2019 Bucket List: Trying New Experiences and Expanding Horizons

If you’ve been a long-time follower, you know each year I create a new bucket list of things to accomplish in the upcoming year. I get that it’s not a traditional bucket list in the sense that they’re things I want to do before I die – rather they’re things I don’t want to let slip past. I’d rather embrace life and live in the moment – reminding myself to act now instead of putting things off until they become impossible. While it’s already mid-January, I made my 2019 Bucket List right around the first of the year … it just took me a minute to get it ready to share!

Last year I crossed 13 of the 16 items off my list. The highlights …

2018 Bucket List Highlights

Northern Lights

In January 2018, I went to Alaska when they had low temps of -24 to try and catch the Northern Lights … and I did! It was truly the experience of a lifetime and something I highly recommend!

Mini Kitchen Makeover

I have a very small kitchen, so one thing I knew I wanted to do was make some updates so it was more livable. I’m so much happier with the organization I’ve created. Check out the before and after in these posts.

Try a New Chicago Restaurant Every Month

This was a fun one and got me out of any dining rut I could have fallen into having lived in the city for a year and finding places I really enjoyed. I tried so so many new places, but some of my favorites were Proxi, Noyane, Two Lights, and Lula Café.

2019 Bucket List

This year, I’ve created a list of 22 items. And quite a few are things to do every month / quarter and one big goal that will keep me working year-round. Without further ado …

• Run 500 miles
• Try a chai latte
• Binge a show you normally wouldn’t watch
• Get Grammy’s ring fixed
• Use the fireplace
• Watch a documentary each month
• Go to a new state
• Take 2 creative weekend retreats to work on the blog / side hustle
• Practice hand lettering every day for a month
• Reach Michelle Obama’s book
• Try acupuncture
• Cook myself a nice dinner at least once a month
• Make a charitable donation
• Get a business license
• Do a new craft
• Volunteer at least once a quarter
• Take a class
• Go to the aquarium
• Rent a bike for a ride on the lake
• Go to a sports game
• Go to afternoon tea
• Try Indian food

2019 Bucket List Notes

Some notes … I always try to hit the ground running and knock things out early to spur momentum. As such, I’ve already tried a chai latte, used the fireplace, watched my January documentary and cooked my January meal, signed up for my first blog retreat, started Michelle Obama’s book, made a charitable donation, and gone to afternoon tea. I’ve also run 22 / 500 miles!

Speaking of running 500 miles – I know it sounds like a lot, but for me, this equates to running about 3 times a week. Less when I’ve hit my stride and enjoy longer runs. BUT, it will ensure that I don’t go three weeks without any sort of activity, which can easily happen when I get busy. I hope that it makes me more consistent with my fitness routine.

Something I’m really looking forward to: I’ve been wanting to find ways to volunteer for a while now and this will give me reason to seek out opportunities. My hope is that it translates into finding a cause I’m passionate about and can volunteer with on a regular basis.

What’s On Your 2019 Bucket List?

I will keep you updated on my progress every few months – mainly to hold myself accountable! What are things on your list to do this year?