I’ve recently been inspired to pull together a list of novel experiences I’d like to accomplish before I turn 50 in November of 2026. I did some research on bucket lists and have found a wealth of ideas to help spark some rememberings of things I’ve wanted to do for a while now but just haven’t gotten around to.
In my research I’ve found that many bucket lists include lots of big adventures, which is wonderful, but not for me. At least not in this stage of my life. As an introvert who works on and with the land and cares for ~75 farm animals, vacations are few and far between for me/us. So, I took some time to think about what my parameters could be and came up with:
- Simple
- Affordable
- Novel
- Achievable
You know there’s a big milestone coming up around the bend when you start thinking in decades 😉 Yes, 50 is just a number… and also, 50 feels big and good and exciting, so I’d like to kick it off with a bang while enjoying each day between now and then to its fullest.
So, without further adieux, in no particular order except how each one popped into my brain, my list:
50 Before 50
- Relearn how to play Cribbage
- Attend a pottery class/workshop
- Go on a short road trip with my oldest daughter
- Go on a short road trip with my wife and youngest daughter
- Take an online art class using a new medium: colored pencils
- Start an art/doodle journal
- Try 12 new recipes from cookbooks on my bookshelves
- Visit a new-to-me restaurant
- Visit a museum or gallery
- Learn a new crochet stitch
- Grow a new edible in the garden
- Send 12 snail mail, handwritten cards or letters to family and/or friends just because I can
- Have a family picnic
- Visit a new-to-me store
- Invite an old friend or colleague to share a beverage or a meal
- Visit my bestie in April 2026 during Independent Bookstore Month
- Attend an author talk
- Volunteer at the Library/become a Friend of the Library
- Participate in a formal “afternoon tea”
- Read all books written by a favorite author
- Dinner by candlelight
- Meet a fellow blogger
- Re-create a favorite moment/date
- Leave Itty Bitty style kind/inspiring notes around town
- Go to a rage room or an escape room
- Ride a train
- Learn a new card game
- Put together a 1000 piece puzzle
- Read a classic novel
- Read a biography/memoir
- Get a mani/pedi with a color(s) I wouldn’t normally choose
- Take a mud bath
- Complete a writing workshop (in person or online)
- Donate blood
- Help build a parade float
- Learn how to embroider
- Watch the sun set on a beach
- Change my mind about something/research something I’m set on and see if it shifts my perspective
- Visit a National Park
- Soak in a Natural Hot Springs
- Watch the sun rise (while outside) once per season
- Be Published
- Try a food I think I hate
- Get a matching tattoo
- Attend the NM State Fair
- Design a piece of jewelry for myself
- Pierce my ears
- Get my estate in order
- Watch every episode of Star trek: The Next Generation
- Celebrate BIG!
There you have it, my very own 50 before 50 Bucket List.
So many good experiences to look forward to…
So many opportunities for learning and growth and presence in this wide/wild world of ours!
I will no doubt update you here a few times as I progress through my list but don’t worry, I don’t intend to write a post for every item as it’s accomplished 😉
Now, I’d love to hear your thoughts! Have you created/completed a similar list? Or maybe you have a Life Bucket List you’re working your way through? Or maybe you simply fly by the seat of your pants and do things like this all the time just because you can? Please, tell me all about it 🙂
How do you identify and accomplish the things in life you don’t want to slip through the cracks?
Onward,
Melissa
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A nice list with lots of really do-able things.
Thank you so much! I’m excited to begin!
That list made me smile. As Barabara from Thistles and Kiwis noted, lots of doable things. Have fun with checking off the items on your list. Not being much of a list maker, except for groceries, I have never put together a list like yours. But I look forward to reading about how it all goes.
Thank you, Laurie! I really wanted to push myself in gentle ways. So many of these experiences have been floating around in my head and head for years! Now, to have a deadline and it all written out in front of me, I have so much to look forward to 🙂
I typed a long reply, but I don’t see it here. Anyway, good luck and have fun.
All set! Sorry to be a pest. I was answering on my phone, and for some reason the replies weren’t registering. But now on my desktop, I see them.
Oh goodness! Sometimes these platforms of ours just don’t communicate very well! I’m so glad you were persistent *and I’m so glad it’s all come through for both of us!
Looks like a very doable list. I’m sure you will have fun doing them. I have never made a bucket list like this, though a year ago I did make a list of places I’d like to visit – I am sure I will only hit a few, but it was good to have them written down.
Writing things down, for me, is key. If it’s on paper I don’t have to worry about forgetting it down the line and it makes the idea *real and tangible. I so hope you get to see many of your places!