In this post, “How to create the ultimate summer bucket list,” I hope to inspire you to create a bucket list that will change your life and create lasting memories with those you love.
Summer bucket lists are a trending topic.
There is every kind of bucket list imaginable.
From cooking to health challenges to spiritual challenges.
But I don’t want to create one for you; I want to give you ideas on making your own.
You are unique; only one of you is in the world.
So, your bucket list should reflect what you love.
I love lists, goals, and to-do lists.
So, anytime I can write a list of fun things to do instead of paying the electric bill or ordering groceries, I am up for it.
First and very important is to,
Make it realistic while being challenging and fun.
I’d love to write an unrealistic travel list, like traveling to 10 countries in 10 days.
But that will not be possible for most of you or me this year.
What is realistic to some is not for others.
Make your summer bucket list realistic for your life.
Think about things you want to do and are able to do over the next couple of months.
At the same time, make it a challenge as well. The goal of a summer bucket list is to do things and try things you have never done before.
This will help streamline your summer bucket list.
In creating the ultimate summer bucket list you want to,
Push yourself to try something new.
Think about something you want to do but haven’t because it’s out of your comfort zone.
Then, ask yourself the question? Why haven’t I tried it?
I will admit I love a challenge.
So, stepping outside of my normal everyday life is easy for me.
When creating your summer bucket list, challenge yourself.
To create the ultimate bucket list, you need to remember to,
Include Fun
Fun things you have wanted to do but have waited.
Goals are great, but when you’re making your summer bucket list, add a lot of fun to it.
Some fun ideas are dance parties, fancy picnics, and outdoor concerts.
Things that you think are fun.
Now, what an introvert thinks is fun is probably not the same as an extrovert.
So, when you are creating one, think of things you want to do that are fun for you personally.
Have a variety of things so you can grow as a person and have fun.
Volunteer or give back
Take time to volunteer or do something to give to others.
Not only will it be a new experience, but it will also help you grow.
Volunteering.
One place to volunteer is your local church.
Churches generally have varied areas where you can volunteer.
If you are not part of a church, many food pantries have ample volunteering opportunities.
Go outside in nature.
Going out in nature can help reset your brain.
There is actually research about the positive effects of being in nature for three days. It’s called “The three day effect.”
Doing something outdoors can help you reboot your brain, and it’s great because no matter what you prefer, you can go outside for a period of time.
Here are some ideas:
- Hiking
- Canoeing
- Star gazing
- Pickleball
- Watch the sunrise in nature
The next is something that more and more people are doing or have on their summer bucket list.
Do a digital detox.
Now, if most of your job is based on the digital world like mine, remember to set yourself up for success.
Be prepared and pre-plan when you can do this, or it could end up a mess.
That causes more stress than relief.
Recommended tips for a digital detox.
If you are a family that has a problem with digital consumption, then doing a summer digital detox could help.
I know this isn’t the funniest activity to add to your summer bucket list, but it’s worth it.
Here is one to add that is definitely worthwhile.
Self-care
What does self-care look like to you?
What recharges you and helps your body?
These are things that need to be added to your summer bucket list.
A spa day, getting a haircut, having a “you-day.”
Whatever it might be, add it to create an incredible summer experience.
Gratitude practice.
Many Neuroscientist say that gratitude changes mental and physical health.
On the opposite end, negativity and being critical also affect mental health.
So basically, when the Bible says,
“give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
I Thessalonians 5:18
It can literally affect your health and well-being.
So this summer, help your mental and physical health and start practicing gratitude.
On a personal note, I have always tried to be a positive person.
When I was 18, I left for Bible training in France. My roommate, who was also 18, was the most negative person I had ever been around.
She wanted to change, so I said how about when you say something negative?
You think of 10 things positive you can say about that situation.
Now she did this, and I did this, and within one month, we were totally different.
Since that time, whenever I have gotten in a “negative frame of mind,” I start doing this, and within a few days, it’s made a difference.
Right now, I am doing a gratitude challenge where I wake up and think of three things I am grateful for, and when I go to bed, I think of three things I am grateful for as well.
Do something creative
You might be saying I’m not creative!
But I think you are; there is always something or some way that people are creative.
It can be anything from writing, painting, playing games {which involved creative thinking}, even gardening to me is creative.
During covid lockdown, I started following some artists on Instagram.
I also got art kits from this company, “Let’s Make Art.”
They have videos for free to watch and sell art kits with everything you need to do the picture.
She is fun and positive.
Her whole motto is anyone can do art.
Every year, I buy at least one kit, and they run some amazing sales. (I am not an affiliate of the company. I just want to share the amazing experience I have had with them. And you can support a small business)
Why I like doing art, it’s something I do with my hands and my mind.
I don’t care if it looks perfect; I just enjoy creating.
Go somewhere new
No matter how much money you have or if you’re on a budget, you can always go somewhere new.
A new park, new hiking trail, new city, or a restaurant, cook something new, or anything that is unfamiliar.
Just go somewhere that is new or try something different for you.
Learn something new
Never in the history of the world has learning been so accessible.
Honestly, right now, you can learn new things through TED talks, Ebooks, Books, and free classes.
It’s so easy to learn right now, so why not add it to your bucket list?
Whatever it might be, communicating more effectively, a new exercise, a new cooking technique, a new language.
Just start becoming a learner.
Because I am a Christian woman, I like to add a faith element to my summer bucket list.
Faith element
Pick some way you want to grow in your faith, read your Bible daily, pray 5 mins a day.
Anything that will help you grow in your faith. I wrote a post about a Summer Bucket List for Growing in Faith.
This summer, we are doing a 21-day prayer challenge for going on mission trips. (It’s also good if you want to start doing ministry of any type, children, small groups, church volunteering)
If you would like to join us, here is a link to our mailing list.
You can also follow along on our socials to get the daily challenges and prayers.
Recap
- Make it realistic and challenging
- Push yourself
- Don’t forget the fun
- Add volunteering or giving back
- Include an outdoor adventure
- Do a digital detox
- Remember to add self-care
- Include a gratitude practice
- Creative element
- Go somewhere new
- Faith Element
Here is my personal Summer Bucket list for the summer.
- Learn three more guitar cords
- Cook a new receipt.
- Host a mystery dinner party.
- Pray 10 minutes a day for my business.
- Do a digital detox.
- Clean out my closet
- 21-day prayer challenge
- Exercise daily
- Go to a new park.
- Have an adventure with my family.
In the comments, let me know what is on your bucket list.
Follow along on our socials for more creative ways to grow in your faith, travel, and look amazing while doing it.
You can also get a free Summer Bucket List printable when you sign up for our newsletters.