3. Live out one of your sexual fantasies
Life is too short not to get what you want. Of course you can’t get everything your heart desires, but when it comes to sex there’s usually a willing participant. All you have to do is communicate. Often times women are too timid about expressing what they want and need in the bedroom. Don’t let society’s double standards keep you from getting yours. More than likely, your partner will be happy to oblige. Just make sure no one gets hurt!
4. Love yourself
This is the most important thing you can do for yourself. Shockingly, women, particularly black women, still find it difficult to embrace their physical and spiritual beauty. Once you have a clear sense of who you are and how you can contribute to the world, your life will be all the better for it. Show respect for yourself by ridding your life of people who have nothing positive to say and surround yourself with supportive individuals. When you can’t find anyone, be your own personal cheerleader. Smile at yourself in the mirror, make a list of your strengths and talents, love yourself- it’s important.
5. Befriend someone different
Many of us short change ourselves by limiting our circle of friends to those who are just like us, not just physically but ideologically as well. If your friends are carbon copies of yourself it’s time to stretch your circle into an oval. Try to befriend someone of a different race, living situation or socioeconomic level. You’ll be surprised what you can learn from each other.
6. Take a girlfriend trip
Even if it looks like your schedules will never align, be sure to make time to spend with those nearest and dearest to you. The trip doesn’t have to be anything extravagant but it should allow you and your girls significant time away from spouses, kids, and responsibilities. When you travel with people you see them in a whole new light. Be sure to take your true, ride or die friends, those “small doses” acquaintances simply won’t do.
7. Create something you’re proud of
Remember how vast your imagination was as a child? Tap into that mental space and write, illustrate, craft or conceptualize something you can be proud to put your name on. Not only can this artistic endeavor serve as a therapy of sorts, you never know, you might even be able to make some money off of it.
8. Do something outside of your comfort zone
Imagine the look on your friends’ faces when you tell them you ran with bulls in Spain or dated a man who’s barely legal? Alright, alright stepping outside of the box is not just about shocking your friends. (Although that is a perk.) It’s about diversifying your life. Just like wealth, diversifying your life experiences strengthens the quality of your life.
9. Help another little girl
Whether it’s your own daughter or a complete stranger make sure you take the time to teach life lessons to the next generation. Tell the little girl what you wished someone would have told you when you were her age, be honest and candid yet age appropriate. Don’t be the one doing all the talking either, be an active listener without being judgmental. You never know what impact it’ll have down the road. Lord knows there are enough wayward women out here. We have to get them young.
10. Accomplish one of your childhood dreams
When you were a little girl, the world was your oyster and you thought you could do any and everything. While it may be a struggle to be a doctor and a ballerina simultaneously, it’s never too late to reach your dreams. If your childhood daydreams still represent your true passions pursue them with the fervor of your six year old self.
What are some things you’d add to your bucket list?
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