We’ll let you in on a one-million-dollar secret: life is shorter than you think. And we don’t mean that to be dramatic, but rather as a fact. One day, you and everyone else will be gone from this planet. Sure, there are ways to prolong your existence — eating healthy, exercising regularly, and being extra careful while crossing the street. But at some point, we’re all going to be ashes. And guess what? Those things you want to do at least once in your life will be left unfulfilled on a list of personal projects.
It’s easy to let days go by and still not experience both the finest and simplest things. It can be for any number of reasons — lack of money and time, fear of change, or lack of ambition. We all have those little dreams and aspirations on our bucket lists that we never make a move toward because something more pressing happens along the way. Now we’ve decided it’s time for you to start living your time in this world with more gusto! There’s no point in putting off those must-do things in life that could make you happier. Days will pass you by so quickly, and before you know it — poof! — the time and energy you had will be gone.
So what are some things everyone should experience at least once? That’s what users on AskReddit tried to answer. The results were full of fun, interesting, and sometimes even mind-blowing answers. From the simple to the bizarre, we selected some of the most upvoted responses we’ve seen. We’re not saying you have to do all of these things by the time you’re old and gray, but at least try them. Who knows — maybe one of these once-in-a-lifetime experiences will change you forever.
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"The unconditional love of a pet. There's nothing like it."
There’s nothing else like it, even the love of another person (sorry, but so many people turn into a******s and make their love conditional—-never ever happens with an animal).
Your dog deserves it. As does my dog. As do my cats. As does every pet out there. Every. Pet.
Load More Replies...Ofc its unconditional, you just don't see it (their signs are more subtle). My cat won't interact with my mom when I'm away (sometimes she won't eat either).
Load More Replies...If my husband said "It's me or the cats!" I would tell him I'm keeping the bed...I FINALLY get to sleep with who I want to!
My cats do, cats just have different ways to show it.
Load More Replies...I had to give my dog to my parents due to an abusive ex and she still waits by bed and misses. Pets are just beautiful beings
"Working in customer service. I think it would humble some people in the nicest way."
Brace yourselves dear fellow CS workers, Christmas is coming *cries in corner*
Load More Replies...Dont bet on it! I know quite a few people who work in customer service and they are lousy at it!
Yup. Nothing will suck the holiday spirit out of your soul by working in customer service or retail.
"Laughing so hard that it hurts."
Haven't done this in a while. I remember the last time. We were struggling to breathe....good times.
It does if you have a puppy or a kitten. The first time I saw Bouche prancing through the house with one of my socks in her mouth, I couldn't stop laughing. She was just so proud of killing it all by herself!
Load More Replies...I did this this year. Man it felt so good because i forgot I was capable of it.
Robin Williams used to get me laughing so hard that one time when I was pegnant, I actually went into Labor.
"Living alone. Without roommates, without mom and dad, just alone. You would be amazed by how much time you spend living for other people's dreams or desires."
I'm too scared to live alone, that's why me and my best friend agreed to be roommates once we both are 18
Be careful if you want to remain best friends. Living with someone changes things, including perspectives. Try to address as many things as possible prior to the move.
Load More Replies...I LOVE living alone. After being married for years to an emotionally abusive man, I absolutely love life on my own. ♥️
Congratulations and best wishes for many happy years of living life safely and on your own terms.
Load More Replies...As much as I love my Husband and like being married, there are times I really miss the time I spent living alone
It took me til mid 20s to live by myself, always with roommates prior. It's amazing! Cooking in your underwear? *Check*
"See the northern lights in action with your own eyes."
Was fortunate to see this in N Washington as a kid. Will never forget it!
Load More Replies...I love them. I used to be able to see them right off my back deck 20 years ago and now you can't in the same spot
When my father was in the Army and stationed in Alaska, we went to visit him and got to see the Northern Lights., definitely a phenomenon everyone should witness in person.
"Walking outside late at night just after a fresh fall of snow when the moon is shining brightly."
