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We’ll let you in on a one-million-dollar secret: life is shorter than you think. And we don’t mean that to be dramatic, but rather as a fact. One day, you and everyone else will be gone from this planet. Sure, there are ways to prolong your existence — eating healthy, exercising regularly, and being extra careful while crossing the street. But at some point, we’re all going to be ashes. And guess what? Those things you want to do at least once in your life will be left unfulfilled on a list of personal projects.
It’s easy to let days go by and still not experience both the finest and simplest things. It can be for any number of reasons — lack of money and time, fear of change, or lack of ambition. We all have those little dreams and aspirations on our bucket lists that we never make a move toward because something more pressing happens along the way. Now we’ve decided it’s time for you to start living your time in this world with more gusto! There’s no point in putting off those must-do things in life that could make you happier. Days will pass you by so quickly, and before you know it — poof! — the time and energy you had will be gone.
So what are some things everyone should experience at least once? That’s what users on AskReddit tried to answer. The results were full of fun, interesting, and sometimes even mind-blowing answers. From the simple to the bizarre, we selected some of the most upvoted responses we’ve seen. We’re not saying you have to do all of these things by the time you’re old and gray, but at least try them. Who knows — maybe one of these once-in-a-lifetime experiences will change you forever.
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#1
"The unconditional love of a pet. There's nothing like it."
Kathryn Baylis 2 years ago
There’s nothing else like it, even the love of another person (sorry, but so many people turn into a******s and make their love conditional—-never ever happens with an animal).
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#2
"Working in customer service. I think it would humble some people in the nicest way."
#3
"Laughing so hard that it hurts."
DennyS (denzoren) 2 years ago
Haven't done this in a while. I remember the last time. We were struggling to breathe....good times.
#4
"Living alone. Without roommates, without mom and dad, just alone. You would be amazed by how much time you spend living for other people's dreams or desires."
#6
"Walking outside late at night just after a fresh fall of snow when the moon is shining brightly."
#7
"Traveling abroad and trying to experience local culture. Not just touristy places. It expands your mind and makes you appreciate the world."
#8
"A road trip with no real destination. Drive in a general direction and figure it out as you go. One of the best trips I took was driving down the coast from Vancouver to Mexico. The only plan we had was to stay on the coast. I was truly amazed at how beautiful it can be so close to home."
#9
"Everyone should have the experience of having at least one person they can trust and open up to."
#10
"Traveling alone. Just once. Even for just a few days. Do it alone. Revel in it."
#14
"Making a child laugh. I have no words to describe how I feel when a child gives me that big, hearty laugh. It's the most satisfying feeling ever. It brings a new definition for love and affection."
#15
"Train ride: either along the coast or in the snowy mountains."
Patti Wagner 2 years ago
I took the train once from Texas to Pennsylvania, and loved it so much that is the only way to travel.
#16
"Seeing a concert that gives your chills/goosebumps."
Luke Branwen 2 years ago
I saw one of Linkin Park's last concerts, just weeks before Chester Bennington died. It was an amazing experience and this sad fact made it even more special.
#17
"Giving someone something or doing something that cannot in any way be repaid."
#18
"Seeing the California Redwoods in person."
DennyS (denzoren) 2 years ago
I would like to do this....not only to see it but also to recreate the "Caesar is home" scene.
#19
"Being able to walk to work."
OneHappyPuppy 2 years ago
I did this at my previous job, it was a 10 min power walk from home and gave me energy for the day (no matter how illogical that sounds). Funny thing is, now I work in the exact same street just a while further and can't really walk to work unless I want to be drenched in sweat since it would now take me 30-40 mins to get there
#20
"Having a dog."
CelticElff 2 years ago
but when they pass away, they leave a hole and a hurt like no other. that's how deeply loved he was. </3
#21
"A properly done full body massage."
DennyS (denzoren) 2 years ago
It can just be me that can't do this right? I get really tense and ticklish too. I feel like pin pricks if someone tries this.
#22
"Seeing your favorite band live and up close. The excitement of a mosh pit or crowd is so much better than stadium seats."
#23
"Failure. Because it makes way for success."
