Popular wisdom has it that human life is short and that there are so many wonderful experiences to be had, yet such little time to have them all. However, most of us have a ‘to do’ list of things we would like to experience before we pass into the great beyond. There are lots of options in matters of things to do before you die: some are exciting, adrenaline-filled adventures. Others relate to travel and places that one absolutely must see, for their unparalleled beauty. Others, still, are connected to matters of the spirit, mind and heart: the human connection, the way we interact with those around us and the way in which we can change their lives for the better, while also allowing them to alter the course of our existence forever. The list below is by no means exhaustive. It simply offers a few suggestions of things you might want to try before the course of your life is finally over.
Make Friends with Five Strangers in the Street
Some of you might be familiar with the ‘Free Hugs’ campaign, which essentially encourages people to establish contact with random strangers in the street, in the form of a friendly embrace. When the campaign first started out, several years back, many were appalled and some outright outraged – hugging someone in the street is invasive, intrusive and can potentially be perceived as aggressive. However, as ‘Free Hugs’ groups spread the world over, people came to realize that there is nothing wrong whatsoever in trying to establish contact in a friendly manner with strangers in the street. In a day and age when most of us spend hectic, busy, responsibility-filled existences, a friendly gesture from a friendly stranger can really light up one’s day. So set out of your home and comfort zone and hug someone. If hugging is not your style or if you don’t feel comfortable with such a close form of contact, say ‘hello’ to someone in the street or simply smile at them. Don’t build up expectations: some may be weirded out, others will simply walk right past you, but the very few people who respond are those who truly love life and understand what living is all about.
Get a Total Makeover
How happy are you with your appearance? Even if you feel completely comfortable in your own skin, you will always find something to improve—and there is absolutely nothing wrong or shallow with that. When life has dealt you a poor hand or when you simply feel a change will do you good, spring for a complete makeover. Spend some time ‘window-shopping’ for looks, either online or offline, consult an expert stylist if you can afford it, and decide what persona you want to adopt with your new look. A hair color and haircut change will always make a big impact. The shape of your eyebrows is a more subtle, yet highly effective way to alter your appearance. Pull all the stops and shop for essential clothing items and shoes that will stand as the building blocks to an entirely new wardrobe.
Reconnect with Your Favorite High School Teacher
High school really is the best time of one’s life and if you’re in high school right now, you probably find that hard to believe. If you’re a teenager right now, all you can see is the drama, the cliques, the gossip and the silly competitions. Wait it out. In five years’ time tops you’ll really step out into the world and find yourself faced with lots of responsibilities, pressure and stress. High school will seem far-removed, wrapped in nostalgia and carefree times. You will miss it. Stay connected with your friends, for as a song goes, “the older you get, the more you will need the people you knew when you were young.” And one day, look back into the past, pick up the phone and call your all-time favorite teacher in high-school. Chances are they no longer teach nowadays or are reaching the end of their career. They will be more than happy to find out where you are in your life, what you are doing and what your plans for the future are. The shared emotion and recollections will definitely transform this into an experience that you will cherish, especially for knowing you brightened up a favorite person’s day.
Drink Beer at Oktoberfest in Munich
If you like your beer, there is no better place to savor it than at Munich’s Oktoberfest. The beer is cheap and good, there is live music round the clock and German cuisine specialties ready to be savored in true traditional fashion. Besides, you will get to experience immersion in a mass of people who, just like you, are living in the moment and simply want to have fun.
Watch Cherry Trees Blossoming in Japan
Cherry blossoms are one of the main symbols of Japan. Their delicate petals and superb colors adorn Japanese cities every spring. Flocks of people from around the world gather to witness the event—it’s like watching beauty being born. If you can afford the plane ticket to Japan, this is definitely an experience to be had, especially since the local culture is very rich and guaranteed to quench your thirst for beauty.
There are lots of other life-changing experience everyone should try before they pass on. for instance, if you tend to be impatient and unhappy in stores, try out a front-line customer service job for at least one month. Being a salesperson will teach you about adaptability and how difficult it really is to interact with a wide variety of people, from all walks of life. Another immersive experience that you are sure to remember forever is witnessing the final match of a major sporting event live—the sheer amount of excitement, energy and enthusiasm will overwhelm and empower you. Move to a different country for three months, see a fortune teller for a personalized prediction and then laugh about it, love someone else with a passion, get your heart broken and then laugh about it, plant a tree, write your own story in the shape of a novel, see your employer about that raise you always knew you deserved… Human experience is greatly varied and rich, and there are plenty of things each of us need to do before we die.