I am not a Winter person however, there is just something about a winter night with the moon and fresh snow fall that is very peaceful and cleansing to the mind and the soul.
"Traveling abroad and trying to experience local culture. Not just touristy places. It expands your mind and makes you appreciate the world."
I wonder if the people that colonized Africa share that opinion lol.
Load More Replies...Being an "Army brat" and having our family stationed abroad in several countries was the best experience us kids have had growing up. Being directly involved in the culture of different countries was very beneficial to our growing up snd becoming adults.
"A road trip with no real destination. Drive in a general direction and figure it out as you go. One of the best trips I took was driving down the coast from Vancouver to Mexico. The only plan we had was to stay on the coast. I was truly amazed at how beautiful it can be so close to home."
This would be such a perfect trip. I adore road trips which is weird since I live on an island that's only about 80km wide. Lol
My brother and I did this when he got his license. Unfortunately the van broke down because it couldn't cope with the 45+c heat and we had to turn back! For the time it lasted it was fantastic though.
"Everyone should have the experience of having at least one person they can trust and open up to."
Just be careful because people will also stab you in the back. You trust them, but they use you. Heh, didn't happen to me! To a, uh, friend.
"Traveling alone. Just once. Even for just a few days. Do it alone. Revel in it."
"Live away from your hometown for at least a year."
Yep, really opens your horizon. Also, it sucks even more when you have to move back home.
Unfortunately, going home after being away for a while isnt the same.
"Being loved by a cat."
Oh, my best and most satisfying relationships have been with the cats I have had throughout my Life, and includes one or two dogs I owned.
Dogs will love anyone. When a cat loves you, you know you've earned it.
"Total silence (aside from nature) in a remote place."
Since having tinnitus, I can no longer experience total silence. And I miss that so much.
How quiet it is when the entire area is covered in a blanket of newly fallen snow. Especially really early in the morning. Hardly any cars on the road, hardly any people outside making noise, hardly any animals out and about, or at least not making noise. Utterly heavenly silence. It’s a rare and beautiful treat, until everyone gets up and goes out to shovel their driveways to go to work, and the kids go out to play (I don’t hate kids, I just revel in peace and quiet whenever I can).
I suffer from occasional insomnia, and there is something comforting and peaceful about sitting in the dark, surrounded by total silence.
There is a certain sound to the silence at the more remote places in Mueller State Park in Divide, Colorado. Before moving, I went and listened. Decided that when I could no longer hear that sound in my heart I would return. For now, no matter where I am, no matter what is happening, I can go to that sound in my mind and be right where I first heard it. This world is divinely inspired.
"Making a child laugh. I have no words to describe how I feel when a child gives me that big, hearty laugh. It's the most satisfying feeling ever. It brings a new definition for love and affection."
Hearing a child laughing is not only music to your heart and soul, but is contagious.
"Train ride: either along the coast or in the snowy mountains."
I took the train once from Texas to Pennsylvania, and loved it so much that is the only way to travel.
My first train ride was from Reno Nevada to Cleveland Ohio. I met ALL sorts of people the view was fantastic and after a few days in ohio my daughter had my grandson on mother's day
"Seeing a concert that gives your chills/goosebumps."
I saw one of Linkin Park's last concerts, just weeks before Chester Bennington died. It was an amazing experience and this sad fact made it even more special.
You’re so lucky! I still struggle to enjoy their music without getting both mad and sad.
Load More Replies...I like the idea of concerts but I can't be in that kind of crowd.
I haven't experienced this with a concert, but I have many times with plays. I got to see Hamilton earlier this year as my first Broadway show and it might've been one of my favorite experiences I've had. As a theatre kid I also get chills watching my friends in shows, it's such an amazing experience, watching your friends do what they're so passionate about. I've also gotten chills after doing my first show, which happens to be my favorite one I've been in.
Unplugged, under the light of August's full moon. No more words...
Woodkid's concerts are incredible. Look at the live performance of Run Boy Run.
