We all get stuck in a rut. There are those times in life where you go months, or even years, living the same old boring routine until you feel like you’re going to lose your mind. I refer to these moments as my “Jack Nicholson” times.
Before you decide to live the rest of your life in your boring routine (and before you go completely stir crazy and pull out the axe), give this list a try. I guarantee you’ll feel alive and free again!
1) Sky diving
Sky diving is one of the most frightening things I could imagine, but it’s on my list of things I have to try before I die. I’m afraid of heights, I’m afraid of planes, and mostly I’m afraid of falling and this encompasses all of those fears. Which is exactly why it must be done.
Sky diving isn’t as bad as you think. Your instructor is there with you the entire time (and he can attach himself to you if you’re absolutely terrified your parachute won’t open).
2) Swimming with sharks
If the Jaws theme didn’t run through your head, you’re a braver person than I am. Swimming with sharks is one of the most daring adventures you can go on. It’s also the most thrilling adventure imaginable. This isn’t that safe swim, the one where you’re in a cage and the shark is eyeing you like you’re his lunch.
No, this is you in the water with a shark swimming beside you, possibly touching you. I’m shuddering just thinking about it!
3) Bungee jumping
Bungee jumping is a daring adventure all in itself. I remember when bungee jumping became really popular and I’d watch people tie a cord to their ankle and jump off a bridge, bouncing back up again. If you really want something daring, and you aren’t terrified of the idea, then give bungee jumping a go! It asks the age old question: If all your friends jumped off a bridge would you go too?
4) Eat stink heads
Not all daring things to do are sports related, some things are stomach related. I have a number of foods on my list to try before I die, but stink heads is one of the most attainable. This is an Alaskan tradition where the heads of white fish are fermented in the sea for weeks and then eaten raw. It smells terrible, but it’s an Inuit delicacy.
5) Go zip lining
What could possibly be more fun than hooking yourself up to a rope and sliding down over tree tops James Bond style? Nothing. Nothing could possibly be more fun than this!
6) Running with bulls
If you’re a city dweller and have never seen a bull up close, let me tell you they are huge and scary! When you see the commercials on TV for running with bulls, these commercials forget to mention that the bulls are much bigger (and scarier) than you.
Running with the bulls is one of those times when the mass of people around you and the heavy footfalls of the animals sends thrills through you. You must also remember that you’re running beside the bulls, not in front of them. It’s an experience not to be missed!
7) Go mountain climbing
I know me, and I know I am never going to climb Mount Everest. However, there are plenty of smaller mountains (and still challenging for those of us who aren’t exactly in top form) to choose from.
If you want to experience something daring, something that will last you a lifetime, and something your friends probably haven’t tried, then I recommend mountain climbing. Bundle up!
8) Chase a tornado
Okay, I’ll admit it. Tornadoes are my biggest fear. Have you ever really seen what these things can do? I lived in Oklahoma as a child and I can tell you that this force of nature overpowers anything humankind could ever do.
Go tornado chasing, see what mother nature can do, face your weather fears (in the capable hands of professionals), and then gaze in awe and wonder at something you will never really understand and never be able to create yourself.
9) Dive with crocodiles
If you got a little squeamish at swimming with sharks, then diving with crocodiles is going to blow your mind. Imagine this: You’re in a metal cage under water, it’s deathly quiet. Suddenly, you see something coming towards you, something big! It’s a crocodile. It’s huge teeth gleam at you as this massive monster swims by, testing the cage and hoping to find a way to get in. On the plus side, you’re in a cage. On the other hand, you’re with crocodiles. They’re crocodiles.
10) Go on safari
You know those little zoo trips you go on where you get to sit in the bus and point at the giraffes and hippos as you drive by? This isn’t one of those trips. If you want an extreme and daring thing to do before you die, then go on an actual African safari. Here, in the hot African sun, you feel the heavy air as you watch animals in the wild.
These aren’t just any animals, either. These are powerful and sometimes deadly animals such as elephants and lions. You’re in their territory now and they have the upper hand. Watch them, admire them, and be amazed by them. Just don’t try to feed them.
Life is what you make it. Sometimes you have to get a little crazy to appreciate the normal and mundane aspects of everyday life. If you want to live, you have to be daring and adventurous! You don’t have to travel far to add spice to your life, either. Take motorcycle lessons or learn to fly a plane. The point is, if you don’t live a little, life really will pass you by.
Cover photo: http://www.dailymail.co.uk
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