According to a Harris Poll, only 1 in 3 Americans consider themselves truly happy. That is horrible! So many people relate their happiness to money and that is not always the case. Many feel that the more money they have, the more “things” they have which in turn makes them “happier.” However, I believe that it isn’t about the “things” we have but instead the “experiences” we have that truly makes us happy.
The idea of a Bucket List is growing more popular everyday – however the thought of completing things you have always wanted to do before you die really isn’t a positive outlook. That is why we re-branded the traditional Bucket List into a “Live It List” – which is a list of things you want to do while you are enjoying and living life to the fullest.
Now with this list, there is often the stigma surrounding it that all of these experiences have to cost a lot money (think Bora Bora, Helicopter Rides, etc) and not everyone can afford it. However, I recently took it one step further and came up with a list of 25 things you can add to your list that are FREE and another 25 that cost under $100! It is possible to live a happy life without spending a lot of money.
Live It List Items – FREE
- Visit the Sculpture Gardens
- Learn a magic trick
- Fly a kite
- Go Christmas Caroling
- See a shooting star
- Sing Karaoke
- Chase a storm
- Dance in the rain
- Volunteer
- Live in the moment
- Pillow fight with kids or friends
- Be a tourist in your own city
- Do 50 random acts of kindness
- Wish upon a star
- Climb a tree
- Meditate
- Take the scenic route
- Donate blood
- Complete a crossword puzzle without cheating
- Try to break a world record
- Nap in a hammock
- Put together a 1000 piece puzzle
- Spend the day in bed watching movies
- Visit Minnehaha Falls
- Bike around Lake Calhoun
Live It List Items – Under $100
- Kayaking
- Cave Tour
- Horseback riding
- Paddleboarding
- Run a 5k
- Go snowboarding
- Play Paintball
- Play lasertag
- Do a Segway tour
- Take a self defense class
- Lawn bowling at Brits
- Get a massage
- Order room service
- Throw someone a surprise party
- Go to a comedy club
- Bake cookies for someone
- Buy someone coffee in the car behind you
- Pay for a strangers tank of gas
- Send a care package
- Go ice skating
- Dine at a small, locally owned restaurant in a small town
- Go on Craigslist and purchase cheap tickets to a last minute concert or sporting event
- Explore the bike trails at local parks
- Spend the day on a friends boat on one of Minnesota’s many lakes
- Go to a movie at a Drive In Theater
Raymond James is not affiliated with the businesses/entities mentioned above.