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30 Things Worth Experiencing At Least Once In Your Life, According To People Online
Interview
In the everyday rush and routine, we probably don’t find time to think about what we want to do in this life and what really would make us happy. It may be for our whole life or it can also be something that will make us the happiest people alive for a day. There are particular locations, feelings, purchases or activities that we dream about. I may be wrong but many of us probably have our bucket lists made. Some of us have written it down and are actually saving money for our dreams, some of us have written it in our notes and from time to time check it out to see if maybe we managed to complete some of the things. But some of us just have it in our head and create something on the spot if this topic comes up.
Somebody asked one of the subreddit's community members to share something that they think every one of us should experience in our lifetime. Here, you can find 40 ideas that you may consider adding to your own bucket list!
More info: Reddit
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Reading a book so good you can't fall asleep without reading a new chapter, and to feel slightly sad when you finish it.
Stardust she/her 1 year ago
I once read a book from 6 pm till 2:30 am and got so invested that it took me a very long time to go to sleep
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#2
What it's like to work a busy shift at a restaurant - can be any role, waiting tables, bussing, cooking, hosting. Everyone should have one evening where you are trying to serve and cater to dozens of people at once. You should know how it feels to bring someone the wrong dish or spill a glass on someone. You should know how it feels to work hard af and get no tip, get told to take something back like it's your fault, all the normal things that happen during a busy shift.
By having that experience, you will have a permanently different view of going out to eat, and you will be a kinder, more accepting and patient customer.
Bored Panda contacted Melanie Allen from Partners in Fire, who agreed to share her insights regarding the things people should experience at least once and the benefits of doing new things.
“People should generally do things that challenge them, push their boundaries, and maybe even frighten them a little, if only once,” started Melanie.
#4
Contentment and security. Not necessarily full happiness, but satisfaction in your own life, and safety within it.
Something that a great many of us don't actually have.
Mike Fitzpatrick 1 year ago (edited)
It took me until I retired to find contentment. Now it's just my little dog and me, now I, for the first time in MANY years, am now content. I wish this feeling on everyone, from the heart.
#5
I have two. One is seeing a starry night sky, no clouds, no light pollution, just a beautiful night sky. Or better yet, the northern lights. Second is seeing the view from a mountain peak. People always talk about how ugly the world is, but I think these two things really remind you of how beautiful earth is too.
Cosmologist wannabe 1 year ago
So true. first time I saw the milky way, it is 100% worth it. And aurorae too. Even the darker parts of the milky way are beautiful (Orion, canis major, etc). Everything about it is perfect.
When asked what would be the things that people should experience at least once, she said that: “Two great examples are embarking on a solo trip to a foreign country and living alone for a year. Both of these adventures will force you to rely on yourself. They’ll make you self-reliant and help you build confidence. You’ll learn to navigate the world, talk to people, plan your days, manage a budget, and become a competent adult. You’ll learn to trust yourself and your skills and understand how the world works.”
#7
Being in love with someone who loves you back
Headless Roach 1 year ago
Do you still love me, Nathaniel, or is my memory skewed because of the head aspect?
#8
The sound of it snowing. I laid on the ground, in the snow at night in the Alaskan wilderness, in December, it's so peaceful ❄️
Firstname Lastname 1 year ago
The first snow is magical. After the first few inches I just dread brushing off my car and driving through it all winter.
#9
Even if it's only for a short period of time: full financial independence, while being single. You can pay your own bills, you have your own place, and you have full freedom over your free time. Whether it's staying in and binge watching Netflix, or going out and sitting amongst strangers. Your time is your own. No kids. No spouse or significant other. I find this is when you really get to know and understand yourself.
Ruth 1 year ago
This is so important! This independence gives you the knowledge that you can make it on your own. I’ve seen too many people marry young and stay in bad marriages because they fear they can’t make it alone. People are in healthy relationships because they want to be, not because they need to be.
Melanie also shared that everyone should experience the whole range of emotions. “We can only comprehend the most incredible joy if we understand deep sorrow. The cost of love is always grief. We can’t lock ourselves away to avoid the bad because we’d never experience the truly exceptional. Life is about experiencing the good, bad, and ups and downs,” she emphasized.
“Fall in love, knowing that even the best relationships end when one partner passes. Adopt a pet, knowing its lifespan will never match your own. Enjoy the gifts of the happy moments when you have them, and accept that grief is the price we pay for the love we share.”