A little over two months ago I saw the Black Crowes live. It was an absolutely fantastic experience. Goosebumps. It was also my first ever concert, it was just amazing
"Giving someone something or doing something that cannot in any way be repaid."
Whoever said it is better to give than to recieve is absolutely correct.
"Seeing the California Redwoods in person."
I would like to do this....not only to see it but also to recreate the "Caesar is home" scene.
the trees are so huge! One of my family members got married in there as a small wedding and it was breathtaking
"Being able to walk to work."
I did this at my previous job, it was a 10 min power walk from home and gave me energy for the day (no matter how illogical that sounds). Funny thing is, now I work in the exact same street just a while further and can't really walk to work unless I want to be drenched in sweat since it would now take me 30-40 mins to get there
"Having a dog."
but when they pass away, they leave a hole and a hurt like no other. that's how deeply loved he was. </3
And then my heart was full again when two needed to be adopted so they wouldn’t be split up by the rescue…and I’ll do it again and again until I am no more. I will never forget the dogs that have gone - they shaped me just like people, only always for the better. [darn - who’s cutting onions?]
Load More Replies...I've had 2 chows and 2 pit bulls. All 4 were rescues. The current chow is 16 1/2. Got her 4 days after the last one passed. Still cried for nearly 2 years after that chow passed. They were all great, loving dogs.
"A properly done full body massage."
It can just be me that can't do this right? I get really tense and ticklish too. I feel like pin pricks if someone tries this.
You're not alone. My anxiety makes it impossible for me to relax while getting a massage. I quit trying decades ago, my left shoulder is just permanently tight. Have tried PT, that didn't help the perma-knot either.
Load More Replies...Oh yes, Heaven! I keep saying if I ever win the Lottery, the one indulgence I will spend my money on is to hire a full time masseuse.
"Seeing your favorite band live and up close. The excitement of a mosh pit or crowd is so much better than stadium seats."
I have got Imagine Dragons, Sting and Country Crows in the first quarter of next year. Not bad considering I love all of them and South Africa only get a handful of international acts every year.
While living in Georgia, went to a free concert and saw The B52's and The Gin Blossoms, and even got their autographs. Love it, but was really surprised to see how short Fred of the B52's is.
Mosh pits? Nah. Being up close to your favorite artists surrounded by naught but music and communities founded on shared enjoyment? Yup!!
My first time finally seeing Billy Idol, a photographer friend got me and my friend front stage and had Billy come over and sing Rebel Yell (our song back in the day) then he gave me a huge kiss. To say the least I MELTED!
Twenty years ago I got to see Concrete Blonde at the House of Blues in New Orleans. IYKYK. And it was amazing. They had been broken up for several years and even though seeing them in NOLA had been on my life happiness list, I thought it would never happen. Then they got back together and announced a tour! Oh it was amazing. I still have several shirts I wear OCCASIONALLY. Even got a two floor suite at the Bourbon Orleans due to a mix-up. (Early days of online bookings. That kind of thing happened.) Will never forget it.
Yes!!! I was front row for Rammstein when I was 17. Would I do it again? Hell yeah I would!
I went to see Starset and decided to spend extra on a VIP pass. Since the band is not as popular where I live, there was only about 20-ish people in the group so the band members had time to chat a little with all of us individually. I'm not the guy who worships celebs, but having such a casual experience with people whose work you hear and admire every day is really, really great.
"Failure. Because it makes way for success."
What if you've failed so much you feel like success isn't attainable anymore.
There is a lesson in every failure. That is what is attainable, always.
Load More Replies..."Manual, hard labor. Everything around you was put there by someone."
There really is something satisfying about doing manual hard labor. It really makes you feel as if you accomplished something at the end of the day.
"A really long train ride through the countryside. Long enough to read most of a book on, sleep overnight on, meet interesting people on. I have great memories of doing this throughout my life."
Heard worse ideas. I'm not sure where around me I'd be able to do that, though...
