Traveling is a great way to explore the world and make memories that will last a lifetime. However, as exciting as it can be, it can also be hard to keep up with your oral health. With different climates, foods, and water, it can be challenging to maintain the same level of oral care that you would at home. But no matter where you go, staying on top of your oral health is essential. From packing the right items to visiting your dentist, here are some crucial tips for keeping your smile healthy and happy while traveling.

Pack a new toothbrush

If you are on a long trip, you should bring an extra toothbrush. This is because bacteria and toothpaste can build up on your toothbrush quickly if you do not change it. This is especially important if you have braces or use retainers, as you may have more bacteria build-up due to the brackets. Keeping your toothbrush in a case for prolonged periods can speed up bacterial growth, so ensure you always have a spare and you keep your toothbrush clean and dry at all times.

From packing the right items to visiting your dentist, here are some crucial tips for keeping on top of your oral health & keeping your smile happy while traveling.
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Take fluoride toothpaste with you.

If you want to be extra careful with staying on top of your oral health while traveling, consider bringing your own toothpaste. Taking your current fluoride toothpaste from home ensures you are still getting the right level of protection rather than worrying if different countries and locations use the same amount of fluoride and the same quality as you are used to. The same goes for floss and mouthwash if you use it too.

Avoid overly sugary foods and drinks.

Avoid eating excessive amounts of foods with added sugar, such as cookies, pastries, and candy, as tempting as they can be while you are away. This may seem obvious, but it’s easy to forget to limit your sugar intake while traveling. Instead, opt for water or sparkling water and low-sugar drinks such as unsweetened tea. Not only will this help preserve your oral health but also your physical health and energy levels.

Pack chewing gum for flights or long journeys

If you are taking a long flight or journey, chewing gum may be a helpful tool for staying on top of your oral health. This is because chewing gum can increase the flow of saliva, which can help clean your teeth and gums. It can also help reduce the risk of dry mouth caused by dry cabin air too.

Visit your dentist before you leave.

Visiting your dentist before you leave is essential. Book an appointment in plenty of time so you can get any treatment or even advice from your dentist before you travel. This will allow you to ensure there are no issues within your mouth you need to have treatment for or that it will cause a problem during your travels.

Now you have a Reason to Smile

When traveling, staying on top of your oral health is essential. This may be easier said than done, especially if you travel for an extended period or to a less developed country. But with these tips, you can stay on top of your oral health while traveling. 

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The post Staying on Top of Your Oral Health When Traveling appeared first on The Bucket List Project.

Traveling can certainly be a life changing experience, providing you with some amazing memories that you won’t forget any time soon. However, it’s fair to say that there are countless travel failures that can also be bad for your overall health and fitness. Whether it’s losing your muscle mass or falling victim to low energy levels, travel can certainly have a negative effect on your health.  

So, it’s important that you make fitness an important aspect of your adventure. Fortunately, learning how to stay fit while you travel doesn’t have to be as difficult as you might initially imagine. There are many simple steps that you can follow to remain as active and healthy as possible, no matter where you might be! 

Eat A Balanced Diet

First and foremost, it’s essential that you can take the opportunity to eat a balanced diet. This is especially true if you want to stand any chance of staying fit while you travel. It’s all too tempting to give in and indulge in some of the many tasty (yet unhealthy) foods that you find when traveling. From freshly fried sugared donuts to greasy burgers piled high with melted cheese, these food items will no doubt have a tremendously negative impact on your health and well-being. 

Regularly consuming fast food and processed junk will not provide your body and mind with the vitamins and minerals that they need to thrive. You will soon fall victim to energy crashes from the excessive sugar, as well as lethargy from high carbohydrate dishes. You’re also likely to gain considerable weight if you are continually consuming unhealthy foods while you are travelling. So, focus on eating a balanced diet for the sake of your fitness levels and well-being as a whole! 

We all love to travel but sometimes it can also be bad for your overall health! From unhealthy foods to a lack of sleep, it's easy to lose control. But it doesn’t have to be hard if to remain active & healthy! Discover how!
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Make The Most Of Native Produce

Traveling provides you with the perfect opportunity to try out a host of different fruits, vegetables and other healthy items that you may not be able to find at home, as there are countless unique native varieties that you can eat whenever you jet to a new location. You can have a delicious Vesuvio tomato salad in Naples, drink some glorious English apple juice or even enjoy some colorful tropical fruit as you island hop around the Bahamas. The more healthy, fresh and natural food that you can consume while you travel, the better your chances of staying fit and well. 

Don’t Forget About Exercise 

Although you may not want to work out when you’re feeling unfit, it’s vital to stay healthy. You may get too involved in your relaxing vacation experience and simply ignore any kind of physical activity while you lounge by the pool or chill out on the beach. However, the less exercise you do, the less energy that you’re likely to have!

Thankfully there are so many amazing opportunities to exercise that you can explore whenever you’re traveling anywhere in the world. For example, rather than just sitting by the pool or lounging by the ocean, why not dive straight in? Swimming is a great exercise that will work your whole body. It boosts the health of your lungs and heart too. Plus, it can be so much fun splashing around in the water with your pals or family. Another brilliant idea that you can likely get involved in is hiking or walking. You can easily hike on an established trail. Or if you want some more challenging terrain, go off road – just make sure you don’t forget to bring a map!

Inner City Workouts

Just because you’re in an inner-city location doesn’t mean your exercise plan has to go out of the window. You can easily sign up to a gym membership that allows you to visit any location within their brand of gyms and fitness centers. Just make sure you don’t forget your pre workout by Steel Supplements. As a great pre workout formula can give you the energy you need to take your exercise session to a whole new level. Try to exercise for around 30-60 minutes per day to keep your fitness levels up while you travel! 

Make Sleep A Priority

Partying until the early hours is likely part and parcel of your travel experience. But if you want to stay fit then you need to try to get at least 7 hours of rest each night. Making sleep one of your main priorities while you’re traveling may seem a little silly. But you need to sleep well for good health and fitness. Otherwise, you’re also going to feel tired, groggy and likely uninterested in your travels if you don’t get enough sleep!

Lots of things can stop you from sleeping well no matter where you may be. Sometimes it is the fatty or spicy foods that you ate that cause you to toss and turn with discomfort. While for many travelers it is something as simple as the thin curtains on your hotel windows that let all of the light in. Another issue that contributes to poor sleep is something as simples as bad.

But by following a few simple steps, you can combat poor sleep.

Start out by leaving your phone out of sight before bed. This will stop the artificial blue light from affecting your natural body clock. Next, consider making a smart investment in a sleep mask or other similar accessory. This will allow you to block out any sunshine invading your room.

Remember, the goal is to get between 7 and 9 hours of sleep each night while you travel. That way you are far more likely to wake up feeling as fit as a fiddle! 

How Do You To Stay Fit While You Travel?

Staying as fit as can be while you travel has never been such a simple task. But when you make it a priority, there is no question that you can reap the benefits. But how do you stay fit while you travel? Are there tools or resources you utilize to keep you both eating well and staying physically fit? Let us know how you stay fit while you travel & help inspire others in the comments below!

