Is a ‘Bucket list’ the new ‘New Year’s Resolution’ ?

With 2014 coming at us FAST, I figure it’s a great time to reflect on my year that was 2013 and set some goals for the new year. It also got me thinking about New Years Resolutions v’s Bucket Lists. I wonder,  Is there more value in creating a full list of goals, dreams & desires with specific items to achieve and aim for, rather than some a random resolution that you declare and then generally (in most cases) fail to follow through on? Or is a Bucket List just another way for us to say all of the things we WANT without any specific goals to help us get there? hmmmm

I don’t know about you, but I’m CRAP at new years resolutions. Admittedly I’ve never had any nasty habits to try and kick like smoking, drinking excessively or eating shit, but I normally jump on the band wagon and make one or two random statements like ‘ I WANT TO EAT BETTER’ or ‘I WANT TO TALK MORE AND TEXT LESS’ and of course it never happens.

This year was kind of different though, and i went for a different angle….

As 2013 kicked off, with another 30 something birthday looming, I started freaking out!

While I was grateful that I was surrounded by the love and support of some amazing family & friends, and I had been fortunate enough to travel the world, something was missing. I had no direction, I lacked passion for what I was doing, I was wallowing in regret and guilt from the past and held genuine fear and anxiety for the future. I was stuck in a hole that I’d created in my mind and I was terrified that I wouldn’t be able to dig my way out of it. It was blatantly obvious to me (and everyone around me) that something had to give…… but finally I was ready (well kind of ready!).

It seemed too late for me to be making ‘New Year’s resolutions (and they never seem to work anyway) so on the suggestion from a friend I created a bucket list!

I know the term ‘bucket list’ sounds morbid, as they are generally a list of things to do ‘before you die’, but I was keen to look at it as more of an inspiration list. So, to get started I created a list of 101 things I wanted to do that would help me live the life I love.

The list would be made up of things that I either wanted to see, experience or achieve, and traits that i wanted to live by. This also includes items on my list that would involve others or directly benefit other people, as i know that part of how i see my future is a life of generosity and gratefulness.

I felt that having a list (that is no way comprehensive) would help me find some focus, direction and motivation to start living for now, and create opportunities to share these experiences with people I love. I figure that even if i achieved just one thing, it would mean that I’ve done SOMETHING for myself, that I’d wanted to do (otherwise it wouldn’t have been on the list!).

While I’m still putting the list together and am not quite ready to share the whole list with you yet, below are some of my favorite things I’ve been able to tick off this year. By sitting down and looking at what i really wanted to do, it inspired me to get out there and start doing some of them… Without that list, i may have still done one or two, but i wouldn’t have had anything tangible to go to when i was looking for some motivation.

So, here ya go!

1. Get my scuba diving certification ✅

I’ve ALWAYS wanted to Scuba Dive, but as usual I’ve just never had the time to do it. After some serious dive envy and seeing people around me get their certifications, I figured it was about time I threw myself in at the deep end (so to speak! HA), so I headed to the clear (but chilly) water of Shelly Beach, in Manly (Sydney) and completed the 3 day course over two weekends.

I loved the silence and stillness of being underwater, as there wasn’t anything to think about other than my breath (oh, and what hand signals we’re what, and I had a few gauges to keep an eye on, but other than that…. silence!). I felt absolute peace being underwater. No fear, just excitement and I was surprised at how easily I dropped down to depth with a calmness that I haven’t felt for a long time.

Achieving my certification not only allows me access to a whole other world of marine & plant life to discover, but it completely opens up new travel destinations that are more dive specific… and i can’t WAIT to get out and explore some of them in the future.

2. See the Taj Mahal ✅

As per my last Blog Post, India had been on my list since i was little and I finally made it!

While India is full of magical sites, and experiences that cannot compare to anywhere else in the world, there is something special about the Taj Mahal! She was better than you could ever imagine!

You’ve seen pictures of her in books, magazines and in movies all your life, but nothing can quiet compare to that moment you walk through the arch way, and see her standing there in all her glory. Time seems to stand still, and every image you’ve seen of her vanishes away, as they in no way do her justice. There is an awe and a kind of magic that seems to radiate from her and despite the tens of thousands of people swarming around you, it sort of feels like it’s just the two of you. She is majestic and that moment took my breath away and brought a tear to my eye.

3. Go on a yoga retreat to India ✅

Yoga had become a huge part of my life in 2012/2013, and i have tried to maintain a regular practice. I am lucky enough to have 2 amazing Yoga studios close to home in Wollongong, Ray of Light Yoga in Bulli, and Younga Yoga in Wollonong, and I’ve gained so so much from attending classes with the various teachers I’ve met, but I wanted to explore it a little deeper.