I don't have any idea why someone's downvoting all your comments. The trolls are acting up today. Have my upvote
Load More Replies..."Everyone should spend a day in a classroom in a poor school district. It would shut a lot of people up and inspire a lot of others to make spending on education a much higher priority. Conditions in bad schools are absolutely heartbreaking."
"See the rings of Saturn through a telescope. I've seen them plenty through pictures but somehow seeing them, tiny, and just barely in focus is just mind blowing."
I cried the first time I saw Saturn in my telescope. It's one thing hearing about it and seeing pictures but seeing it with your own eyes and knowing it's really real and out there.... overwhelming
"Experience culture shock."
I'll never forget the first time I experienced this. What an awakening
Growing up in the SF Bay Area and moving to the Deep South was most definitely some epic culture shock! A book called Suddenly Southern saved me from many faux pax, and taught me that “bless your heart” doesn’t always mean what you expect.
I've lived in and visited many cultures and can't say that I have experienced culture shock, maybe found something unusual (by my cultures standards) but haven't been in shock or awe about it
"Sailing on the ocean at night."
"Wish I didn't have to say it but: Happiness."
"Have at least one of your dreams come true."
"Visit as many national parks as you can."
"Putting a stamp in your passport."
56 different stamps and counting! I have way more than 56 stamps but 56 unique stamps so far!
"A hiking/camping trip somewhere. I hiked portions of the Appalachian trail with friends when I was in my 20s. These trips were some of the best experiences of my life."
"Working in a restaurant. It baffles me that a large majority of people have no idea what goes on in a restaurant."
Through simply being observant, as well as self-aware, I realized a long time ago that working in a restaurant is a job I simply cannot do, which is why I utterly respect anyone who can do it. I wouldn’t last 5 minutes.
It should be mandatory in high school or something. Everyone works 1 week in restaurant or retail.
It is truly a humbling experience, and gives you a better respect for restaurant employees.
Food service Jobs are soo under-rated! You literally put blood sweat and tears into it but sometimes can be wicked awesomeness
Everyone should work a Sunday morning in retail or a restaurant, the just our of church crowd needs to be seen to be believed.
I have witnessed a lot of Church people that really shouldn't call them selves people of God. Makes me dread having to interact with some
Load More Replies..."Everyone should experience not having enough money to eat. It makes you appreciate every meal and not waste food."
Having to experience food insecurities changes people's brains and bodies for the rest of their lives. it's literally traumatic. Like the body will be more likely to hold onto weight and tendencies like hoarding are more common too. Sometimes it's okay to throw out the left overs.
Been there, done that, had to burn the t-shirt to keep from freezing. Being homeless and having to beg for loose change just in order to eat sux brass.
Or not being able to eat due to medical condition. After that you will appreciate every single bite you can swallow.
"There's something gritty and otherworldly about being on the back of a horse taking off into full flight."
"A full moon drum circle."
"New York City on your own."
I'm not really a big city person but it seems like a nice experience for a few days.
"Downhill, on a bicycle."
Very fun however the large scar on my knee might think otherwise. Lol
Both knees for me. Speed wobbles and gravel don't mix
Load More Replies...I did this down a steep alley. I hit some small unexpected rocks from someone's driveway and skid and slid all the way down. I thought that was the end lol.
"Go somewhere where there is nobody else. Not like an office building or somewhere in the city, or even a small town, go somewhere where it feels as though no human has been there for hundreds of years, and just listen to nature. Take the time to appreciate what we as a race have lost, it will be worth it, I promise you."
It might be slightly more helpful if we started thinking of humans and ourselves as a part of nature instead of separate from it.
Thinking of humans as a keystone species, responsible for keeping the Earth livable for us and all the other species.
Load More Replies..."Cross-country road trip, planning only a day in advance for motels."
"Performing. Whether it be music, comedy or acting having a crowd roar with your talents is absolutely life-changing."
"Sail through the fjords of Norway."
The water there is so deep, you could get close enough to reach out and touch the mountainside from the boat!
"Fighting hard and struggling to accomplish something."