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A vacation can be the perfect time to challenge yourself and push your own boundaries. It’s a time when you are out of your regular routine, so you can try something new, meet new people, and do things you wouldn’t usually have time for. In this blog post, we are going to take a look at 5 ways how a vacation can help you to push your boundaries. Check it out and read on if you want to find out more.

Travel alone

One of the best ways to push your boundaries is to travel alone. When you travel alone, you let go of your insecurities and go out of your comfort zone. When you travel alone, you learn to be self-reliant and independent. When you travel alone, you meet new people, step outside of your comfort zone, and push forward. When traveling alone, you see the world for what it is, not what you expect it to be.

A trip is the perfect time to get outside of your comfort zone and challenge yourself. Discover the many ways a vacation can help you push your own boundaries & how it can help you grow!
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Do something that scares you

Another way to push your boundaries while on vacation is to do something that scares you. When you do something that scares you, you challenge yourself and force yourself out of your comfort zone. It is when you do something that scares you that you grow. You learn more about yourself and become a better person. Whether visiting new places, trying new experiences, or taking part in different activities such as paragliding, scuba diving or swimming in the ocean, make sure you research your activity beforehand, so you know what to expect and how to keep yourself safe. Expert articles such as this one written by Jerome Clavel can be beneficial.

Volunteer

When you go on vacation, you should consider volunteering. Volunteering is a great way to push your boundaries and help others simultaneously. When you volunteer, you learn more about the world around you, meet different people, and learn more about yourself. When you volunteer while on vacation, you experience the feeling of truly helping others. You get to know the people you are helping and see their gratitude. You learn that helping others is what truly makes us happy. By volunteering, you can realize that giving is better than receiving. Not only do you help others, but you also help yourself. You become a better person, and you gain more self-confidence.

Learn the language

If you are going to a country where the language isn’t your own, consider learning the language. For example, if you are going to Spain, take the time to find the best way to learn Spanish. Learning the language of the country you are visiting will help you get to know the culture and the people better. You can try new food, see new sights, and make new friends. Plus, you learn more about yourself and become a better person. Plus, learning a new language forces, you out of your comfort zone. It is a challenge that most people aren’t willing to take on. But if you take it on and succeed, you will see yourself in a new light.

Live like the locals.

You can also try living like the locals when you are on vacation. When you live like the locals, you learn more about the culture, traditions, and history of the place you are visiting. Living like the locals, you are forced out of your comfort zone. You have to use the transportation that locals use, eat the food that locals eat, and learn to act as the locals do. When you live like the locals and push yourself out of your comfort zone, you experience so much more than if you just visit their country. 

So don’t let anything stop you from getting one of the Car Rentals available and traveling off the beaten path next time you’re on a trip. Living like a local may sound scary at first, but at the end of the day, it may just be the most enriching trip you’ve ever had. Anyone can go see the Eiffel Tower but getting to see a hidden beach tucked away from the rest of the world is something you’ll carry with you forever.

Push Your Boundaries

So, as you can see, there are many ways a vacation can help you push your own boundaries. But what are some ways you have challenged yourself while on vacation? Are there some aspects of travel that have made you uncomfortable at first but led to an amazing experience? Let us know in the comments below how a recent trip or vacation helped you push your boundaries!

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The post 5 Ways How a Vacation Can Help You to Push Your Boundaries appeared first on The Bucket List Project.

Travelling is a great way to see new places, make friends from diverse backgrounds, and discover new things about the world around you. But it can also be a great way to become a better person. Many psychology studies have shown that being exposed to new environments, people, and cultures can help you become a more stable and independent individual. And being around positive people who encourage you to grow can be the best way to do that. Travelling can help you become a better person because it gives you the opportunity to see things from new perspectives. Even if you’re not the most social, there are always ways to be more outgoing. The following are ways to be a better person by taking travel lessons to heart.

1) It Can Provide a New Perspective

One of the best reasons to become a better person while travelling is the fact that it gives you a new perspective. You might discover a new hobby that you never had before, or you might meet people who have completely different views on life. For example, when you go to a different country, learning about their culture can be super interesting. You can also live in a different city or a different state and see things from a new angle. You might be surprised at how bad stereotypes are and how different a person can be from the way they are portrayed in the media. Even if you aren’t quick to judge or don’t hold a strong bias, it’s incredible to have the realities of different ways of life measured against your own preconceived notions.

Travelling is a great way to see new places, make friends, & discover new things about the world. But it can also be a great way to not only become a better person but a smarter worker! #RemoteJobs #WorkAbroad #WorkRemotely
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2) It Can Challenge Your Self-Consciousness

One of the biggest obstacles to becoming a better person is self-consciousness. It’s something everyone faces at some point in their lives, and it can be really hard to overcome. When you don’t meet people who make you feel awkward, you might be really self-conscious. That’s why it’s so important to challenge yourself and meet people who make you feel uncomfortable. One of the easiest ways to work through those feelings is to learn a new language in a foreign country. The inevitable awkwardness of those early interactions will teach you an incredible amount and show how willing most people are to help you through weird interactions.

3) It Can Make You a Better Employee 

One of the best ways to become a better person is to be open to new ideas and new people. That’s why travelling is such a great skill set to have. You can meet all sorts of people who have different views and experiences on the world, and you can learn a lot from them. Your job is to listen to different people and understand their lives and their problems differently. It’s important to be open-minded, humble, and humble. You might not have all the answers, but it’s important to give your work some respect. It is also practical help. The technologies and organization required to execute a significant trip abroad are applicable in almost every workplace. Once you spend a year on another continent, coworkers back home will be on you for travel tips after asking what’s “system data”?

4) It Can Show You That It’s Okay to Fail

Perhaps one of the most interesting ways travel makes you a better person is that it shows you that it is okay to fail! That is because, when you are outside of your normal routine or environment anything could happen. So, with unexpected variables or unknowns, you are bound to mess up. I mean who here hasn’t gotten lost on a metro or train at least once in a foreign place? But that is okay! Your failure could lead to success by teaching you to slow down, ask for help, or just simply try again. 

So as you can see, Travel is a great way to become a better person. It can help you meet new people, challenge your self-consciousness, help you become a better employee, or just simply teach you how to fail. But what are some reasons why you think Travel makes you a better person? Do you think travel improves your employees abilities? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

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The post How Travel Makes You a Better Person and a Smarter Worker appeared first on The Bucket List Project.

It has been around a decade since the working world has seen a significant transition, with a rising number of employees now completing all of their tasks online. These individuals do not have to report to an office and can operate from virtually any location as long as they have access to a reliable internet connection. This has resulted in a rise in the number of digital nomads or those who work from anywhere in the globe on a freelance basis.

It is a fantastic sounding phrase, is not it? Having a family and other obligations, on the other hand, might make things a bit more difficult. Although it seems unlikely, it is not impossible! The fact that the children enjoy a long summer holiday from school encourages many adults who have the opportunity to go on a longer trip, and who can blame them? In this section, we will look at how you can still work remotely while traveling and be productive at your job.