DennyS (denzoren) 2 years ago
What if you've failed so much you feel like success isn't attainable anymore.
#24
"Manual, hard labor. Everything around you was put there by someone."
#25
"A really long train ride through the countryside. Long enough to read most of a book on, sleep overnight on, meet interesting people on. I have great memories of doing this throughout my life."
Matt Smith 2 years ago
Heard worse ideas. I'm not sure where around me I'd be able to do that, though...
#26
"Everyone should spend a day in a classroom in a poor school district. It would shut a lot of people up and inspire a lot of others to make spending on education a much higher priority. Conditions in bad schools are absolutely heartbreaking."
#27
"See the rings of Saturn through a telescope. I've seen them plenty through pictures but somehow seeing them, tiny, and just barely in focus is just mind blowing."
Natalie Kelsey 2 years ago
I cried the first time I saw Saturn in my telescope. It's one thing hearing about it and seeing pictures but seeing it with your own eyes and knowing it's really real and out there.... overwhelming
#28
"Experience culture shock."
Frando Bone 2 years ago
I'll never forget the first time I experienced this. What an awakening
#29
"Sailing on the ocean at night."
#30
"Wish I didn't have to say it but: Happiness."
#31
"Have at least one of your dreams come true."
#32
"Visit as many national parks as you can."
#33
"Putting a stamp in your passport."
Frando Bone 2 years ago
56 different stamps and counting! I have way more than 56 stamps but 56 unique stamps so far!
#34
"A hiking/camping trip somewhere. I hiked portions of the Appalachian trail with friends when I was in my 20s. These trips were some of the best experiences of my life."
#35
"Working in a restaurant. It baffles me that a large majority of people have no idea what goes on in a restaurant."
Kathryn Baylis 2 years ago
Through simply being observant, as well as self-aware, I realized a long time ago that working in a restaurant is a job I simply cannot do, which is why I utterly respect anyone who can do it. I wouldn’t last 5 minutes.
#36
"Everyone should experience not having enough money to eat. It makes you appreciate every meal and not waste food."
#37
"There's something gritty and otherworldly about being on the back of a horse taking off into full flight."
#39
"New York City on your own."
#40
"Downhill, on a bicycle."
DennyS (denzoren) 2 years ago
Very fun however the large scar on my knee might think otherwise. Lol
#41
"Go somewhere where there is nobody else. Not like an office building or somewhere in the city, or even a small town, go somewhere where it feels as though no human has been there for hundreds of years, and just listen to nature. Take the time to appreciate what we as a race have lost, it will be worth it, I promise you."
#43
"Cross-country road trip, planning only a day in advance for motels."
#44
"Performing. Whether it be music, comedy or acting having a crowd roar with your talents is absolutely life-changing."
#45
"Sail through the fjords of Norway."
#47
"Fighting hard and struggling to accomplish something."
Lori Rogers 2 years ago
Especially after surviving extreme mental and physical marriage and then breast cancer w/bilateral mastectomy
#48
"I am of the opinion that everyone needs one real failed relationship too. It adds to the life lesson."
#49
"Trying to Oil Paint. What a surge of creativity. I never look at nature the same way anymore since I started painting. Trees, mountains, streams, the sky - they all look so much more surreal after trying to portray them onto canvas."
#50
"A live comedy show."
Heather Kantor 2 years ago
Only had one bad experience with live comedy. We used to be huge Trevor Noah fans, and bought great (expensive!) seats. It was nothing but frat boy humor, and jokes about his mother’s… flow.
#51
"Flying an airplane. Usually costs less than $100 for a demo ride, and flight instructors are happy to let you take the controls. Some will let you stay hands-on during takeoff and landing. Completely changed my life."
#52
"Buy, borrow, rent, or charter a motor boat. Launch it on the ocean and drive it until you can't see land anymore, then go another half hour. Stop the motor, weigh the anchor, and watch the sunset. Then watch as absolute darkness kicks in. If you do it on a clear night you'll see an amazing starscape. Depending on where you go you might also see some really interesting things under the water."
#54
"Everyone should experience absolute solitude."
