Free Bucket List Ideas: Part 4
I have a theory that those of us who limit our bucket lists to big things, with no room for small goals, have greater difficulty in realizing those larger dreams.
It seems to me that the everyday type experiences give us momentum for those bigger life goals. It's a practice similar to building tiny habits that have a huge impact over time.
The more you practice putting your life list to use the more likely you'll also do things like see the northern lights and climb Mount Kilamanjaro.
For those of us who don't have the funds to do something expensive and exciting every weekend, we can try unfamiliar activities completely free.
So, welcome to part four of my free bucket list series!
Today, I've got eleven new ideas for you.
Read parts one through three for even more ideas to enrich your everyday life!
DO A TEMPORARY CLOTHING SWAP WITH A FRIEND
Who doesn't get bored of their own clothes from time to time? Sometimes even my favorite pieces feel less special when I have worn them so many times.
But shopping is not the answer! We don't need more clothes. I often don't even want to get rid of anything; I just lose inspiration for a while.
Take a break from your favorite wardrobe pieces and swap a few with a friend for a while.
You'll have to find someone who wears a similar size and whom you trust with your clothes and vice versa.
You could swap clothes permanently, but sometimes we just need a break from the same old stuff.
Swap for just a month or even six, and have some fun creating some new to you outfits.
Then see how wonderful it feels to trade back for your own clothes.
CREATE A SPARKLER PHOTO
Okay. This one is only free if you already have sparklers.
But if you ever have the chance at a 4th of July or NYE party, give this a try!
1. Go to Pro mode on your phone's camera.
2. Set a long shutter speed: about 5-10 seconds will do.
3. Use a tripod for stability.
4. Make sure it's dark outside.
5. Draw a picture or write your name!
It takes several tries but it's so fun to see how it turns out.
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GO SKINNY DIPPING
I dare you!
Honestly, it feels like true freedom. I've never tried it in a pool I guess because it seems like I'm more likely to get caught.
Besides, wild swimming is more fun. So try truly wild swimming in your birthday suit and dive into a lake or the ocean!
And don't spoil the fun by getting in the water and then removing your swimsuit. Take that first plunge fully nude.
SIGN UP FOR BIRTHDAY FREEBIES
There are countless of birthday discounts out there, but it's especially fun to get something totally free, no purchase necessary.
So, I researched some companies who offer birthday giveaways completely free of charge.
I haven’t tried these freebies yet but I am excited to see how it goes.
Comment at the end of this post to share free birthday giveaways that you know about!
You have to sign up with all of these companies at least a month before your birthday to get these free gifts.
And watch out for programs that require you to spend a certain amount before getting your "gift." If you have to spend to get something, it's not free now, is it?
Nothing Bundt Cakes: Download their free app and sign up to get a free Bundtlet on your big day.
Dutch Bros: Get a free drink reward for your birthday which is valid within 30 days.
Krispy Kreme: Sign up for their rewards program and emails. Make sure your birthday is on record and you can get a free 3-pack of donuts.
Sephora: Join their Beauty Insider loyalty program to choose a free mini set. You must go into the store to redeem your reward completely free of charge.
If you try to redeem it online, you will have yo spend $25 first.
Jimmy John's: Get a free sandwich or side when you sign up for their Freaky Fast Rewards program. The birthday surprise changes every year, so you are not always guaranteed a free sandwich.
Baskin Robbins: Get a free small scoop for your birthday!
Buffalo Wild Wings: You can get six bone-in or boneless wings for joinung their Blazin' Rewards program.
Bath & Body Works: This one is not exactly free, but it's very cheap so I am sharing it anyway.
You must sign up for their rewards program in advance and go into the store to redeem your birthday reward.
You can buy the cheapest thing in the store if you want to get a free item up to $9.95 in value.
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LICK A FROZEN WATERFALL
Maybe this one sounds odd, but I think it's a fun and unique thing to try.
For the longest time, I wanted to touch a glacier. That little dream was fulfilled but the experience was far from free. Ten day trips to Alaska are not exactly cheap.
A fun a alternative that you can do in so many locations is to lick or at least touch a frozen waterfall!
My favorite part of this little adventure is that it usually involves a winter hike. Frozen waterfalls are just so beautiful! And if licking the ice seems unappealing you can at least touch it.
TOSS YOUR PIZZA DOUGH
Cooking dinner is an unavoidable necessity and often not the most fun.
But it's something we adults do so often that we might as well romanticize this everyday chore.
Instead of ordering a pizza, try making one at home and make it fun.
I was having a rough day when I decided to toss the pizza dough while preparing dinner.
I had never tried it before so it wasn't very effective, but it felt so good to add some playfulness to the work and it made dinnertime feel less stressful.
So give it a try next time you make pizza. Turn some music on and dance around while spinning the dough in the air.
EXPERIENCE A FREE STARGAZING COURSE
Pretend you're a student at Hogwarts and take a free, hands-on astronomy class!
Several National Parks offer free ranger-led astronomy programs!
Look for parks designated as International Dark Sky Parks such as Big Bend, Bryce Canyon, and Arches. Check the park's website website to sign up!
You can also check for free astronomy nights nearby the NASA Night Sky Network website.
Where I live the University of Utah has an observatory where star parties are held on Wednesday nights when skies are clear.
Also, the Salt Lake Astronomical Society hosts free star gazing events at various locations, but most often at the Stansbury Park Observatory Complex.
You can always download an astronomy app but a free class offers an interactive experience and someone with whom you can ask questions and have a discussion.
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SLEEP IN A HAMMOCK
Swinging in the shade until you drift off just might be the most relaxing way to pass a late summer afternoon.
You can always borrow a hammock if you don't have your own. Chances are you know someone who has one.
Get yourself a book and a cool drink to enjoy until you're ready to fall asleep.
I'm not keen to spend the whole night in a hammock but if you like the idea give it a go on your next camping trip!
WRITE A STORY
Try your hand at writing a short story or even a novel.
If you're a novice at writing fiction, try writing down a crazy experience whether yours or someone you know.
Just focus on getting the narrative down on paper, then go back to embellish it, add dialogue, and make it your own.
No need to worry whether it's good enough to be published; just have fun with it and see what happens.
We put too much pressure on ourselves to be productive, but your story doesn't need to be amazing to be worthwhile.
So, let yourself enjoy the process of creating something original, something no one else can make because no one else can be you.
TAKE A BREAK FROM TV/MOVIES FOR A MONTH
So many of us rely on screens for relaxation but it often leaves us unfulfilled and untested.
Give yourself a reset and take a break from TV for a month or at least a week.
Stepping away from screen time may leave you feeling a little lost at first, but you will soon discover or rediscover what actually interests you. You will naturally gravitate to hobbies and practices that bring true relaxation.
Boredom gives birth to creativity. Give yourself space to feel bored and see what comes of it.
Take it a step further and quit scrolling social media on your phone for a month.
It's amazing how much of our time is sucked away by our screens.
FLY A KITE ON THE BEACH
I know this isn't a novel idea in general but it is for me.
I've flown a kite plenty of times but never on a beach. I think I would especially like it with my kids.
It offers more of a challenge than flying a kite at a park; have you ever tried running in the sand?
I also like the idea of running in the sea breeze while coaxing a colorful kite into the sky with crashing waves beside me.
What free, fun things have you tried recently? What do you recommend I try next?
Write a comment and let's have a conversation about it!
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