You should use caution while deciding where to go

A lot of individuals will physically drop a pin on a map or spin a globe to decide where they will go on their next trip and then travel to that location. You must, however, use greater caution while dealing with children and your job responsibilities. You will need a somewhere with an internet connection, but there are lots of activities to do in the area for the whole family or your other travel companions as well. For example, if you have a tight deadline to meet, perhaps they can go and visit some of Illinois’ fabulous attractions and you can meet up with them a little later when you have finished. If you want to vacation somewhere warm, the beach is typically an excellent choice. You should also consider any visa and paperwork requirements, especially if you want to stay in the country for an extended period of time. 

With a little bit of planning & preparation, some self-discipline & creativity, Discover how you can still work remotely while traveling and be productive at your job! #WorkRemote #LaptopLifestyle
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Make sure you leave everything in its proper place at home.

Despite the fact that you are enjoying the time of your life this summer, remember that your responsibilities at home will not cease simply because you are not in the country. Consequently, you should take care to verify that everything is in working order before leaving for the summer vacation. Inform your bank that you will be leaving the country by speaking with them directly.

Inform your insurance providers, as well as your landlord if you are renting a home, that you will be out of the country for a prolonged length of time. Organize mail redirection procedures. Always double-check that you have enough cash on hand to cover all of your direct deposit payments. If everything at home is running smoothly, you will be able to completely appreciate your time spent in a new location.

Keep in mind that you must put in your time.

While it is tempting to get carried away by all of the excitement that a new environment has to offer, it is important to remember that you must also put in some effort. As a consequence, you will want to concentrate on gaining some self-control so that you can really complete your tasks successfully. Make a flexible timetable and find a quiet place to sit and work where you can escape from the rest of the world. Even a dressing table in a hotel room may be converted into a working space.  For example, if you have a tight deadline to meet, perhaps the other people you have traveled with can go and visit some of the fabulous Illinois attractions and you can meet up with them a little later when you have finished.

Be prepared for things to go wrong

Things may and will go wrong at various points throughout life. All of your normal work-related stressors will not just disappear because you are not in your usual working environment; rather, it is how you cope with them that is the most significant factor.

Working remotely has never been so easy, and it makes it much easier to do things that you love such as travel at the same time. It takes a little bit of planning and preparation, some self-discipline and creativity but you can do the two things at the same time. Good luck!

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The post How You Can Still Work Remotely While Traveling appeared first on The Bucket List Project.

This decade has gotten off to a rocky start so far, for reasons that we need not go into right now, because you already understand. Such a large societal shift like this can cause us all to lose our direction for a little while, allowing bad habits to build, and sometimes, leaving us with a sense of dismay.

That said, tomorrow always brings new hope, and new potential to be actualized. For this reason, making 2022 the year of resolutions kept and goals achieved could be a great way to revivify your spirit, and look forward to the future with confidence.

A great way to get there is to focus on an art, discipline or skill that helps us feel better and allows our daily life to be structured in a worthwhile way. We believe that fitness is a great prerequisite for all that and more. In this post, then, we’ll discuss how to make 2022 the year of your personal fitness, how to avoid falling into traps, and how to undo some of the indulgences of the festive period after the fact.

Without further ado, let’s get started:

What Goals Do You Have?

Of course, if you’re going to build momentum, it’s important to know which direction you hope to go in. Setting some goals for the new year automatically gives you structure when it comes to fitness. Otherwise, you may find yourself attending the gym, moving from machine to machine and never really making any progress or keeping your workouts consistent.

The good thing about having goals is that you can design them based on your capabilities right now. For some people, simply being able to walk for an hour is of major benefit. Someone reading this may have suffered and injury and by consequence mobility issues in the last year, and so being able to walk unaided for a certain amount of time might be top of their list, before any ideas of bodybuilding or training cardio comes into the picture.

For some, just getting to exercise again is a goal. For that reason, programs like ‘Couch 2 5k’ can be helpful, as they provide you an incremental means of getting fitter and healthier via planning your cardio sessions ahead of time. Make your goals smart, realistic, manageable, and write them down. Also, give yourself a deadline. Perhaps this month, you hope to attend the gym three times a week for an hour each to get the ball rolling. 

With a little effort & focus, discover how you can make 2022 the year of personal fitness in order to feel healthier and more confident as a result. #NewYearsResolution #HealthierYou #GetInShape
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Consider A Practice You’d Like To Follow

When you set your goals, you can then move on to think about the best method of achieving those. When you hope to get in shape, there are many methods, technique and practices to follow. 

For instance, it might be that you wish to improve your cardiovascular conditioning but have joint issues or would rather not inflame your knees. Swimming, then, might be the best option for you, as even aggressive swimming through the water won’t harm or cause thudding responses to the use of said joints in a natural movement. There’s almost no exercise more ergonomic than suspending yourself in water, after all.

For some, hiking is important as Covid restrictions temporarily hit the gym. For others, old-school work such as having kettlebells in their outdoor training area as well as hitting tires with a sledgehammer is key. Depending on your goals, it’s best to consider all the practices available, but make sure not to overtrain.

Preparing Yourself Accordingly

Investing in the equipment and accessories you may need to get the best out of your fitness is key. This can also provide more of a financial incentive to get your money’s worth, and to actually attend your fitness sessions.

Purchasing a good water flask/bottle can keep you hydrated, wearing Nike fitness gear can allow you to be athletic without restricted movement, and the correct footwear can help you run properly. For some people, specialist footwear may be needed to counteract the effects of low arches, for example.

Depending on your discipline, certain investments may need to be had. Specialist weightlifting shoes provide more of a solid platform to lift from, for instance, while chalk, an armband to hold a smartphone, or a swimming cap may be key for other disciplines.

Plan Your Routine

It’s important to know the difference between exercise and training. Exercise is generally known as a workout you repeat in order to get your activity for the day. Training is a focused approach that improves you incrementally, allowing you to improve at whatever is put in front of you.

Planning your routine is the first step for getting that right. Let’s say you’re weightlifting or cycling using the high-quality stationary bikes at the local gym. When you walk into that space, it’s important to know exactly what you’ll be doing that session. This can help you avoid waiting around or simply making things up as you go and will aid you in seeing how you’ve progressed. Of course, this is only true if you:

Track Your Progress

It’s very important to make sure you keep notes about your performance during every workout. After all, it’s better to lift light weights now and make sure that your form is correct. Then you can work on increasing very slowly and incrementally over the weeks, then simply lifting too much to satiate a sense of ego.

When you track your progress, you can more readily see how you’ve been improving, or slow things down a little if you find you’re pushing too hard. Over time, you will be able to see just which exercises you’ve been excelling at, and which are very difficult to keep up with. Such an approach can help you feel much more confident in yourself. Plus, it will give you a perfect record of your achievements thus far. That’s certainly worth celebrating and can motivate your future progress.

With this advice, we believe you’ll be able to make 2022 your year of personal fitness. So, here is to a year of feeling healthier and more confident as a result.

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The post Here’s How To Make 2022 The Year Of Personal Fitness appeared first on The Bucket List Project.

