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Career > Her20s

21 Things to Do Before Turning 21

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Carroll chapter.

In less than six months I’ll turn 21. It feels like yesterday I turned 16. In the next six months, I’ve set out to challenge myself by completing a bucket list (of sorts) by my 21st birthday.

 

This bucket list is all over the place. Certain items can be physically done, while others are changes to my lifestyle. I wanted to incorporate both because I feel it’s important not only to experience life but to also grow as a person.

Read more

I always loved to read, but I feel like I get so wrapped up in the busy I forget to take time for the things I enjoy.

Dine alone

The thought of this terrifies me, but I believe I could learn a lot about myself from a meal alone

Call instead of text 

There is no better feeling than picking up the phone to talk, and it makes making plans ten times easier than texting for hours.

Be on time more

This is a bad habit I’d like to break, and it’ll help me to plan my life/day accordingly.

Stop the negative self talk

If you wouldn’t say it to a friend, simply don’t say it to yourself. More self-love! 

Save more, spend less

I need to save more for the future, simple as that.

Pay it forward

In a world where I can be anything, I want to be kind. By paying it forward, I want to spread that mindset.

Become First Aid/CPR certified

This is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time, and I feel it’s important to know.

Go social media free for one week

I find myself checking social media way too often when I’m unoccupied.

Watch the sunrise

The world has so much beauty to offer, and I don’t want to keep sleeping through it.

Plan a dinner party 

How fun would this be? A dinner to celebrate friends and life! 

Visit a local museum 

I’ve lived here for three years and I haven’t explored any of the local museums.

Meditate more often

Recently I’ve been getting into yoga and have found it relaxing and rewarding. I would like to learn to meditate and be calmer in life.

Learn to live with less

This goes along with #6.

Have more patience

Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. The world needs more patience, and that can start with me.

Do more of what makes me happy

Happiness is key.

Go see a concert 

I love live music and I want to go out and experience it more often.

Plan a vacation 

There is no time like the present, so why not go and see more of the world?

Volunteer

Kind people are my kind of people. Making a change starts with where we live, and that change can begin with us. 

Learn to cook

As I’m getting older, I’m realizing I may know how to cook three meals. I want to expand this and learn new recipes.

Learn to garden 

If there is one thing I don’t have, it would be a green thumb, but this is the year I learn how to be a successful plant mom.

I challenge you to make a bucket list of your own (or you’re welcome to use this one) before your next birthday. I challenge you to strive for personal growth and doing new things. Experience life, seek out beauty, it’s up to you. I would love to see what you come up with!

Hannah is currently studying Communication and Photography at Carroll University. Hannah is passionate about her faith, traveling, and exploring new brunch spots. After college, she hopes to continue writing.