Yoga in India is like something out of a dream, and i was lucky enough to attend Basunti Retreat, with Lucy Roberts on a 7 day retreat. It was blissful, educational and i was surrounded by inspirational people and a stunning setting, which brought it all together perfectly. Most importantly the retreat awoken my passion for Yoga and the possibilities it could hold for the future. More personal development in my own practice, learning, traveling and perhaps one day sharing this knowledge and passion with others. We’ll see….

If you want to read more about it, check out the post http://mytravelust.com/2013/11/05/magic-in-the-motherland-basunti-yoga-retreat-with-lucy-roberts/

4. Hike Nepal (Everest base camp) ✅

Like India, Nepal and hiking Everest Base camp was a big thing that had been on my ‘to do’ list for some time, and Yep i finally achieved it this year and it was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life!

Not only was Nepal itself one of the most beautiful, fascinating, and friendly countries I’d been to, but achieving something as physically and mentally demanding as hiking to Everest Base camp was a proud and satisfying moment…. and that first glimpse of Everest’s shadows appearing through the clouds at sunrise was another moment that I’ll remember forever.

Check out my post http://mytravelust.com/2013/11/21/to-everest-base-camp-beyond/ for more about this amazing hike.

5. Try stand up paddle boarding &  SUP YOGA ✅

This one seemed basic compared to the other items i was able to tick off my list this year, but my bucket list isn’t all about big trips, and grand experiences. I want to learn and discover things in my own backyard as well, as it’s often the little things or moments, that end up being the most special.

Paddle boarding on a flat bay or lake was easy enough and good for my core strength, but doing it in the surf was another matter all together…. Something that i definitely need to practice!

I’d also seen images of SUP (Stand up Paddle board) YOGA, and THAT’S what i wanted to do. Taking the boards out at Balmoral, and giving it all a crack was a laugh, and after a few wobbly moments it was time to take some of my Yoga moves to the board… and to my surprise i was able to manage a few. I certainly intend to explore this further also, as it’s a cheap and fun way to spend an hour or so on a weekend… (Stay tuned for photos the next time i get out there!)

21. Do a DSLR photography course ✅

Photography has always been a hobby of mine, and people had often remarked that i had a good eye for it… so it was something i was keen to look into. I had some limited experience with a DSLR camera from High School, but I knew there was more to it and it took a mate to basically sign me up, to get it done, and I’m glad i did!

Not only did the course give me more knowledge on the camera and the basics of photography, but it took me out of my comfort zone a little and back to learning a brand new skill. You kind of forget what it’s like to be new at something, when you’ve been in the same job for a while and it was an awesome experience.

It also took me to the streets of Sydney where i was able to discover some amazing street art, that i never would have seen otherwise. You also forget how much there is to discover in your very own back yard, so it definitely opened my eyes to that.

I’ll definitely be progressing through to the next course, and anyone interested should look into the Australian Centre of Photography in Paddington, Sydney.

6. Go on the Violet Junk, Halong Bay – Vietnam ✅

Another travel ‘Bucket List’ moment, and this time a little bit of splurging and a stay on the beautiful Violet Junk, on Halong Bay.

Being in Travel opens the eyes to new experiences everyday, and this is something that caught my attention a while back, whilst planning Vietnam journeys and seeing colleagues add it to their own Vietnam Itineraries.

It’s a traditional Vietnamese Junk (boat) that cruises on the UNESCO, World Heritage listed, Halong Bay. Exploring the spectacular bay made up of over 2000 limestone Islands, we we’re able to discover fine food, wine, and activities like bike riding, hiking and kayaking all from the comfort of a boat with just 6 luxury cabins (personal jacuzzi and all!)

The perfect way to see Halong Bay, and something that i am now suggesting to all of my clients for their own Vietnam travels.

7. Scuba dive Great Barrier Reef✅

After obtaining my Padi certification this year, it was time to explore somewhere a little more exciting than the beaches of Manly, and living in Australia, it was obvious that The Great Barrier Reef would be my choice!

A weekend away, with 2 days out on the reef ensured that the underwater world I now had access to truly came to life! Getting up close and personal with the fish, Coral and all kinds of sea creatures helped to confirm my new love for exploring the deep, and has now only dampened my appetite for more.

8. Great Wall of china ✅

One of the perks of my career is the opportunity to visit some amazing destinations for ‘work’ and this year i was able to finally tick China off my list, with a visit to Shanghai for ILTM (The International Luxury Travel Market). I hopped a flight up to Beijing after the event and although it was a foggy, rainy day i got to climb the Great Wall of China!!