It might not sound as big and adventurous as, say, bungy jumping or climbing Mount Everest, but if a sewing project is on your bucket list, it is still important to get off on the right foot. If you have never completed a big sewing project, it can be difficult to know where to begin. This guide is here to help by helping you learn all you need to know in order to successfully start a new sewing project.

Purchase the Right Equipment

The first step that you will need to take when it comes to starting your first sewing project is to purchase the right equipment. Having the right equipment will ensure that you are not going to run into any unnecessary and time-consuming problems later down the line. Some essential equipment you will need when you are starting your first sewing project include:

• Fabric scissors
• A tape measure
• A ruler
• A pin holder
• Chalk or a washable marker
• Fabric
• Thread

There is, of course, other equipment that you might need, such as a seam gauge or a needle threader, but this will depend upon your needs and the particular project you are undertaking.

There is a lot to know when starting a sewing project. But getting prepared can save you headaches & perhaps a few less stitches. Discover a few tips to successfully start your first sewing project. #LearnToSew #SewingProject
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Choose The Right Pattern

Once you have all the necessary equipment in place, the next step that you will need to take is to choose the right pattern. There are many considerations you will need to make when you are choosing a sewing pattern. Firstly, you will need to think about the level of complexity of the project. You don’t want to undertake a too difficult project, as this will limit your ability to successfully complete the work. You will also need to think about the end product, after all, sewing can take time, and if you are not excited about the end outcome, you might find it hard to motivate yourself to finish.

Practice First

If you are completely new to sewing, it is usually a good idea to practice before you dive straight into a new project. As GST explains, sewing can initially be a challenge, especially if you are using a new machine. Practicing techniques with some scraps of cheap fabric can make your life much easier when you are sewing your pattern pieces.

Triple Check Your Measurements

Many people rush the pattern cutting part of the project because they are so eager to start sewing. While it can be tempting to rush the cutting part of the project, this can be a serious disadvantage later on. You should make sure to cut all of your pattern pieces carefully to ensure you are not making any mistakes that might cause serious issues later.

You should measure and remeasure all of your pieces to ensure they are going to be suitable when you have finished the project. If you are sewing clothing, it is vital that you remember to factor in a seam allowance to ensure you are not inadvertently cutting pieces that are too small to be wearable.

What Will Be Your First Sewing Project

As you can see, there can be a lot you need to know in order to successfully start your first sewing project. But getting prepared properly can save you a lot of time, headaches, and perhaps a few less stitches. Plus it will be so worth it as you harness your creativity to build something all your own. So what do you plan on creating with your first sewing project? Are you using sewing as a way to release stress or increase self-esteem? Either way, let us know in the comments below what your first sewing project is going to be so we can follow your adventure too!

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The post How To Start Your First Sewing Project appeared first on The Bucket List Project.

Traveling can often inspire us to think about making changes to our lives. While some people choose to explore more and spend as much time traveling as possible, others may think about relocating to a different city, state or country. So if you are toying with the idea of a long-distance move, here are some pros and cons to consider. 

The pros of a long-distance move

Moving house is often viewed as a stressful experience, but it can also be an exhilarating adventure. Whether you’re considering relocating overseas, or you’re looking at the possibility of cross country moving, putting down roots in a different place can create all kinds of opportunities. If you move, you can discover new places, think about changing your job, meet new people and even embrace a completely new kind of lifestyle. Perhaps you’re now finding city life exhausting and you crave tranquility by the sea, or you want to swap a rural neighborhood for urban adventures, for example. Relocating can help you to realize dreams and enjoy a healthier work-life balance, and it’s also an excellent way to get out of a rut and get more out of life. 

On a practical level, moving can also prove lucrative if you’re thinking about exploring a new career path, or you want to expand your skill set. It may also provide you with experiences that will benefit you later in life, for example, learning new languages or working in different environments and settings. 

Are you considering a long-distance move? Moving can be a great bucket list adventure. But if you are toying with the idea of a long-distance move, here are some pros and cons to consider! #MovingAbroad #ExpatLife
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The cons of moving long-distance

Many people will approach moving house with a sense of excitement, but others will dread going through the motions of packing and unpacking and tying up loose ends to work through a seemingly never-ending to-do list. If you’re in the second camp, the thought of organizing a move to a different region or country may be daunting, and it might be enough to put you off the idea. If you are worried about relocating because you think it’s going to be too stressful, there are ways to keep stress at bay. Hire a removals firm, ask friends and family to help you pack, make a list of tasks to get through in advance, give yourself plenty of time and organize your stuff so that it’s easy to pack and label boxes. 

In addition to the stress of moving, another downside that may be a concern is bidding farewell to friends, relatives and neighbors. It’s natural to feel sad about leaving loved ones behind, but it is easier than ever to stay in touch. You can email, chat and make calls online and use video calls to see each other regularly even if you’re hundreds or thousands of miles apart.

So is it time to pack up?

Are you considering a long-distance move? If so, it’s a great idea to weigh up the pros and cons of staying and moving before you make a decision. Moving can be an adventure and it often creates opportunities, but it can also be stressful and you may miss the people you’re leaving behind. Take your time to make a decision and think about which route would be best for you. 

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The post Considering A Long-Distance Move? The Pros And Cons appeared first on The Bucket List Project.

There is a famous quote that says, “You learn more from failure than from success. Don’t let it stop you. Failure builds character.” Boy does this ring true for us! In this day and age of polished Instagram photos and amazing stories on blogs and other platforms, we often only see the positive side to a story. But there are many benefits of failure. In fact, when chasing the numerous items on our bucket list we have found that failure is good. That is because in all the stupid mistakes we have made chasing various bucket list items something remarkable happened. We Learned! 

So grab your first aid kit & get ready to laugh as we share how failure leads to success by highlighting the many bloopers we have had chasing items on our bucket list. Hopefully, by admitting our faults, mistakes, and failures you too will learn so you can avoid these pitfalls as well.

Our Travel Failures that led to Success

When it comes to tackling travel bucket list items, preparation is always key! But everyone prepares differently. For example, we are more outliners. We like to have a good idea of where we are going and what we like to do but we don’t detail every aspect of our travel. Don’t get us wrong, we love the freedom of not being scheduled. But by being a bit loosey-goosey it has created a few problems while traveling. However, each time our failure led to success because we learned and improved. So what kind of travel fails have we had? Let’s dive into it.

Grab your first aid kit & get ready to laugh as we share how failure leads to success by highlighting the many bloopers we have had chasing the items on the Bucket List Project! #Failure #NeverGiveUp #AlwaysLearning
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1) We have chosen some lousy destinations

The Fail:

For those of you who know us, you know we love exploring great literary spots around the world. So we were very excited to see and hang out at The Petit Poucet in Casablanca. For those who don’t know this cafe was once where Saint-Exupéry, the French author of The Little Prince used to spend time between mail flights across the Sahara drinking with Albert Camus. But now no one there seems to care or honor that history.

