50+ Worthwhile Things to Do Before You Die
Positive News Published September 19, 2022
Why Keep a Bucket List? By definition, a “bucket list” is simply a list of the things you want to do before you die. But it represents so much more than that. Your bucket list is also your wish list, a note of all your goals and aspirations. Keeping a bucket list helps remind you of the things you still need to achieve in your life.
More often than not, when we think about something that we want to do but are not yet capable of doing, we often shrug it off as impossible and label it wishful thinking. But when you have a bucket list, those “impossible” things become a little more possible. It makes your wish lists more tangible. In other words, it gives you hope that no matter how unattainable things may seem, they are always very much within your reach.
So, if you want to make the most out of this borrowed time, here’s a bucket list of worthwhile things to do before you die:
Bucket List Ideas of Things to Do Before You Die
- Start a hobby. If you haven’t got a hobby yet, now’s a good time to start.
- Adopt a rescue pet. Instead of buying from breeders, adopt a shelter animal. Most of them have been abandoned and mistreated. All they want is a loving home to call their own.
- Learn a foreign language. Being able to speak another language is always an advantage especially if you plan to travel to other countries.
- Help a stranger. Honestly, we should all do this every chance we get.
- Make a difference in someone’s life. This is the greatest legacy you can ever leave this world.
- Go somewhere you’ve never been to. You can never grow as a person unless you step out of your comfort zone.
- Share your meal with a person in need. If you can afford food right now, then you are extremely blessed. Share your blessings with those who need them the most.
- Run a marathon. It doesn’t just keep your body active. It’s also a great way to make new friends.
- Advocate for a cause. If you have a cause, you care about, then it’s time to speak up and increase people’s awareness about it.
- Eat something you’ve never eaten. That food might just become your new favorite. You’ll never know until you try.
- Conquer a fear. It’s normal to have fears. But it takes a special kind of courage to face and conquer those fears.
- Forgive people. Burying the hatchet isn’t about letting people who hurt you get off the hook. It’s more about setting yourself free from pain, anger, and bitterness.
- Forgive yourself. Forgiving yourself is the first step to healing.
- Volunteer at a soup kitchen or homeless shelter. These nonprofits are mostly run by volunteers so they’re often in need of an extra pair of hands.
- Cook a foreign dish. You might end up loving it or hating it but at least you tried. And isn’t it what life is about?
- Start a business. If you have a business idea that you think has potential, then it’s time to bring it to life.
- Buy lunch for a homeless person. Some of them haven’t had meals for days so a free lunch would be very much welcome.
- Treat your family and loved ones to a vacation. Spending time with your family is always a good idea.
- Go on a road trip. Whether you go alone or with friends and family, road trips create some of the most memorable moments you can look back to.
- Learn sign language. This helps you communicate better with the deaf and hard of hearing which makes you understand them better.
- Befriend a stranger. Don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation with a stranger. You can always learn something new from someone.
- Talk to old people about their life experiences. Some of the best life lessons come from experience. That’s why old people are literally walking treasure troves of wisdom.
- Help someone without expecting something in return. This should be the norm rather than the exception.
- See the northern lights. The aurora borealis or more commonly known as the northern lights is definitely a sight to behold and one you should see before you die.
- Tell your loved ones how much you love them. Let them know you love them while you still can.
- Mentor someone. Passing your knowledge and skills to someone is one of the best ways of creating a legacy.
- Participate in a disaster relief effort. From packing relief goods or rescuing people, there are a lot of things you can do to help disaster victims.
- Explore a new country at least once a year. Exploring new countries expands your horizon and helps you see things from different perspectives.
- Write a book. If you want to be remembered even hundreds of years after your death, write a book.
- Watch a foreign movie. Movies are a great way to soak up another culture and learn about what life is like on the other side of the world.
- Buy from a local farmer. Aside from helping a local business, you’ll also get to enjoy fresh produce directly from the farm.