Especially after surviving extreme mental and physical marriage and then breast cancer w/bilateral mastectomy
"I am of the opinion that everyone needs one real failed relationship too. It adds to the life lesson."
My failed relationship has taught me that I am better off being single. I have been on my own for ten years now and there is nothing that I miss. I know for sure that I can never live with someone again.
Me 10yrs too. It made my trust issues come back multiplied
Load More Replies...Mine taught me that someone can spend a significant amount of money on cocaine.
"Trying to Oil Paint. What a surge of creativity. I never look at nature the same way anymore since I started painting. Trees, mountains, streams, the sky - they all look so much more surreal after trying to portray them onto canvas."
"A live comedy show."
Only had one bad experience with live comedy. We used to be huge Trevor Noah fans, and bought great (expensive!) seats. It was nothing but frat boy humor, and jokes about his mother’s… flow.
Unless the comic shows up angry because traffic was terrible…thanks Carlos Alzrocki (sorry, spelling isn’t correct).
"Flying an airplane. Usually costs less than $100 for a demo ride, and flight instructors are happy to let you take the controls. Some will let you stay hands-on during takeoff and landing. Completely changed my life."
"Buy, borrow, rent, or charter a motor boat. Launch it on the ocean and drive it until you can't see land anymore, then go another half hour. Stop the motor, weigh the anchor, and watch the sunset. Then watch as absolute darkness kicks in. If you do it on a clear night you'll see an amazing starscape. Depending on where you go you might also see some really interesting things under the water."
Drive to the Utah state sign at dusk so you get there when the night sky rolls in. I have never seen such a beautiful sky of stars in my life prior or since.
As someone who lives in the Salt Lake valley, you need to get further away from the light pollution. Plenty of nearby canyons you can camp at to see the wonderful night sky.
Load More Replies...I would be out on the open water in a boat everyday if I could afford it.
"Volunteering for low-income families."
Yes so you can also see it through another's eye like a single parent or elderly person
Load More Replies..."Everyone should experience absolute solitude."
Being somewhat introverted—-I’m just as happy in my own company as I am in the company of others (quite often much happier with just myself—-and my pets, of course)—-this is absolutely necessary. It’s the only way I can recharge my “social butterfly battery”, and have the energy to go out to face the world.
"CNA work. Just so that you know what it is like. It is a very humbling experience."
I was my parents caregiver and not only was it a humbling experience but, was also a very rewarding experience and I appreciate the experience since it allowed the three of us to bond with each other however, it also was heartbreaking too seeing my parents deteriorate healthwise and mentally.
I did home healthcare and hospice, one was ex MIL who was like a mother to me
"Everyone should tour the inside of a jail or prison, maybe spend the night as well. I don't mean that we all need to go out and get arrested, I mean that all should see where one bad decision can land you for a very long time."
As a kid, one of our neighbor's was the Warden of our local jail and all of us kids in the neighborhood went and toured the jail. Having that cell door slam shut behind you and know that you are locked in there had a very sobering affect on me.
"Driving in a truck. Not for the experience but it makes you understand what a truck driver sees."
Truck driving can be an incredibly good career choice for the unattached who are good at money handling. I saw 46 of the U.S. states from atop a big truck, never going home, when I was younger. It changed everything I thought I knew about this country, about people, about social divisions, just everything.
My dad drove truck and was a dock foreman. It's amazing sitting up so high in such a big heavy vehicle
"Playing your favorite sport under the rain."
Football (soccer) in the rain...in like 22°C weather is perfection.
"Go to a concert on your own. Did this last summer, and it is definitely one of the highlights of my life."
"Living in Thailand in a Buddhist temple on a mountain for a month with no heating, but beautiful calmness."
"A walking pilgrimage like the Camino to Santiago in Spain totally don't have to be religious to do and when I did that walk in particular there were loads of young people on the way and made amazing friends. There is also something weird about walking for a number of weeks where you become to adopt it as part of your identity - completely breaking you from the modern world of what employment means and is forever a true north in my life as to how things are going in my career."