We were also pretty disappointed when we visited Barranquilla! Don’t get us wrong, if you show up to this large city during Carnival you will witness one of Colombia’s most important folkloric celebrations, and one of the biggest carnivals in the world according to UNESCO. But when we arrived there was NOTHING happening in the massive city. Even our hotel hosts wondered why on earth we were visiting their city in April.

How this Failure Leads to Success:  

While these destinations were a complete disappointment they didn’t take away from our travel experiences. I mean to be fair, nothing could disappoint us about Casablanca since that is where we got engaged. But, when the main reason for visiting is a bust, you can either rue in disappointment or adapt. So for us, we learned to adapt and find something else to do which led to some fun experiences.

2) We have not packed well

The Fail: 

Nowadays we try to be minimalists when packing but it was not always this way. If you have read our review on the one bag travel system by Journey System then you saw us toting around a gigantic suitcase across all of the United Kingdom. See we thought that if we packed all of our gear together in 1 large suitcase it would not only be easier but save us tons of money on bag fees. But though it may have saved us a few dollars it was an absolute nightmare to drag around the old cobblestone roads of Scotland and England.

We have also failed to pack properly for the weather. For example, driving into Jaisalmer during the Rickshaw Run, we were freezing. This is because we had forgotten to pack warm clothes. So as we raced to the finish line, we were wearing everything we had packed, just to stay warm.

How this Failure Leads to Success: 

After nearly throwing out my back carrying around tons of clothes, we knew something had to change. We realized that though we want to be prepared for different weather issues and certain events, we need to learn to pack better so we can be prepared without extra items. So first we learned about ways to pack for the different environments we were possibly visiting. Then, we discovered the Journey System minimalist backpack and other bags which would allow us to carry all of our gear better and more efficiently.

3) ERIC often forgets to put on Sunscreen

The Fail: 

Perhaps one of the biggest travel fails that I have is getting sunburned while traveling. Likely, this is because growing up, I rarely got sunburned and never developed a good habit of lathering up. There is also something to be said about always backpacking outdoors, hiking in open areas with no real protection. But to be honest, there is no excuse for not taking better care of my skin. 

How this Failure Leads to Success: 

Now, I like my tan complexion. But to be honest, as I am getting older, this constant abuse of my skin and especially my face is worrisome. Plus, we all know that sunburns can lead to serious issues. In fact, according to the National Cancer Institute, 33,000 adults get sunburned every year so bad that they require emergency room visits. Plus, these burns can lead to future skin cancer or worse, melanoma, which is the deadliest form of skin cancer. So, to prevent future damage, I have become an avid user of Banana Boat Ultra Sport Sunscreen Travel Pack.

4) We have not planned well for ground transportation

The Fail: 

Perhaps one of the biggest travel fails we have is forgetting to plan out our ground transportation. I know this sounds silly. But more often than not, we have arrived at our destination airport with no clue how to get to our hotel. If you can imagine, we are sitting by the luggage carousel when suddenly we realize we have no idea if this city has Uber, a Metro, or a bus system.

This lack of planning also rears its ugly head when we go adventuring. For example, there have been several times when we spent the day at the beaches near Santa Marta or ended up exploring The Great Buddha sitting atop Nakkerd Hill in Phuket and realized we had no clue how to get back to our home base. In most cases, it was a bit nerve-racking.

How this Failure Leads to Success: 

We have made this mistake so often now, you might think that I love to fail. But, with each situation, we have followed a few simple steps to find success. First, we relax. There is no reason to panic or stress out because that just makes the situation worse. Secondly, we have learned to ask for help. Inevitably, people are good and will help you find a way back home. Now of course you should always be cautious and safe. But, we have learned by asking for help that often there may be options like a metro, taxis, Uber, tuk-tuks, collectivos, or even the occasional farm truck that will be glad to give you a ride to your destination.

Hot Tip: We truly feel that most places in the world are safe. However, as in any place you travel please use common sense and stay to main areas while exploring. We also strongly recommend that you consider getting Travel Insurance from World Nomads. It is a simple and flexible insurance to keep you safe while participating in any wild adventure.

Adventure Experience Failures that led to Success

Perhaps the easiest bucket list category to experience failure is your Adventure Activities & Experiences list. This is because more often than not, many of these items rely on physical ability which we may just not have. Now that doesn’t give you a pass to not give it the old college try. But, you need to be prepared because your goal may require a lot of training, effort, practice, and ultimately a little luck.  So is failure good when you strike out attempting an adventure activity or experience? We think so.

1) Eric can’t seem to Kiteboard

The Fail:

I remember the first time I saw kiteboarders cruising around Fort Walton Beach, Florida. It was back in the late 1990s and an outfit known as XL Kites had a van parked on the bay with a group learning how to float their kites. I was immediately awestruck and knew I had to try it. So, my mom bought me lessons and I learned the basics of launching and body dragging. But when it came to putting the board on my feet and actually surfing, I FAILED. I pretty much dragged around the bay face first, drinking up all the saltwater Florida had to offer. 

How this Failure Leads to Success:  

Of course, the scenario above was my first time so that was okay. I mean sports like that are not easy to learn. But I had to make some hard decisions and clarify my commitment to Kiteboarding. So a few months later, I took my savings and bought a board, a Cabrinha Switchblade kite, and a full rig set up. With my new gear, I would practice in Lake Pontchartrain, & the beaches of Gulfport. Often I would return to the XL Kites gang in Fort Walton and ask for help. To further my skills (or at least try to) I even spent a week in Tobago with the Radical Sports Tobago Kiteboarding School.

Now, I have to be honest, I still can’t stand on the board and kite at the same time. Even the guys at Radical Sports Tobago were a bit confused by my lack of ability. Though they were impressed by how much of the Caribbean Sea I could drink without drowning. But through all of this failure, my dream didn’t fade. Maybe it is because I love watching the graceful soaring of other kiteboarders or maybe it is because I am stubborn. But I know that hopefully with continued practice, I will succeed.

2) We can’t catch the Northern Lights

The Fail:

Have you ever felt like Eeyore with a raincloud overhead? I am not going to lie, I feel like that every time I go hunting the Northern Lights! Not because seeing the Aurora Borealis is depressing in any way. No, the fail comes in that even if the forecast of the location & intensity of the aurora is supposed to be perfect, by the time I get out there, a sudden stream of clouds appears. REALLY. This has happened to me in my attempt to see the Northern Lights in Iceland, Alaska, Northern Wyoming, & other places.

How this Failure Leads to Success:  

In order for this failure to lead to success, I had to first accept that the weather is out of my control. It seems pretty obvious but that doesn’t mean I can’t hedge my bets to find success. So in order to increase my odds of seeing the Northern Lights, I learned to research better by visiting sites like NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center or the Aurora Hunter. So, with a little luck, planning, and a whole lot of patience, we will finally witness the magical display of lights, someday.

3) We have had run-ins with the law

The Fail:

When we sign up for different activities or adventures around the world, in no way do we ever attempt anything illegal. But that doesn’t mean we haven’t had issues with law enforcement or security forces. For example, while taking on the wild adventure of driving a tuk-tuk across India, Darcee actually got us stopped by the Indian Police! At first, we assumed they thought we stole the tuk-tuk or maybe Darcee was speeding (if that is even possible in that glorified lawnmower). But in reality, he just wanted to say hi and see if we had a $1.00 U.S. bill since had never seen one ever.