#10
A loving and supportive group of humans.
#11
Having real friends
Old Roadie 1 year ago
Met my best friend in 1955. So, 68 years and still friends. Our kids are the same ages. We talk every day.
#12
going on a forest and smelling rain
Theresa Stephenson 1 year ago
I think they mean go into a forest but yeah I like the smell of rain too.
Additionally, Allen shared that there are quite a few benefits that each person gets when doing something new. “New experiences help us grow. They offer different perspectives on life, happiness, and our world and help us develop into the person we were always meant to be. They challenge us, push us past our limits, and help us learn what we’re truly capable of.”
“When we refuse to try new things, we become stagnant. Then, we struggle to adapt as the world changes around us. Unique experiences build confidence, resilience, and flexibility."
#13
Everyone should experience the joys of traveling to a foreign land at least once in their lifetime, even if it's just to realize how much they love their own toilet. Imagine discovering new cultures, cuisines, and the thrill of trying to communicate with locals using just charades and a phrasebook. Trust me, it's a life-changing experience that'll give you a new appreciation for your home and a killer accent to boot.
Luke Branwen 1 year ago
It's kinda funny to me when people say things like "You should travel abroad at least once in a lifetime" since I'm European and the closest "foreign land" is literally 15-minute walk away from my home xD
#14
I have a weird one....when someone is in hospice and needs 24-hour care, if possible, take them into your home, learn all you can about what to do so you don't need hospice coming out whenever something comes up.
We did this for my mother as she died of pancreatic cancer back in 2010 and my kids (6 and 9 at the time) got to see and experience a loved ones death. They saw it wasn't scary or anything to be afraid of. They learned the true meaning of compassion, love, humility, and respect.
I consider it an honor and a privilege to have taken care of my mom while she was on her death bed.
Mrs.C 1 year ago
My kids were young when my grandfather was in at home hospice care. We (the family) did most of the work. Nurses came in to check up on us and help with medication. It was really hard, but also a memory I will always cherish. The kids got to say goodbye to their Grandfather in their own time.
#15
Moving away from your hometown, even if it is for a year
And finally, Melanie agreed to share her most memorable experience that changed her perspective on life. “A solo trip to Cambodia. I was in my early 30s, driven by money. My goal was to become a millionaire as quickly as possible. I love to travel, so I booked a trip to see Angkor Watt, the ancient forest temples in Cambodia,” she started.
“I’ve traveled before, but only through the US and Western Europe. I’d never been to a country completely stricken by poverty. It was eye-opening," remembered Melanie. “But what struck me most was how happy most of the people were. They were incredibly poor, especially by US standards, but it didn’t phase them. They spent time with their families, relaxed by the water, meditated by their shrines, and enjoyed every moment they had. I realized then that I was going about life all wrong. Money shouldn’t be the goal. I should focus on happiness and contentment. Money is still important to me, as I realize it costs a lot to exist in our world, but it’s no longer my ultimate pursuit. Now, I’m focused on building my dream life and being happy.”
Also, don’t forget to check out her blog and her bucket list ideas that you can add to your own list!
#16
A hug, simple but important
#17
Gratitude for being alive.
And i don't mean it like after a near death experience. Im talking about the epiphany you get doing the simplest task or after a bad day. The sudden realization of being alive and be able to feel however you're feeling at the moment is something everyone should experience and be grateful of.
Theresa Stephenson 1 year ago
I agree with you and even if I am never rich being grateful that I am pretty healthy is nice too.
#18
- Overcoming a strong fear
- Standing up for yourself
Tracy Wallick 1 year ago
I had to do this many times in the process of joining the Navy. I came out of it realizing that I'm a lot stronger than I had been abused into believing, after doing many things that scared me absolutely shitless but doing them nonetheless, and even succeeding. No surprise that I was weeping like a baby when we finished our final 'exam' and were allowed to replace our 'Recruit' ballcaps with the ones that said 'Navy', and I realized that I had made it; I would never have to go back to my abusive home life. I was free.
Additionally, Bored Panda was able to get more insights from Annette, the author of the book Bucket List Adventures, co-owner of the restaurant Sugo Trattoria, the boss at buck & co. and creator of the award-winning travel blog, Bucket List Journey.
She started by saying, “The number one thing everyone should do once in their lifetime is to challenge their comfort zone and face a fear. This will mean something different for each person, but it is important for individual growth. Other things are volunteering for a cause close to their heart, traveling to another country to get a perspective of how other people live, and to be surrounded by wildlife on an African safari.”
