There are a lot of shenanigans going around on the internet lately about things to do instead of getting married vs. things to do while married. It's a smug and not-subtle-enough way of playing the comparison game. It's something that appears to say "my life is better than yours, see?" but really says "I'm insecure with my situation so here is a list of feel-good nonsense to prove that I actually am stable." Forget that. I figured I'd join in on the trend and share my two cents. These are 23 things that you should do just because. Married or not married, it doesn't matter. You should do things just because you want to do them and not to transcend some sort of made-up status-quo that you're more than likely imposing on yourself.
1. Learn a trade. Trades are a dying art. It's always good to have a skill that you enjoy practicing that can also serve as additional income or, if you're passionate about it enough, something that you'll eventually do for a living.
2. Adopt a shelter dog. There is something about the way a shelter dog looks at you. They're that much more loving because they know that you've saved them, and, not to be too corny, that kind of love may save you as well.
3.
Help orphans. Even if you don't believe that you have a compassionate bone in your body, this is a must. Getting to know a child who is more than likely the product of abandonment is an incredibly humbling experience. There are so many opportunities both domestic and abroad to make this happen. (If you're followed this blog for a while then you know that after my trip to
Shepherd's Field Children's Village, my life was not the same.)
4. Become a regular at a local restaurant but never order the same thing twice. Contribute to your local economy, make some new friends, always try something new. Win, win, win.
5. Sing Christmas carols at a children's hospital-- any time of the year. Don't worry about how stupid you may look. Those kids will be eternally grateful for you, and, although this may sound a bit morbid, they may not be guaranteed another Christmas.
6. Try going vegan for a month. You just might like it! And if you don't think it's the lifestyle for you, it will have undoubtedly caused you to think more about the foods you eat.
7. Participate in a tough mudder. These will stretch you to the limit physically and also teach the important skill of teamwork.
8. Ask a stranger at your local book store to pick out a book for you to read. Read the whole thing. Even if you don't like it, chances are, it will have taught you something you never would have thought of learning.
9. Learn how to make the perfect cappuccino. See how much money you'll save yourself by not ordering one out every morning. (I love mine with almond milk and a pinch of cinnamon!)
10. Don't just feed the homeless in your city-- see them often and maybe build a friendship with one. A homeless woman once asked me for change. Instead of tossing her a few dollars, I took her to a sandwich shop and told her to pick out whatever she wanted. I'll never forget the look on her face. We sat and ate together and as we shared wisdom and laughter with each other, I knew that I had made a lifetime friend. Every time I saw her after that, she'd give me a hug.
11. Be an intern. If your finances allow you to intern part-time somewhere for a few months, I highly suggest trying something out that you've always been interested in but never thought to pursue. (Like me with television!)
12. Create one signature cocktail. Make it yours. Take the time to experiment and make it perfect.
13. Invest in a robe. Robes are so underrated. I cannot stress this one enough.
14. Fall in love with your city's sports teams. The sense of community and brotherhood is like none other. I always feel a small connection whenever I see someone representing a Philly team, especially in another city. I once saw a man wearing an Eagles jersey while I was attending a church service in Beijing and it took everything in me not to run up and hug him.
15. Learn how to make a .gif. Do it for the sense of accomplishment of making something and be entertained for hours.
16. Become a beer connoisseur. Beer is fun to learn about! Learn the different types, what you like, and revel in the satisfaction of having others ask you to suggest new brews.
17. Try to spend $20 at Taco Bell. You'll learn that it still is possible to stretch a dollar even in this day and age. Also you'll have more than enough to share with your new homeless friends.
18. Start a blog. Fashion, DIY, music... whatever interests you. Coming up with new content, creating, and sharing will stretch you in ways that you never thought were possible and you'll learn so much about things that interest you.
19. Get professional portraits done. Save up and pay to have it done right. Never ask a photographer to do them for free, even if they're a friend. (TRUST ME. Even though we say "yes, we need some new pictures for our portfolio" we are all still starving artists and it's nice to see that someone actually values our work.) You won't regret having high-quality images somewhere along the line.
20. Find a workout routine that you enjoy. Screw doing something like CrossFit just because someone tells you to. Find a workout that you enjoy and stick to it. If you like the shake weight, go for it. Don't make anyone make you feel inferior if you're not running 30 miles a day and free-lifting half your weight. (Is that even a thing?) As long as you're staying active and healthy, just do you.
21. Take a salsa class. It's fun and you'll undoubtedly meet some interesting folks.
22. Join a CSA. This is another one that'll give you a great sense of community. You'll be helping local farmers and getting some delicious local produce out of it.
23. Find your ideal eyebrow and make it happen. The right eyebrow can change your face and make you feel on top of the world. Ever since embracing my natural big 'ole eyebrows instead of plucking the life out of them, I've felt as if I can conquer all things.
I would also like to point out that there is no Nutella on this list. Come on guys, Nutella is so 2009.
xo,
e.m.
