We often talk about the big and impressive stuff when we are asked about our bucket lists: things like the classic bungee jumping, traveling to a foreign country, breaking a world record.
While it’s fun to think about the thrilling experiences we want to have, I think it’s important to also have some simple items on our bucket lists. Things that break up the mundane but aren’t necessarily crazy or expensive.
Having simple items on my list helps me to live more intentionally and to not just coast through life. I don’t always wait until the weekend to do fun things. I look for opportunities in my day-to-day to try new things or live a little bigger.
The chance to go in a hot air balloon or eat my way around Europe will come someday. But there are a lot of small, awesome things that I can do now!
For example, I finally got around to trying a macaron! I wanted to know why so many people are crazy about those little photogenic cookies. I had a fabulous time taste testing raspberry, pistachio, and vanilla flavors with my daughter. And you bet I wish I had purchased that second box that offered chocolate and lavender macarons.
No, this wasn’t a life-altering experience. But it satisfied a curiosity I’ve had for a long time, and it made my quiet Tuesday in May a little more special.
Yeah, I want to go on a cruise, visit Ireland and New Zealand, zip line, be an extra in a movie, go to Harry Potter World.
But you know what else do I want to do? I want to grow something in my first garden at my new house. I want to learn how to do a Pull-through braid. Ride a horse. Try Taco Bell breakfast. Learn how to take high-quality photos. Get my hair professionally colored.
Small stuff. Great stuff.
We could miss out on so many great things while waiting for the opportunity to do the big things.
So in between the gaps of “Run a Marathon” and “Skydiving”, remember to include “Try the new restaurant in town” “Learn to Crochet” or “Buy a cheap, spontaneous plane ticket”.
Do whatever excites you!
-Mariah
Need some inspiration for adventures to have in your life? Follow Our Bucket List– a Pinterest board dedicated to things we want to do!
https://www.pinterest.com/thisbluedress/our-bucket-lists/
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I love this so much! I am such a big believer in starting small, whether it’s with goals or anything else. It’s so motivating to say that you accomplished something you wanted to. I love that you brought this topic up and I love all of your bucket list ideas! I need to add some to mine, it’s been awhile since I looked it over!
Courtney, welcome to This Blue Dress! I agree with you- it feels SO GOOD to check that box after you reach a goal or have that much-anticipated experience. Thank you for your kind comments! I hope you have an amazing year doing the big and small from your list 🙂
I’ve never had a bucket list before! I love love love this. Having little goals to look forward to and actually be able to check off is so important. Becky // http://www.roseandbrose.com
Becky, thank you for commenting! ? Bucket lists are insanely fun! In addition to charting out awesome adventures, it helps you learn about yourself and set goals. If you decide to make a list, let us know some of the cool stuff you put on it! I love hearing what others think of. -Mariah
I agree… my bucket list is ridiculously long because i have the hard stuff and the simpler stuff and all the stuff in between. some costs money, some is free, some will just take determination. It helps me feel like I’m accomplishing something when I scratch stuff off and that I’m living my life to the fullest. I also add things to the list after the fact if I do something really cool I never thought I’d do.
Having easy things on there is also really good for giving people ideas of what they can do for you for your birthday or something. I hand the list to my fiance every Christmas and tell him that all I want is to scratch something off, and I mean it. Last year he helped me scratch off “get engaged” lol
I enjoyed reading your comment! I LOVED your idea of using your list as gift ideas (and congrats on your engagement!!). It can be hard to know what to get someone, and going off a bucket list would be so special! Totally gonna start that will my husband. Thanks for your feedback 🙂
Love this so much! I think sometimes we forget that small things are definitely worth putting on the bucket list! Enjoyed your bucket list ideas as well 🙂 Thanks for sharing this post with us!
Hi, Ashley! I can’t tell you how much we love getting feedback, so thank you for taking time to comment. I’m so happy you enjoyed this post! When I plan and check off cool small things throughout the week or month, I find I’m so much happier. Give it a try and let me know how it goes 🙂 -Mariah
What a neat perspective! I did not think about bucket lists for simple items too. By the way – macaroons are sooo good 🙂
Thank you, Molly! Oh, I agree with you; macarons are AWESOME. Do you have any flavor recommendations? One day I want to try a fresh one (as in not from the freezer aisle), and I’ll need to choose the flavor wisely. 🙂
Aw, I loved this post because I love trying to live my life more intentionally. 🙂 it’s so true that somewhere in between all the big stuff, it’s the little things that make us who we are. I have little goals like reading 2 books in one month, meditating each day, and learning how to make the perfect chocolate chip cookie! 🙂
Welcome to This Blue Dress! I LOVE those goals you’ve set for yourself (especially trying to master the chocolate chip cookie ;)). Great ideas! Thank you for sharing and for commenting!
Aw I love this idea! I would like to plant my own garden as well!
Hi, Audrey! The idea of planting a garden is fun, isn’t it?? I have successfully killed nearly every plant I’ve ever cared for, so starting a garden may actually be a “big” bucket list item for me 🙂 I wish you luck on all your goals you set this year! Thanks for commenting!
This is such a fantastic point! I always fill my bucket list with those big, expensive, once-in-a-lifetime items. But when you can add the simple things as well, it makes the everyday that much more special 🙂 Thanks for this wonderful tip!
The small stuff really adds up and makes everyday life so much more exciting! Keeping your bucket list in a place where you see it often will help you remember to chase after those experiences, both the big and small :). I really appreciated your kind comment! Thank you!
That’s a great tip. I need to hang it on the office in my wall so I keep it fresh in my mind 🙂