SUNSHINE AURA – poetry. short stories. community.

I’m sure everyone you’ve run into is repeating the same cliche I am about to say now: I cannot believe it’s already a New Year!

There truly is something magical about January. After a cozy holiday season with family and friends, and much needed time away from work and school, it’s refreshing to find ourselves coming back to a clean slate. We face each new year with hope in our hearts and an open mind to experiencing new things. Early January is a wonderful time to begin curating your 2024 bucket list!

I’ve always been a goal-setter and resolution starter, but only recently have I started adding a yearly bucket list to my beginning of the year repertoire. It’s a super fun way to get excited and begin planning for your year ahead. Some bucket list items will require a bit of time and money, others the courage to take a risk and do something new. Some might even blend a little bit of both.

This list should be a reflection of yourself and include things that you truly wish to do, achieve, or experience. This list should not include things you think other people wish to see you do or experience. Before writing out your list on pen and paper or in the notes app on your phone, take a moment to just breathe and visualize. Forget the past year. Open your heart and mind to newness. Ask yourself to paint a picture of what all you would do this year if the opportunities were limitless and if you could not fail.

Have you taken a moment to reflect? Good. Now, you are ready to write your list!

It can feel a bit overwhelming to come up with an exhaustive list of things you want to do this year. So, the first tip is think of things you know are achievable. This bucket list doesn’t need to be the same as your manifestation list or your life goals list. This can be things you truly want to do or experience right now that you know are doable this year. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t dream big! Absolutely let this list be beyond your normal everyday experience. But keep it achievable so you won’t feel like it will never happen and is just a pipe dream.

A new year asks us to be bold, courageous, and take a leap of faith in order to level up and achieve the next phase in our lives. There’s nothing wrong with liking to feel comfortable, but I do gently encourage you to follow this second tip, and push just beyond your comfort zone. A bucket list should fill you with excitement! The same old same old gets…well…old. Try and add a few things to experience that scare you just a little (but in a positive way, of course!). Challenge yourself to do at least one thing this year that’s out of your comfort zone and will require you to get a little silly, do something solo, or put yourself out there.

Life ain’t always easy. But it should be enjoyable. I know that’s easier said than done, especially when you are facing issues at home, in the workplace, or in your wider community. We are all at different stages of our lives, no matter our age or background. I bet you’ve felt really high highs, and super low lows. Find a way to unlock the joy within your heart each day, even just a little. A yearly bucket list is a beautiful space to follow tip number three, and do things that bring you joy! Life is meant to be lived and enjoyed. Choose a few items that you know will add joy to your life, whether they be traveling to a new place, trying a new class, or going to a really big sports game you’ve always wanted to attend.

Below are a few ideas from my personal 2024 bucket list to get you started. I wish you a year filled with love, joy, passion, adventure, fun, lots of laughs, and experiences that shape you into the person you’re becoming.

With love, Kayla

My personal 2024 bucket list:

1. Go on another solo trip
2. Visit a new country
3. Take my puppy on a weekend getaway with hiking
4. Try skiing or snowboarding for the first time
5. Enter and win a writing contest
6. Get a book published
7. Go on a scenic train ride
8. Write a letter to Congress on how to make my community better
9. Try a pole-dancing exercise class (just for fun!)
10. Get a new tattoo