#19
For straight men:
Going to a gay bar.
You realise very quickly how women feel from your playful flirting. Only difference is, they can't just leave the bar.
Nick Triantafyllidis 1 year ago
I don’t think people understood the metaphor “leave the bar”. They mean that it happens everywhere for women not just in situations where they can just walk and leave.
#20
Witnessing a total solar eclipse
Totally life changing. Even having a full understanding of what is happening, I totally get how people over the millennia would find this to be an omen from the gods.
When speaking about feelings, Annette claims that, “Everyone should feel proud of themselves for accomplishing something they never thought they could. They should feel the unconditional love from a child, the happiness that comes from giving, and the freedom of traveling across the world solo.”
#22
The energy of a concert.
Tens of thousands of people excited, vibing in unison and just so fuc*ing happy to be alive.
I've been to a couple of concert just to experience that vibe.
Now, speaking about the benefits of trying some new things, Annette says that every time you do something new, a piece of fear is replaced by empowerment. “If you stay inside of the boundaries of your comfort zone, you’ll be missing out on the incredible benefits of taking a risk. It can lead to personal growth; expanding your mindset, teaching you valuable lessons, increasing your confidence and limiting regrets. Plus, when you step out of the norm once, it can lead to a snowball effect, where each consecutive time gets a little bit easier and your comfort zone expands bigger and bigger.”
#23
Being in a poor part of a third world country. We have all seen poverty on TV, but it is a very different thing when you are standing in the middle of it. You then realise how lucky you are.
Der Kommissar 1 year ago
I have been to many poor countries. Once, in the Philippines, the cab driver told me he is having a birthday party and that they were going to eat BEEF. He was so proud of that fact.I felt bad, knowing that, at home, I could just go to the market and buy a steak if I felt like it, without considering its cost.
#24
That thing some people do, of waking up and be exited for the day to come, that sounds nice
Moreover, she agreed to share her personal experience that changed her perception on life: “There is always a moment when traveling where a sense of pure gratitude overwhelms me, literally bringing a tear to my eye. In eastern Greece, it happened while hiking to the top of Niala Summit, in Jordan it happened while sleeping under the stars in the Wadi Rum desert, and in Japan it happened while standing amidst the chaos in central Tokyo. The first time it happened, it changed my perspective on what is important in life, simple pleasures that bring peace of mind. Each additional time it happens just reconfirms this."
Also, don’t forget to check out Annette’s blog for more stories and inspiration!
#25
Whale watching from a boat. Whales are amazing.
The Doom Song 1 year ago
Ooh I haven't been whale watching in such a long time! It's even better when you get dolphins aswell
#26
Being well and absolutely disconnected. No phones, no GPS. I last had that experience in the early 90s. Being somewhere with someone you trust and the two of you are the only people who know where you are and what you are doing.
madeleine f 1 year ago
Totałly agree. Everyone I go away I don't tell people all the time what I am doing or where I am. It's liberating and total feeling of freedom.
#27
Working a minimum or entry level job as a first job especially when young.
It really makes you appreciate money and interactions with people because it sucked and you got so little of anything even less some respect.
Hell you even get to treat the people that work those jobs nicer because you were them once.
madeleine f 1 year ago
My first job was very low paid, I could not afford a TV with a remote control. Inherited an old telly and used a broomstick as a remote.
#28
Temporarily dealing with a disability of some sort to have compassion on those who have them full time. Life is difficult enough. Try it with handicap
StrangeOne 1 year ago
Why should it take having a disability to gain compassion? Just be compassionate, period.
#29
Another culture. And I don’t mean as a tourist where you have all the comforts of home. To fully absorb and immerse yourself in the lives of that culture. To eat their foods, drink their drinks, and do as they do.
Cosmologist wannabe 1 year ago
Don't be a tourist. Be a person that came to see what the culture brings to society. Don't go to a country to just be a tourist, be a person that comes to see everything there.
#30
Getting to baggage claim and having your bag come out first. The small but mighty micro victory.
What do you think ?
Cerridwn d'Wyse 1 year ago
Waterfalls. Just taking in the msgesty. Not Niagara and not a creek Something in between
Cerridwn d'Wyse 1 year ago
Waterfalls. Just taking in the msgesty. Not Niagara and not a creek Something in between
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