- Organize a fundraising drive for a cause. Alternatively, you can also participate in a fundraising activity for a local charity.
- Live in a different country. If you really want to get out of your comfort zone and venture into uncharted territory, living abroad for at least a few months is one of the best ways to do so.
- Go horseback riding. Being atop a running horse while feeling the wind in your face is one of the most exhilarating experiences in the world. Who knows, you might love it so much you’ll want to take it up as a hobby.
- Go skiing. Not a fan of the cold nor of the outdoors? Explore your limits and go on a skiing trip.
- Witness a solar eclipse. Solar eclipses only happen two to five times a year but you’ll only get to see them if you’re in the right place at the right time. That’s why most people get to witness a real-life solar eclipse only once in their life.
- Cook a meal for your loved ones. They say that a way to someone’s heart is through their stomach. So if you can, allocate at least one day a month to cook a homemade meal for your loved ones. It doesn’t have to be elaborate. What matters most is the time and effort you spent cooking those meals.
- Read a book on a topic you’re not familiar with. Expanding your knowledge about the world is one of the most worthwhile things you can do before you die.
- Explore Antarctica. Antarctica is at the very edge of the world and because of its geographical location and extreme weather conditions, it’s not a popular travel destination. So if you can explore Antarctica, that would definitely be one for the books.
- Fly on a helicopter. ust like riding a horse, a helicopter ride is one of the most exhilarating experiences you’ll have. That makes it a worthwhile addition to this bucket list.
- Try customer-facing jobs. Despite having one of the hardest jobs in the world, frontline workers are often underpaid and underappreciated. Try working in a customer-facing job at least once so you’ll develop a deeper sense of appreciation for other people’s hard work.
- Do something silly and completely out of character. Don’t take yourself too seriously. Life is meant to be enjoyed so don’t be afraid to do something silly occasionally.
- Visit all seven continents. If you’re a traveler at heart, visiting all seven continents should definitely be on your bucket list.
- Sleep under the stars with your loved one. Aside from being extremely romantic, sleeping under the stars is definitely an experience that will occupy a special place in your memories and one you’ll constantly look back to.
- Make something from scratch. With everything being made in factories these days, making something completely from scratch gives a different level of satisfaction.
- Donate blood. One pint of donated blood can already save three lives. Just imagine how many lives can be saved if even just a quarter of the world’s population will donate blood. So, if you’re qualified to donate blood, it should be on your bucket list.
- Climb a mountain. Even if you’re not the outdoorsy type, climbing a mountain is a must-do before you die. Aside from the fresh air and the opportunity to stretch your limbs, the mountainside is one of the best places to commune with Mother Nature. Plus, when you’re at the top of the mountain, you tend to forget all your problems.
- Grow your own herbs and vegetables. Why buy from the grocery when you can grow your own food, right? You won’t only be able to save some money, but you’ll also have a constant supply of fresh herbs and vegetables. Win-win, eh?
- Pay for a veteran’s meal. They have served our country valiantly, but they don’t get all recognition they rightfully deserve. So the next time you meet a veteran in a restaurant or a fast food joint, don’t hesitate to offer to pay for their meal.
- Research your family tree. I mean, at some point, you were probably curious about where your genes come from or what your ancestors did. You can start by asking your parents or grandparents stories about their parents and grandparents. If your country has an extensive record of births and deaths, you may even trace your family tree back to the middle ages.
- Volunteer at an animal shelter. Privately-run animal rescue centers also rely on volunteers to get their work done. Plus, you’ll surely have a wonderful time taking care of and playing with the rescues.
- Explore an ancient ruin. Just the thought of walking on ancient ground is mind-blowing enough. Add to that the profound sense of history that you can only get from these ruins, and you get yourself another item to cross off your bucket list.
- Trek Up the Machu Picchu. Climbing up the Inca trail usually takes about three to five days. But it’s all worth it once you’re on the top of this lost city.