Kathryn Baylis 2 years ago
Being somewhat introverted—-I’m just as happy in my own company as I am in the company of others (quite often much happier with just myself—-and my pets, of course)—-this is absolutely necessary. It’s the only way I can recharge my “social butterfly battery”, and have the energy to go out to face the world.
#55
"CNA work. Just so that you know what it is like. It is a very humbling experience."
Patti Wagner 2 years ago
I was my parents caregiver and not only was it a humbling experience but, was also a very rewarding experience and I appreciate the experience since it allowed the three of us to bond with each other however, it also was heartbreaking too seeing my parents deteriorate healthwise and mentally.
#56
"Everyone should tour the inside of a jail or prison, maybe spend the night as well. I don't mean that we all need to go out and get arrested, I mean that all should see where one bad decision can land you for a very long time."
#57
"Driving in a truck. Not for the experience but it makes you understand what a truck driver sees."
KL Wilfrey 2 years ago (edited)
Truck driving can be an incredibly good career choice for the unattached who are good at money handling. I saw 46 of the U.S. states from atop a big truck, never going home, when I was younger. It changed everything I thought I knew about this country, about people, about social divisions, just everything.
#59
"Go to a concert on your own. Did this last summer, and it is definitely one of the highlights of my life."
#61
"Living in Thailand in a Buddhist temple on a mountain for a month with no heating, but beautiful calmness."
#62
"A walking pilgrimage like the Camino to Santiago in Spain totally don't have to be religious to do and when I did that walk in particular there were loads of young people on the way and made amazing friends. There is also something weird about walking for a number of weeks where you become to adopt it as part of your identity - completely breaking you from the modern world of what employment means and is forever a true north in my life as to how things are going in my career."
#63
"Total solar eclipse! I saw one in Europe in 1999. Truly amazing. There are two coming up in the continental US, 2017 and 2024. "
#64
"A live rocket launch. It's nothing like TV."
#65
"Skydiving."
#66
"A winter in the midwest. You'll never complain about the weather again."
georgia layne 2 years ago
North Dakota here. The weather changes 60 degrees in one day sometimes. The most ridiculous thing I ever saw. 6 foot of snow over night in April. Winter coat in the morning to shorts in the afternoon. Craziness I tell ya. Lol
#67
"Deep fried ice cream."
Lawrence Hougland (Larry) 2 years ago
Harry Bear's, Oklahoma City. Deep fried peach ice cream. AMAZING EXPERIENCE!
#70
"Seeing the National Monuments in Washington D.C."
Matt Smith 2 years ago
I've been to DC before. I don't know if I saw the monuments or not, but considering I was only about 10 or so at the time, that wouldn't have meant much to me. So I'd recommend waiting a while before doing that so you or whoever is with you can appreciate them a little more
#71
"A standing ovation."
Lori Rogers 2 years ago
Graduated in top 5 of my class at community College. I went back to school after 28yrs got GED first
#72
"Lucid dreaming. It's a really profound feeling to come to the realization that you are dreaming right now. It's a skill that can be learned, so get to it!"
Lori Rogers 2 years ago
Wicked amazing! I've always had vivid dreams so lucid dreaming came kinda naturally.
#74
"A romantic relationship. Opens up new feelings and sensations in you."
Luke Branwen 2 years ago
I'd say this one is not universal. It's not me personally, but there are aromantic people and those claims like "Your life is empty unless you experience REAL ROMANTIC LOVE!" are pretty insensitive towards them. They can live a fulfilling life even without any romantic relationship.
#75
"Holding your child for the first time. And then crying silently to yourself a few years later when they truly hug you back for the first time."
#76
"Every driver should do a few months on a motorbike. You'll realise how dangerous the roads are and be a better, more courteous driver for the rest of your life."
Courtney Bostwick 2 years ago
Okay so when will those on motorbikes be better, more courteous drivers?
#77
"My dad always said everyone needs their *ss kicked at least once. To make them realize they aren't invincible."
Heather Kantor 2 years ago
Your dad was a wise man. I nearly died twice in my teens and twenties and I am so much more grateful for every day I wake up breathing!
