Forty-something. It’s a fascinating time, isn’t it? You’ve likely built a career, maybe raised a family, and navigated a fair few of life’s curve balls. But somewhere between the responsibilities and the routines, a little voice might start whispering: “What’s next?” For me, that voice has turned into a full-blown rallying cry, because I’m staring down the barrel of the big 5-0, and I’m not going quietly!
Instead of focusing on the milestone of turning fifty, I’m choosing to embrace the years leading up to it as a period of intentional living, new experiences, and personal growth. So, I’ve compiled my “Big 5-0 Bucket List” – 50 things I absolutely want to do, see, learn, and achieve before I blow out those half-century candles. Some are grand adventures, others are small but meaningful steps, and all of them are designed to make the next chapter of my life even richer.
Maybe you’re in the same boat, feeling that itch for something more as you approach this significant birthday. If so, I hope my list inspires you to create your own! Here’s what’s on my radar:
- Travel To A New Continent (Asia, I’m Coming For You!).
- Get A Tattoo
- Go Skydiving
- Take A Pilates Class
- Train To Run A Marathon (Don’t Know If I Run One But I’d Like To Train For One)
- Go Hot Air Ballooning For A Breathtaking Perspective
- Take A Cooking Class In Another Country And Bring Those Flavors Home.
- Attend A Major Sporting Event – The Energy Must Be Electric!
- Do The Edge Walk At The CN Tower
- Go To A Concert (Alone Or With Someone)
- Visit Tobermory
- Learn To Swim
- Ride A Jet Ski
- Experience A Major Music Festival And Soak In The Vibes.
- Go Parasailing
- Learn Conversational Italian
- Learn A Beatles Song On The Drums
- Read/Listen To 100 Classic Books And Expand My Literary Horizons.
- Become More Involved In Social Media
- Building Up My Client List
- Learn Basic Car Maintenance – No More Relying Solely On The Mechanics!
- Go Horseback Riding
- Play A Round Of Golf
- Being Able To Bench 100 Pounds – A Personal Fitness Goal I’m Determined To Achieve
- Zipline Some Where Outside Of Canada
- Take A Tennis Lesson
- Try A New Craft (Sewing Or Embroidery)
- Become Proficient In Video Editing – Time To Get Creative
- Travel Travel Travel!
- Take A New Work Out Class
- Buy A New Car
- Go On A Solo Date
- Schedule More Quality Time With My Niece
- Go Rock Climbing
- Prioritize My Mental Health Workouts And A Healthier Diet
- Learn To Ride A Bike
- Renew My Israeli Passport (Controversial Yes, But It’s My Right To Have It)
- Get Comfortable Saying Yes To Myself
- Take A Glass Making Class
- Ride The Maid Of The Mist
- Take A Mixology Course
- Create A Personal Time Capsule To Open At 60
- Take A Dance Class (Burlesque Maybe)
- Journal More Often
- Take A Wine Making Class
- Take An Archery Class
- Go To A Painting Class
- Create A Vision Board
- Have A Professional Photoshoot And Get Some Nice Photos Of Myself
- Have A Successful Business
This list feels both exciting and a little daunting, but that’s the point, right? It’s about pushing myself beyond my comfort zone, embracing new experiences, and making these next few years truly count. I do feel that I may update or change this list depending on where I am in life, but I’ll allow myself the permission to do so.
What’s on your pre-50 (or any age!) bucket list? I’d love to hear your ideas in the comments below! Let’s inspire each other to live life to the fullest, no matter what the number on the birthday cake says. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have some drums to hit..