Now in Liechtenstein, things were a little different. Essentially the Swiss Guard came down on Eric after he accidentally tried to illegally re-enter the Schatzkammer which is the Princes of Liechtenstein’s Private Collection of treasures. 

How this Failure Leads to Success:  

When it comes to your failures, we truly hope that none of them require the assistance of law enforcement. But if they do, we have learned to always approach the situation respectfully and even with some positivity. For example, with all the things to do in Liechtenstein, being surrounded by armed guards shouldn’t be high on anyone’s list. But, accidents happen. So by being calm, respectful, and most importantly, apologetic, all was forgiven within moments.

4) We have bitten off more than we could chew

The Fail:

I vividly remember staring at the distance sign at the start of my pilgrimage along the Camino de Santiago from St. Jean Pied de Port in France to Santiago de Compostela, Spain. For those who don’t use the metric system, 790 kilometers is roughly 491 miles. Wait, what? That is like walking from New Orleans to Epcot Center in Orlando, Florida but with mountains in the middle! Plus, I was doing it alone and only had a guidebook and painted arrows on random walls and rocks to guide me. The start of the pilgrimage definitely filled me with a bit of doubt.

Another time I felt a bit overwhelmed is in preparation for our Climbing Devil’s Tower for ALS. I mean what kind of crazy person volunteers to climb 867 feet (265 m) from base to summit, with a summit 5,112 feet above sea level? I know it is for an amazing cause but I am not as young as I used to be.

How this Failure Leads to Success:  

Well with the Camino, I realized that my only way home was from Portugal, so no matter what, I had to head that direction. It was then that I realized that if I started to walk and either struggled, decided I didn’t like it, or flat out failed, that was okay. This is because I knew that I could always stop and catch a train or another way back. Now I know that this type of “safety net” thought seems a bit like a way out. But to be honest, sometimes people just need to know there are alternatives or a plan B to make them feel comfortable. 

Another thing I have learned that has lead to success is how to gather your support team. When you are taking on a bucket list item that seems a bit overwhelming, you have to stop and look for help. Inevitably, there are others walking that same trail or climbing that same mountain that share similar fears, challenges, or concerns. It is in those moments that you can find strength to accomplish your goals by doing it together! In many of our successes, we have made great friends who won with us!

Personal Growth Failures that lead to Success

Dr. Norman Vincent Peale, author of The Power of Positive Thinking, once shared, “Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.” I personally love this quote because sometimes it is often hard to relay the benefits of failure to those who only see one final goal. Don’t get me wrong, when it comes to pursuing your bucket list dreams, we want you to keep your eyes on the big prize. But there are so many great and positive side effects to failure especially with items on your personal growth bucket list. Let’s explore a few of our failures that lead to success.

1) I still can’t see my 6 pack abs

The Fail:

I can still remember the feeling of ripping my “fat boy” pants in the parking lot getting out of my car. See back in 2009, I was FAT! I was always husky but that summer as seen in the pic above on the left, I maxed out my 5’8″ frame to a weight of 245lbs. So, rather than buying new suit pants for my job, the year before I had gone to Walmart and bought a pair of those cheaply made black slacks with the elastic band. I mean I didn’t want to buy new expensive pants when I already had some and I could “easily” lose the weight. But I hadn’t. So one day, as I was getting out of my car to visit a client, my cheap Walmart pants tore at the elastic band because I pushed them to the max. It was too much and at the moment, #5) See my 6 Pack was added to my Personal Growth Bucket List.

How this Failure Leads to Success:

Now I will be honest, I thought I would have had a 6 pack by now. I mean that was 11 years ago. But I barely have some details of a 4 pack at times – usually near the summer months. However, that is okay because even though I have yet to get shredded, I still found great success.

You see, in this pursuit for the ideal physique, I still lost nearly 90lbs and have maintained that 157lb weight for over 10 years. Now, it wasn’t easy and I learned that there isn’t 1 way that works for everyone. In fact, I probably have tried about 5 different eating lifestyles and over 45 different workout plans. But I never lost commitment to my goal and my health.

2) I still can’t fluently speak Spanish

The Fail:

So I don’t have many regrets about the choices I have made. But one of the biggest regrets I do have is not studying Spanish more as a kid. My mom tried to get me to learn and initially spoke to me in Spanish. But as I became a stubborn teen, I gave up on it and even rebelled by taking French in high school. However, in my pursuit to learn more about my Cuban heritage and travel more, I have attempted many of the best ways to learn Spanish. The only problem is that I am still nowhere near being fluent enough to have a conversation with my Grandmother.

How this Failure Leads to Success:

So, yes I am still a very long way from fluent conversational Spanish with my Cuban family. But, in this failure, I have had some success. For example, I have learned enough to easily tackle basic travel situations. I have long term traveled to Spain, Colombia, Peru and even parts of Morocco and successfully navigated situations speaking Spanish. Plus, in attempting various ways to learn Spanish, I also discovered better ways of learning subjects overall. That way when I take on future personal growth items, I can find the right resources to help me learn.

Failures in Louisiana that led to Success

In Louisiana, we like to say “laissez les bon temps rouler” which means “let the good times roll.” But we have missed the pirogue a few times by not paying attention. Now don’t get me wrong, we don’t take things too seriously or often live by a schedule down here in the Bayou State. But our lack of organization has led to a few failures. So grab your Mom ‘n ‘em and check out some of our major faux pas while chasing our Louisiana Bucket List!

1) We missed the fais-do-do

The Fail:

For those of you who don’t know a fais-do-do (pronounced fay DOUGH DOUGH) is basically a fun Cajun dance party. In general the best ones are based around food, music, and dancing and are found in Breaux Bridge, Louisiana. So when looking for the best fais-do-do, the infamous Cafe Des Amis topped the list. We kept saying that we were going to take the drive over for a fun weekend. I mean it was barely 3 hours away. But sadly due to our hemming and hawing, we missed our chance and it closed in early 2018.

How this Failure Leads to Success:

Cafe Des Amis WAS world-famous for their Saturday Morning Zydeco Breakfast. Visitors were greeted with spicy bloody mary’s and rich Cajun cuisine like eggs with crawfish étouffée. However, the real highlight was when the  Zydeco band started to play encouraging everyone to dance! So, when we realized that we missed our chance it was a big disappointment. But that didn’t deter us. Instead, we asked around, did a little research, and discovered there is a new kid in town, Buck and Johnny’s, that is offering zydeco music, dancing, and a world famous Zydeco Breakfast.

2) We’ve been a wee bit too close to some gators

The Fail:

It a very popular bucket list item to take a swamp tour, visit an alligator farm, or see them in the wild at Rip’s Rookery in New Iberia. So of course, there have been several times where I wanted to show my Wyoming girlfriend, now wife, some true Louisiana gators. But one of the first times I did this we kind of got a bit too close. While walking the lap around Rip’s Rookery on Jefferson Island we came upon several gators sunbathing. By that time, we had already walked all the way around the island and we weren’t sure we should go back. Needless to say, we RAN by them as fast as humanly possible!

