Below are 23 simple things to add to your 2023 bucket list that will help you embrace your life and leave you feeling accomplished, adventurous, and filled with so much joy.
There is one sure way that we can all live our life to the fullest. And, that is by simply taking every opportunity to try something new. Creating a bucket list can help you do just that.
What’s a bucket list?
Everyone should have a bucket list. It’s simply a list of things you’d like to do or accomplish before “ending the year,” “starting a new decade,” or “before you die.” They are usually inspirational goals you’d like to accomplish to help you embrace all that life has to offer.
Creating a bucket list doesn’t need to be challenging or even take up to much of your time. But, it should be balanced. There should be some items on your list to help you evolve and others that may help you conquer any fears you may have.
What’s on my 2023 bucket list?
I recently shared my 2023 goals, but I wanted to take things a step further and share a few things I’d like to accomplish this year. My 2023 bucket list is a great way to help me focus on the things that are most important to me and to help me put myself first — after all, self-care is high on my list of priorities this year.
As you go through my 2023 bucket list, jot down any items that may resonate with you and add any others that sound like a great challenge. It’ll be fun to look back at the end of the year to see how much you’ve accomplished and how much fun and joy 2023 brought to your life.
Have a healthy baby
First things first, I pray that we have a healthy baby. It’s hard to believe that next month is already baby month. Even though I found out I was pregnant as I was entering the second trimester, my pregnancy started slow. Now time seems to be flying by and I still have so much left to do i.e. put together the nursery.
Attend a concert
I’ve always enjoyed attending concerts. Fun fact – my first live concert was to see Lil Bow Wow when I was around 11 or 12. Last year, I attended two shows: HER and Maverick City Music x Kirk Franklin. I thoroughly enjoyed them both. Maybe I’ll get to add another Beyonce concert to my list this year.
Watch the sunrise at the beach
This one has been on my bucket list FOREVER. Y’all already know that me and the early morning have a love/hate relationship, but how beautiful would it be to catch the sunrise at the beach? I don’t think there is a better feeling than seeing the day come to life.
Get to Inbox Zero
I cannot stand notifications on my phone, and I used to be so good at clearing out my emails daily. Now I’m nearing 20,000 emails and I desperately want to get back to having Inbox Zero. I should probably also unsubscribe from a few retailers while I’m at it too.
Try a new recipe monthly
Now that we’re settled into the new house, I want to start cooking at home more. It’ll also help cut back on the amount of money we spend eating out per month. I’ll definitely be browsing Pinterest to find some quick and easy recipes we can enjoy.
Go to a drive-in movie
I’m not a big movie person, but I love a good experience, and attending a drive-in movie sounds so cozy and relaxing. It’ll also make a good date night with hubby.
Have a ‘yes’ day with the kids
Jade has been begging me for a ‘Yes’ day. I think the concept is not only fun, but it’s important for kids to experience. After all, they are humans too, and kids should know that we as parents are listening and care about any desires that they have. This will be a fun mother-and-daughter day activity, and I may try and squeeze this one in before the baby comes and things get a bit more hectic.
Camp at a Florida State Park
I’m not much of an outdoors girlie, but Girl Scouts introduced me to camping and I fell in love. I’ve been trying to convince my husband to rent an RV so that we can take a camping trip. Hopefully, it’ll finally happen this year.
Make healthier food choices
This is a no-brainer. I’m naturally a snacker and I’d rather have a bag of chips over anything any day, but I want to commit to making healthier food choices to help me reach my goal of losing 30 pounds postpartum.
Volunteer with the kids for the holidays
We tend to get so wrapped up in what we want during the holiday season, but this year I want to commit to teaching my kids the importance of giving back whether that’s volunteering at the soup kitchen, dedicating time at a food bank, or participating in a local community toy giveaway.
Take a solo vacation
For the past few years, I’ve wanted to take a solo vacation, but I haven’t made it a priority simply because I’m a little scared to do so. But, I’d love to finally cross this off my list sometime this year as a way to reconnect with myself, step outside my comfort zone, and maybe actually get in some rest.
Be consistent at yoga
I love practicing yoga. I haven’t made time for it recently, but I want to get back to it. I want to end my pregnancy with a few prenatal yoga classes to help prepare for labor and delivery. Maybe baby and I can attend a few Mommy and Me classes as well while I’m off work on parental leave.
Host a dinner party for friends
Party planning is one of my favorite things. Once we get a bit more settled in, and I have recovered from having our new addition, I’d love to invite a few of my best girlfriends over for great food, laughter, and much-needed bonding time.
Take a train ride
How cool would it be to take a train ride to see the U.S. in a new way? I know the kids would absolutely love this too. Maybe we can plan to do the Polar Express train ride during Christmastime or the girls and I can plan to discover Napa Valley through the Wine Train.
Take a family road trip
Traveling will always be on any list I create because I love experiencing new places. Even though traveling with kids isn’t always the easiest, it brings me so much joy seeing them soak in any new adventures.
Purge & simplify my life
Back in 2018, I decluttered our entire house in an effort to become a minimalist. I’m still an aspiring minimalist, but during the past few years, I’ve accumulated so much stuff and I’d love nothing more than to purge our house again Marie Kondo style to help simplify my life. One task that’s high on my list for the year is creating a capsule wardrobe.
Have a family picnic
Picnics are such a great way to add a bit of fun for the entire family. The Cummer Museum, one of our local museums, hosts Friday night picnics in the summer, and I want to pack the family up and attend at least once.
Take a cooking class
I already mentioned that I wanted to try new recipes this year, but how fun would it be to take a cooking class? This would make a great option for date night as well.
Say ‘yes’ to something that scares me
I’m extremely afraid of heights, so I’ve never ridden a roller coaster. I included ‘ride a roller coaster’ on my 30 before 30 bucket list, and well I’ll be 34 next month and that still hasn’t happened. Maybe this will be the year I’ll finally do it. I’m scared just thinking about it. LOL!
Explore a new town
There are so many places I’ve never been to, and I’d love to add cross-off new destinations yearly. My ultimate goal is to visit every state. Where should I head first?
Go strawberry picking
We went blueberry picking last year and we had a blast. They were so sweet too. This year, I want to go strawberry picking. I can already taste the juiciness.
Start a vegetable garden
I don’t even want to tell you how long I’ve been wanting to start a vegetable garden. I’ve purchased seeds and everything but never got around to actually planting anything. I want to start small this year and maybe expand to harvesting multiple vegetables.
Be unapologetically me
Self-love is the best love. I want to look in the mirror and love every part of me, stripping back all the layers placed on me by society, and opening up to my true self. Simply put, I want to live out loud this year. Embrace every part of myself and what I have to offer without caring about what anyone else thinks.
What’s something you’d like to do or accomplish this year?