"Total solar eclipse! I saw one in Europe in 1999. Truly amazing. There are two coming up in the continental US, 2017 and 2024. "
2017 was 5 years ago, says how much is a repost it probably is for age of content.
"A live rocket launch. It's nothing like TV."
"Skydiving."
I know someone who used to love skydiving, on her last jump both chutes failed. She survived and is fine now but was in hospital for about a year. There was a big investigation but it still isn't known what happened, the chutes were packed correctly and should have deployed.
I highly recommend it. I couldn't stop smiling. It didn't feel like falling at all. It was like flying, almost like when you stick your hand out of the window when you're in the car, similar to that sensation, but all over. And sliding on your butt for a landing. Coolidge, AZ. I'd go again right now.
"A winter in the midwest. You'll never complain about the weather again."
North Dakota here. The weather changes 60 degrees in one day sometimes. The most ridiculous thing I ever saw. 6 foot of snow over night in April. Winter coat in the morning to shorts in the afternoon. Craziness I tell ya. Lol
I'm a Northern Nevada (Sierra mountains) girl living in an Ohio world. The snow is wetter here
Sometimes we have 4 seasons in Ohio, but sometimes only 2. This year we went from 70 degrees to snowing the next day.
Load More Replies...Lived in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan for a few years. I've experienced several of their winters. I still complain about the weather when I feel the need to.
"Deep fried ice cream."
Harry Bear's, Oklahoma City. Deep fried peach ice cream. AMAZING EXPERIENCE!
"A struggle."
I'm sorry you had to go it alone. I hope you're better now.
Load More Replies..."Seeing the National Monuments in Washington D.C."
I've been to DC before. I don't know if I saw the monuments or not, but considering I was only about 10 or so at the time, that wouldn't have meant much to me. So I'd recommend waiting a while before doing that so you or whoever is with you can appreciate them a little more
Last time I was visiting DC, enjoyed touring all the sites but, especially enjoyed the art museum.
"A standing ovation."
Graduated in top 5 of my class at community College. I went back to school after 28yrs got GED first
Not every post needs to be about you. It's not a survey.
Load More Replies..."Lucid dreaming. It's a really profound feeling to come to the realization that you are dreaming right now. It's a skill that can be learned, so get to it!"
Wicked amazing! I've always had vivid dreams so lucid dreaming came kinda naturally.
"Going in a sauna completely naked then jumping in really cold water."
"A romantic relationship. Opens up new feelings and sensations in you."
I'd say this one is not universal. It's not me personally, but there are aromantic people and those claims like "Your life is empty unless you experience REAL ROMANTIC LOVE!" are pretty insensitive towards them. They can live a fulfilling life even without any romantic relationship.
I don't think any of these are universal in that sense. One of these is about taking a flying lesson. A lot of people wouldn't be into that but I wouldn't say it's insensitive to say "you haven't lived until you've flown an airplane".
Load More Replies...Better yet, appreciating those basic, mundane moments with your partner. It's a Sunday afternoon, you and your partner are chilling on the couch eating pot roast and cornbread. You're reading Bored Panda posts on your phone while he's watching the Vikings game in T.V. I live for that!
Had my prince charming for 7yrs then he "changed his mind" suddenly one day. Left me devastated
"Holding your child for the first time. And then crying silently to yourself a few years later when they truly hug you back for the first time."
"Every driver should do a few months on a motorbike. You'll realise how dangerous the roads are and be a better, more courteous driver for the rest of your life."
Okay so when will those on motorbikes be better, more courteous drivers?
No thanks. As a child, was in a motorbike accident with my uncle where he ended up dying and I was seriously injured.
"My dad always said everyone needs their *ss kicked at least once. To make them realize they aren't invincible."
Your dad was a wise man. I nearly died twice in my teens and twenties and I am so much more grateful for every day I wake up breathing!
"24 hours in the woods alone. Bring an apple, Snickers, pen and paper. It's called a 'solo' and it was the best experience of my life."
"An airplane lifting off the ground. It's magical in an unexplainable way."
