Live Outside the Box

When I was 16 I created my very first “30 before 30” list; essentially a list that was simply the top 30+ (I had a few more than 30) things I wanted to do or accomplish before I turned 30. Just a few days ago I was inspired to pull it up and take a look again. Looking through it, I realize that I am doing all right. I have completed quite a few such as skydiving, graduating from college, going to a professional basketball game, riding and elephant, and volunteering abroad for two weeks (I think I exceeded that by a few months). After looking at the list, I also realized that in 8 years I had changed a lot. A large number of the things on that list I was no longer interested in doing, for example I really do not want to throw a huge gala, how did I even come up with that? No thank you to seeing a fashion show in Paris; I am just not into it anymore. My value, passions, and interests have just simply changed. Who would have ever thought the “princess” would prefer backpacking and less material goods? I guess I am getting back to my roots as an explorer and adventurer. I am a little closer to that girl who would ride her bike right over a diamond-back rattlesnake and not think twice about it. Closer… So anyways as you might have guessed, I decided to make a new list. This time however, instead of being a list of just 30 things I would accomplish before I was 30 years old, it became more of a life list. One that currently exceeds 50 items and I don’t think I will ever be finished updating, adding, changing, and checking off items. For those who know me, of course, understand this and probably know that I also have a running list of countries and places I need to visit in my lifetime. (Just so you are all aware, if I never get to complete my list, I would hope it would be completed by a loved one who understands its importance to me, plus its sick!) It is important that I note that I also understand the importance of not just living my life within the guidelines of a piece of paper, but also to sometimes go with the flow and let life just happen. Some of the most fascinating things I have done, my most memorable experiences, are those I never could have ever possibly planned. I never would have thought “hmmm, I need to experience a European Gay Pride Parade”, but now I will never forget the energy, the sights, the sounds, etc. that came with catching it in Madrid by accident when I was merely looking for a nice cup of coffee. Think what you want to think, scoff and turn your nose up if you must, but I would certainly add it to your list right now. There is absolutely nothing like it. So I challenge you to create a list to drive you to do the things you will otherwise never get to, but also try to live outside the box (or the cubicle). Seek adventure; push yourself outside your comfort zone. Fail, pick yourself back up and soar to new heights. Some ideas from my list (I’m not giving them all away; you can come up with your own: • Complete the Camino de Santiago de Compostela in Northern Spain on foot • Learn how to fly an airplane • Take a cooking course • Buy and protect land in a beautiful place • Learn how to salsa • Take a train all the way across Russia to Mongolia • Study human ecology. I would love to hear your ideas, write me and let me know what is top on your bucket list!