How this Failure Leads to Success:

Outside of improving my time in the 40-yard dash, getting too close to alligators made me learn better safety protocols. So we turned to the Louisiana Wildlife & Fisheries website. According to LDWF, most alligators, if left alone, will move on and are generally not a threat to people. However, they do recommend that if you have a close encounter with an alligator, like we did, back away slowly. 

My Failure to Make Amends that led to Success

Asking for forgiveness is HARD! I have often said that my Making Amends Bucket List is easily the hardest list I have created. Perhaps because means I have to not only reach out to those I have hurt but then admit my faults to them. So how can someone fail when trying to say they are sorry? 

1) I haven’t even tried yet

The Fail:

When it comes to making amends, I am a Failure! Why? Because, even though I think about the various people on the list that I have wronged, I have yet to take action. At one point, I tried to find one of the people on my list. But it was a struggle to connect with them and thus I just stopped trying.

How this Failure Leads to Success:

To be honest, it is hard to find success here. Now let me clarify that success will not be measured by obtaining forgiveness from those whom I hurt. Rather, success comes in admitting my faults to the person whom I hurt. Also, when I share here, it not only humbles me but reminds me that I need to try harder. So hopefully my failure leads to success by recommitting myself to try again. 

My Failure to Help Others that led to Success

They say the road to hell is paved with good intentions. But can you actually be a failure when you help others? Maybe. Now don’t get me wrong there is no better way to leave your mark on the world than by finding ways to help others. Plus, there are even studies that helping others can even help you live longer. However, sometimes you might do a bit more harm than good if you don’t plan properly or try to cut corners. 

1) Our Little Library made us ashamed of our-SHELVES

The Fail:

I am not a good carpenter! Not that it is beyond my skill set but I neither have the tools nor the patience to build something with my hands. But that didn’t stop me from wanting to build a Little Library to put out in front of my house. Of course in typical fashion, I had dreams of grandeur of the coolest looking little library packed with books where people would stop by to pick up or share. But rather than buying an official kit from the Little Free Library association, I came up with a “genius” idea to use an old wine crate! Of course, I had great intentions and it all started out great. But having it in New Orleans where it rains all the time or is humid most other days, it all became a big problem. Instead of helping my community with a fun book exchange, my cutting corners lead to a moldy science experiment!  

How this Failure Leads to Success:

Unless the goal was to spread black mold or test the relative breakdown rates of paperback novels, then it is pretty obvious that my little library was a bust. But throughout the whole process, I learned a lot about how to do it better the next time. I realized that if I wanted to create a unique little library for my Irish Channel neighborhood, then I need to figure out how to deal with environmental factors. It also reminded me that there are no short cuts when trying to do something right! Now, this doesn’t mean you can’t do it differently or better, but you have to do it right. Otherwise, you might be sending someone home with a book that even Dr. Who can’t fix.

2) I took my best friend on a Death March

The Fail:

One of my favorite Helping Others Bucket List items is by far #103) Fulfill 1 Bucket List Item for Anyone who helps me with 1 of mine! It is such an amazing feeling when someone gets to tick off a dream item because of your efforts. So, when my best friend Brian shared that he always dreamed of summitting Mt. Whitney and then backpacking the Pacific Crest Trail, I jumped at the chance to make his dream come true. But there was one problem, Brian was a beginner backpacker and not 100% ready for the physical demands of the trail. Don’t get me wrong, he trained. But with all my personal hiking experience I should have directed him better when we planned out our trek. Instead of starting at a pace of 8-10 miles each day, and then slowly working upwards, we planned most days at 15 or more. This wouldn’t have been too bad except that we had to cross over a million peaks of the Sierra Nevada from the Whitney Portal. 

How this Failure Leads to Success:

Luckily we took care of summitting Mount Whitney by day 2. So at least we were able to succeed at standing at the highest point above sea level in the lower 48 states. But by day 5, Brian was done and I was pretty beat up as well. It was a pretty humbling as we sat at the Twin Lakes about 23 miles from Lone Pine. But in that moment of humility, we learned that when life throws us obstacles we can easily change course. Even though we hadn’t made it to Mammoth Lakes we could still enjoy the moment. Instead, we relaxed, met some friends who let us fly fish with them, and recovered in some of the most beautiful parts of California. 

My Failure to keep this post short leads to Success

If you made it this far, congrats! You survived another session with little Eric-Talks-A-Lot! But hopefully, you had a great laugh as we shared our different types of failure. I am sure by reading all the bloopers we have had chasing the many items on the Bucket List Project, you realize that we obviously Love to Fail! But, also, I hope you learned that there are many benefits to failure and that it isn’t always a bad thing.

So now it is your turn! Do you think failure leads to success? Have you ever botched something so bad but still found success? What are some of the best bucket list fails you have ever seen or experienced? Share with us in the comments below and maybe help someone who may be dealing with a similar failure.

Don’t forget to Pin this to your favorite Personal Growth Bucket List Board!

Disclosure: This post, the “How My Failure Leads to Success” contains a few affiliate links. Using the links doesn’t cost you any extra, and it helps keep the site free, fun, and community supported! Eric & Darcee will never recommend a product that we don’t genuinely believe in, actually use ourselves, have researched, and trust. Please see the disclosure policy for more information.

The post How my Failure Leads to Success appeared first on The Bucket List Project.

“Hi, my name is Eric, and I love to FAIL!” 

Sounds like a weird way to introduce myself at a meeting or intervention but Failure has recently been a topic in our house. Why? Because, when chasing the many items on our Bucket List, sadly we have had some failures. But that is okay…REALLY! However, failure often comes with negative connotations like you aren’t good enough. Therefore, I believe that this sort of outlook desperately needs to be changed! So, is failure good when chasing your bucket list? The short answer is yes!

Why Failure is Good

They say that failure is a part of life. I can sense the eye rolls reading that first sentence. I mean doesn’t failure equate to a lack of effort, not giving it your all, or worse yet, weakness? Maybe. But in reality, if you are failing at something it truly means you were at least trying, right? Now, don’t get me wrong, failing at something, especially an item on your bucket list doesn’t lessen the pain or embarrassment. But, if you change your perspective, you will see that failure is good. 

So, how do you change your perspective? Well, we did a little research into the benefits of failure and found 8 advantages to failing that will hopefully motivate us all. That way, you can tackle those hard tasks on your Adventure & Experiences Bucket List.

They say that failure is a part of life. But, is failure good when chasing your bucket list? The short answer is yes! Discover 8 advantages to failing that will hopefully motivate you! #BenefitsOfFailure #FailureToSuccess
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1) Failure is a great lesson in Humility

In this day and age, we all want results and we want them now. However, when we fail at a task and delay success, it can often feel horrible. In many situations it can even convince you to quit on your dream. But one of the biggest benefits of failure is that it teaches you humility. When we fail, it allows us to recognize that we are human like everyone else. It also helps us self evaluate so we can try again later. Even Ghandi, in his autobiography, The Story of My Experiments With Truth, admitted, “I have humility enough to confess my errors and to retrace my steps.” 