Love it. Especially that little dip right when it initially leaves the ground and before it really starts to climb.
"Visit an Olympic Games. I went to London in 2012 and the atmosphere was just incredible. On top of that, you are watching the world's best athletes compete for the most prestigious award which only comes around once every four years. It was awesome."
"Ride a roller coaster."
I don't really get the enjoyment of rollercoasters or other theme park rides. I'm not scared of them I just think 'meh' what's the big deal. I get a bigger rush doing something under my own steam, like rockclimbing.
"Learn how to improvise on an instrument, or at least do it with your voice!"
I can improvise on an instrument, certainly. I won't sound good, though...
Improvised on keyboards (had no idea what I was doing) while BIL played bluse guitar. He recorded it, not too bad but when I started giggling I totally lost the beat.
"Living in a really big city."
"Loving a sports team with all of your heart, and watching them win or lose a big game with a lot of people, preferably a sports bar, that love the same team. The moment of pure jubilation or heartbreak is something that everyone should experience."
Last time we (local team) were in the world series. Game 5 and me, my now wife and 200 people sitting in a bar "Drinking for runs"
Yes!!! This is the best feeling ever. Watched the Titans lose the Super Bowl, and they lost being one yard short. Cried like a baby.
"Near-death."
"An mud run or obstacle course marathon. The thrill, people, and camaraderie are beyond belief. One of the greatest things I've ever involved myself with."
It's not for everyone but hashing would fall nicely into this category as well
I used to hash in Hong Kong as a young teenager with the HK police in the late 70s. Best thing ever!
Load More Replies..."Homelessness. It changes how you see the rest of the world very quickly."
Long ago I was homeless on purpose, living the punk-rock lifestyle and squatters rights. I'm getting too old to enjoy it anymore, but it was a blast!
If you thought it was fun, you definitely weren't doing it right. Being homeless is something I wouldn't wish on anyone. Homelessness is not the same as the "punk-rock lifestyle". It's legit hard as heII! I've been homeless. You haven't.
Load More Replies...Try, not having anything, and nobody you can call for help. Freezing, overheating, starving. Having been through that, nothing makes me madder than the fools out there playing fake homeless. Like, dude, your shoes cost more than my whole outfit, including my winter coat. F.U. am I giving you a dollar. I can see right through you.
Homelessnes for most is a humiliating, hopeless, horrible existence made of choosing every day between bad and worse in everything. Don't let anyone who 'worked the system' convince you otherwise.
Been there, done that and do NOT reccomend it to anyone! It is a lifestyle that not everyone can adapt to, or survive.
"Southwest United States."
I lived most of my life in the high desert. Soo dry felt like Linus from peanuts. Moved to northeast Ohio 3yrs ago. The only 2 things I miss are the mountains and sagebrush
Stuff lasts longer in the dryness and there are less bugs because of it. Chips don't go soggy. Rusting takes a lot longer. But I'm pretty sure they are talking about all the cool red rocks formations and maybe the green chillies.
Load More Replies..."Actual peril. A life-threatening event. You don't truly know who you are until you face a situation where your life is on the line."
"Their favorite sports team winning a championship. It's a true ecstasy."
Oh yes, the jubulation and pride seeing my Saints win the Super Bowl was euphoric.
As a longtime Minnesota Vikings fan, I doubt I'll ever see that. ;) :P
"Traveling for an extended period of time (1 month-many years) with no money."
"With no money"? I wouldn't even last a week traveling like that, let alone a month or longer...
I get what this is going for but it's really not that great an experience. Doable, but barely, and it sucks a lot especially if traveling internationally. I've "volunteered" in hostels in Europe in exchange for room and board but there's no binding agreement for this that's legally enforceable so it's pretty much the goodwill of the hostel owner and management. And it sucks a lot not being able to go do much of anything in the cities and countries you're trying to survive in. Sure, you can see a little nature and some pretty buildings if you're in the right place at the right time, but is it worth it? I'm gonna go with no. That being said, I wouldn't change my experience for anything in the world. I would have died in the US and living this way got my foot in the door in Europe, so it worked out. but you either have to be young enough not to care much or the type of person who can adapt to anything, and it's really exhausting.