I did an ‘Urban Experience’ day tour with ‘Intrepid’ as i was on my own, and wanted to meet some people to share the experience with. The walk along the wall itself was interesting with people from all walks of life exploring the various sections. There we’re mad hikers with their hiking boots & waterproof gear, then there we’re girls in heels and pretty umbrellas tip toeing through the puddles and navigating the steep stone steps… definitely an eye opener, that provided a few laughs.

It was a surreal moment being up there, and a bit of a shame that i couldn’t see the wall stretch out across the horizon, but it was still fabulous and a great moment to tick off my list!

9. Cycle in Vietnam ✅

While i hadn’t ever really defined exactly how much cycling i wanted to do in Vietnam, i knew that it was a great way to see the various towns and cities as it allows you to immerse yourself a little bit and get a little closer to the action… SO i made sure that wherever we went in Vietnam that we had some cycling on the itinerary.

All in all we cycled in Halong Bay, Hoi An and Nha Trang and got to see lots of the smaller back streets, and remote locations that truly highlights the pulse of the country. We went out to remote herb farms, and farming communities that can only be accessed by bike… A beautiful way to see the sights.

10.  Sunset or sunrise over Angkor Wat, Cambodia ✅

Another one for the ultimate bucket list (especially for a traveler!) Sunset OR Sunrise over Angkor Wat in Cambodia!

A UNESCO World Heritage site, and the worlds largest religious monuments it’s a site that was built in the early 12th century. With Cambodia being a relatively new tourist destination, there are around 1.7million visitors to the Angkor Temples annually, and it’s a number that will continue to grow.

We we’re able to visit the site without the crowds at sunrise, with the fabulous tour company Trails of Indochina. It was a 4am wake up call, but the early trip out to the site was well worth it. A clear view of the fabulous temple, with the sun peaking over the temple with a clear blue sky emerging in the dawn of the new day. We had time to explore the sites early while all the other tourists returned to their hotels for Breakfast, which meant we also avoided the midday heat, and we’re back at the hotel in the pool by the time most other companies we’re out there talking guests through the various sites.

A truly spectacular site, and worth visiting in the near future before mainstream tourism envelops Cambodia.

11. Start a travel blog or photo journal of my adventures ✅

Well here we are reading my BLOG MyTraveLust!

It was something I’d wanted to do for a while, and the 3 month trip i embarked on this year was the perfect opportunity to start my blog. I know that i have alot of knowledge about travel to share, and i wanted to capture some of my travel memories, and if nothing else keep a personal record of my trip and share this with you.

I’m still so new to the blog world, and am learning more and more every day, but i hope you are enjoying it so far. I hope to continue the growth and development of MyTraveLust in 2014, with a vision for it to become not only a place for me to share my passion but for you to gain even further inspiration and use it as a tool in planning your own travel adventures.

12. See an intimate gig for one of my fave bands!

Music is a huge part of my life! I have been to more gigs than i can count, and the radio, ipod or spotify is always on. I don’t watch TV… I listen to music, and it was out of sheer LUCK this year,  that I was able to score tickets to see Kings of Leon at The Enmore Theatre in Sydney! A venue that holds less than 2000 people (which for a band as big as Kings of Leon, is as intimate as you can get!)

They we’re out here for a 1 off show for Triple M, and we’re playing just one MASSIVE Gig at Sydney Harbour that you had to win tickets too. Missing out on that (and admittedly it was not my scene) I lucked out when i heard an announcement for a last minute GIG for Triple J. Stokedddddddddddddd I scrambled for tickets, and with an ease that i didn’t know was possible when securing tickets online these days, we scored standing tickets…. and it was honestly one of the BEST concerts of my life!

Not only we’re we up close and personal with Kings of Leon, but they have such a massive range of albums with hit after hit being smashed out, and it was non stop sing alongs, dancing our butt’s off and ultimately just the sheer JOY seeing one of my fave bands, up close!

So, there you have it, my fave bucket list moments from 2013!

In the end i find the idea of a Bucket List a little more promising than having a single (or list of ) New Years resolutions, as it gives me a tangible list of things that i can look to for inspiration at any time of the year. I do however intend on creating a personal mantra for 2014 to live by, to go along with the things i want to see, do, learn, achieve and discover.

One of my beautiful Yoga teachers Morgan Webert (From Qi Yoga in Freshwater, Sydney) has just posted some info on creating a Yogic New Years resolution, which comes from the heart and aligns with your life purpose, so i will definitely look into this for my 2014 resolution. http://yogawithmorgan.com/2013/12/29/how-to-set-a-yogic-new-years-resolution-from-the-heart/

Either way having some ideas about how you want to live and what you want to achieve is a great thing, so hopefully this will inspire you to create a list of your own, and get out there. Live your life and do things that make your soul shine. Life is too short, so take control and whether it’s a big dream or a small moment with a loved one… you should make it happen.

Kate x