#78
"24 hours in the woods alone. Bring an apple, Snickers, pen and paper. It's called a 'solo' and it was the best experience of my life."
#80
"An airplane lifting off the ground. It's magical in an unexplainable way."
Kathryn Baylis 2 years ago
Love it. Especially that little dip right when it initially leaves the ground and before it really starts to climb.
#81
"Visit an Olympic Games. I went to London in 2012 and the atmosphere was just incredible. On top of that, you are watching the world's best athletes compete for the most prestigious award which only comes around once every four years. It was awesome."
#82
"Ride a roller coaster."
#83
"Learn how to improvise on an instrument, or at least do it with your voice!"
Matt Smith 2 years ago
I can improvise on an instrument, certainly. I won't sound good, though...
#85
"Loving a sports team with all of your heart, and watching them win or lose a big game with a lot of people, preferably a sports bar, that love the same team. The moment of pure jubilation or heartbreak is something that everyone should experience."
#87
"An mud run or obstacle course marathon. The thrill, people, and camaraderie are beyond belief. One of the greatest things I've ever involved myself with."
Aisling Raye 2 years ago
It's not for everyone but hashing would fall nicely into this category as well
#88
"Homelessness. It changes how you see the rest of the world very quickly."
Kenneth McCartney 2 years ago
Long ago I was homeless on purpose, living the punk-rock lifestyle and squatters rights. I'm getting too old to enjoy it anymore, but it was a blast!
#89
"Southwest United States."
Lori Rogers 2 years ago
I lived most of my life in the high desert. Soo dry felt like Linus from peanuts. Moved to northeast Ohio 3yrs ago. The only 2 things I miss are the mountains and sagebrush
#90
"Actual peril. A life-threatening event. You don't truly know who you are until you face a situation where your life is on the line."
#91
"Their favorite sports team winning a championship. It's a true ecstasy."
Patti Wagner 2 years ago
Oh yes, the jubulation and pride seeing my Saints win the Super Bowl was euphoric.
#92
"Traveling for an extended period of time (1 month-many years) with no money."
Matt Smith 2 years ago
"With no money"? I wouldn't even last a week traveling like that, let alone a month or longer...
#93
"An unusual food for the average person. Scorpion, snail, etc."
#94
"Owning a business. The feeling of not having a monthly paycheck guaranteed is terrifying, but knowing that you have complete financial and general freedom (no boss, no "downsizing", unlimited earning potential, take vacations whenever you like, just take the day off if you're sick, etc.) is exhilarating."
#95
"Sudden and unexpected loss. Nothing has made me more grateful for all the blessings in my life because of grief. True grief changes a person and you eventually choose if it's going to destroy you or mold you into a more compassionate person."
#97
"Being arrested was an eye-opening experience."
#99
"Everyone should swim with sharks. If you're scared of them, conquer your fear and at least swim with Tigers or Lemon sharks. If you're more balsy, swim with Bull sharks. I would not recommend swimming with great whites but if you love sharks and would like a challenge, go for it. They are less likely to kill people than the police."
Allison A 2 years ago
Sharks only ever bite when they mistake you for food. This is becauase they are highly intelligent and curious creatures. Just like a todler puts things in their mouth to learn about the world, sharks do the same. They also don't like the taste of human as it is foreign to them. As long as you swim upright near them, and don't splash around, they won't bite, and will instead swim up to you to see what you are.
#101
"Going on a 7 day cruise, If you can afford longer that's even better. There is plenty of natural things to experience in the world but a cruise is purely materialistic. It's relaxing being away from work and responsibilities, generally speaking cruise lines do their best to make everything worry-free. If you save up enough money there are plenty of activities to do at each destination, plus money for souvenirs."
#104
"I wish everyone could go through boot camp once, marine corps. At least that's why I joined."
Lea 2 years ago
The Military literally uses the same tactics that cults use to brainwash people and make them less likely to question authority. It all starts in basic training/boot camp when they first do everything they can to strip you of your identity. The Marines tend to be the most brainwashed of all the branches.
#106
"4 years in the military. You learn more then you will ever know."