Why would anyone even want to do this? It is just ludicrous and serves no real purpose.
"An unusual food for the average person. Scorpion, snail, etc."
My sister gave me chocolate covered ants and grasshoppers once, I was under 10yrs. They're actually really good, kinda crunchy like Nestlé crunch. Dad tried giving me Rocky mountain oysters once.I didn't eat it but puked on his boots when he offered them lol
"Owning a business. The feeling of not having a monthly paycheck guaranteed is terrifying, but knowing that you have complete financial and general freedom (no boss, no "downsizing", unlimited earning potential, take vacations whenever you like, just take the day off if you're sick, etc.) is exhilarating."
Excuse me but, do not know of anyone who has their own business that they have the luxury financially to take a vacation any time they want, or take the day off even if they are sick, at least not if they want to stay in business.
"Sudden and unexpected loss. Nothing has made me more grateful for all the blessings in my life because of grief. True grief changes a person and you eventually choose if it's going to destroy you or mold you into a more compassionate person."
I recently lost my 36yr old son. Losing a child is THE WORST feeling. I try to remember the good times and laughing till we peed, but the void is so great.
I hate to disagree but, the kind of loss you are speaking of changes your life and you as a person but, not always for the better.
"Star Wars."
"Being arrested was an eye-opening experience."
"Crowd surfing."
"Everyone should swim with sharks. If you're scared of them, conquer your fear and at least swim with Tigers or Lemon sharks. If you're more balsy, swim with Bull sharks. I would not recommend swimming with great whites but if you love sharks and would like a challenge, go for it. They are less likely to kill people than the police."
Sharks only ever bite when they mistake you for food. This is becauase they are highly intelligent and curious creatures. Just like a todler puts things in their mouth to learn about the world, sharks do the same. They also don't like the taste of human as it is foreign to them. As long as you swim upright near them, and don't splash around, they won't bite, and will instead swim up to you to see what you are.
"Less likely to kill people than the police" should not have made me laugh.
"Burning Man."
Do it! If you can't afford it hang out in reno when everyone is coming through and pre-burn events
Load More Replies...I grew up in Reno, Nevada we had a "compression parade" pre burning man events. Most wicked awesome people I've met
"Going on a 7 day cruise, If you can afford longer that's even better. There is plenty of natural things to experience in the world but a cruise is purely materialistic. It's relaxing being away from work and responsibilities, generally speaking cruise lines do their best to make everything worry-free. If you save up enough money there are plenty of activities to do at each destination, plus money for souvenirs."
"Being cheated on. You wouldn't want that more than once though."
Why would you recommend people go through the experience of being cheated on?! It is one of the most humiliating experiences a person can go through in Life, and can have a lasting affect on someone. That is some of the worst advice I have ever heard!
"I wish everyone could go through boot camp once, marine corps. At least that's why I joined."
The Military literally uses the same tactics that cults use to brainwash people and make them less likely to question authority. It all starts in basic training/boot camp when they first do everything they can to strip you of your identity. The Marines tend to be the most brainwashed of all the branches.
Yeah nah. The US military worship stuff is terrifying. There are plenty of other ways to get discipline into your life without being put through propaganda to kill innocent people.
My father was an Army Drill Sargent for the majority of my life growing up, which meant he ran our household the same as he did his platoon literally, from white glove inspections to kp duty so essentially my siblings and I grew up going through boot camp every day.
"4 years in the military. You learn more then you will ever know."
Serving in the Military, just like going to College, is not for everyone, nor is it a positive experience for everyone.
For most people the military is their first experience as an adult life. Some people even join at 17... People learn a lot in those 4 years cuz they are learning how to adult except with a bigger safety net (it's really different to be fired from the military and you'll always have food and housing) and really good health insurance. The military lots of amazing socialist benefits.