2) Failing clarifies your Commitment to the Goal

Have you ever been 100% committed to a goal but then you quit after you failed the first time? Don’t worry, we aren’t judging you. In fact after attempting and failing a few of our Bucket List items like reading certain books on our Personal Growth Bucket List, we quit too. I mean have you ever tried to read Grimms’ Fairy Tales? It is freakin hard and really dark! But when you fail at a certain task, it is then that you can clarify your commitment to the goal at hand. Don’t get us wrong, this isn’t a pass to quit. But often we add items to our various bucket lists that seem like a good idea but aren’t as great in real life. So, when you fail, step back, envision the reward, and if it is still what you want, re-commit yourself to the goal!

3) Failure helps you solve the problem safely

Now in no way is failure good if you hurt yourself or put yourself into a dangerous situation! We don’t want a sudden influx of emails with photos of broken bones, arrest photos, or videos of bad situations. But one of the best benefits of failure is the way it teaches you to fail better and more importantly in a safer manner. When learning how to do something, aspects of it may be inherently dangerous. But because of the failures of those who tried before you, you learn how to attempt it in a safer way. It is because of these types of failures that humans have created safety gear, protocols, and rules to protect us. So if you fail the first time, ask for help from those who have gone before you. 

4) Failure reveals your true support system

I am sure we sound like a broken record but we will say it again, failure is a part of life. But we reiterate it again because failure isn’t just a part of YOUR life but everyone’s. So when determining if failure is good you need to remember that you are not alone! When you fail, it is a perfect time to reach out to your support system. Whether it is friends, family, or close work colleagues, asking for help is key to turning your failure into success. Don’t get us wrong, your support system may not be able to directly help you. In fact, sometimes you still have to accomplish your goals on your own. But, there is something truly magical when others simply root for you. This was always the case for us with my mother, Lilian Madan Gamble. She often wasn’t physically able to help, but no one ever cheered louder and reveled in our success more than my mom.

5) Being a Failure turns you into a resource

In this day an age, most of us have been to a conference or watched a motivational speaker online who shares their story of how their failures led to success. It is always amazing how they overcame the odds and rose above to their challenges to win. But that kind of ability isn’t reserved for the few. You too can help and inspire others with your story no matter how big or small it is. See when you learn from your failure and overcome challenges it allows you to empathize with others who face similar situations. Thus, the lessons you learn allow you help others win as well. 

6) Failure can help you get physically stronger

It is hard to argue that Michael Jordan may be one of the greatest basketball players of all time. But did you know that Jordan was considered a physical failure in high school? In the story, Michael Jordan: A Profile in Failure, author Jeff Stibel reveals that at Laney High School back in 1978, Michael wasn’t really an outstanding basketball player. Couple that with the fact that he was physically smaller than other players, the coaches decided he wasn’t good enough to play varsity. But Jordan didn’t let that stop him. Instead, he accepted his role on the junior varsity team and put in the work both on the court and in the gym. In accepting that failure is good but doesn’t have to be final, he became stronger and more confident which led him to one of the most remarkable careers in all sports. 

7) Failure makes you mentally stronger

Another benefit of failure is how it makes us mentally stronger. Often failing can feed our fears and even lead to depression. This of course is natural. But if you stop, reflect, and decide to confront those fears it can possibly lead to great success. Don’t get us wrong, it won’t be suddenly easier because your initial fears may be rooted in real concerns. But by confronting them, it can help you really find ways or inspire you to research better ways to overcome your previous failures. Besides, one of the biggest mental pains most people feel is regret. So by facing your fears head on, you are more willing to take the risks that could lead to your success.

8) Failing makes you appreciate your success

We all see those stories of people who never gave up and ultimately found success. But did you know that the founder of Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC), Colonel Harland David Sanders, was a big failure when he started? He had many jobs while trying to sell his famous secret chicken recipe but he couldn’t find anyone to work with him. In fact, 1,009 folks told him he was crazy. But even at the ripe age of 62 he refused to give up and finally in Salt Lake City, Utah the first KFC opened. Then some 12 years later, Sanders sold the company for $2 million dollars! How sweet is that? We share that story because imagine his feeling of joy when that first KFC opened in Salt Lake City and the start of his dream finally came to fruition. I am sure in the previous years if felt impossible to make happen but when it finally did, the sense of accomplishment was likely unmatched!

So do you love to fail too?

How about you? Do you love to fail? Have you had any positive experiences from previous failures that lead to you ticking off an amazing bucket list item? Let us know in the comments below. You never know, your experiences may help someone who is struggling right now finally find a way to find success!

Don’t forget to Pin this to your Favorite Personal Growth Bucket List Board!

Disclosure: This post, “Is Failure Good When Chasing Your Bucket List?”, may contain affiliate links. Using the links doesn’t cost you any extra, and it helps keep the site free, fun, and community supported! Eric & Darcee will never recommend a product that we don’t genuinely believe in, actually use ourselves, have researched, and trust. Please see the disclosure policy for more information.

The post Is Failure Good When Chasing Your Bucket List? appeared first on The Bucket List Project.

WWE wrestling superstar, John Cena once said, “If you were given one wish, what would you do with it? I don’t know if ‘Hang out with John Cena’ would be at the top of my list. But the fact that that is on someone’s list is the coolest thing.” This is probably why he has granted over 650 wishes for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. His enthusiasm to help others encouraged us to add #53) Fulfill 1 Child’s Wish in Person through Make A Wish Foundation to our Helping Others Bucket List.

But how can someone who isn’t necessarily a superstar or independently wealthy go about making a Child’s Wish come true? Good news, according to their website there are multiple ways to get involved with Make A Wish. But perhaps the easiest way for most of us is to simply donate! That is why we are very excited to learn about Omaze’s latest giveaway where you can Win a Miami Dream House!

Win a Miami Dream House

Of course, we all know it is better to give than receive. But let’s be honest, sometimes it is awesome to donate and win a great prize too! That is why the latest giveaway from Omaze is truly remarkable. When you enter the Win a Miami Dream House contest, you have the chance to win a 7 bedroom, 6 bathroom home in the Kendall neighborhood, just south of downtown Miami. Equipped with a backyard pool you can spend your days lounging. Plus, with its great location, you can also explore areas like Little Havana, Biscayne Bay, or the countless beaches along the coast.

How can someone help a Make-a-Wish child’s dream come true? Perhaps the easiest way is to simply to donate through Omaze’s latest giveaway where you can also Win a Miami Dream House! #Omaze #MakeAWish #MiamiDreamHouse
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What if you already have your Dream Home?

Now we understand that some of you may already be living in your dream home. Maybe you won your Dream House in Austin, Texas. Don’t worry, because Omaze has a plan B if you win! Omaze offers you the option to choose a cash prize instead! Essentially, you become an instant millionaire with whichever option you go choose.

How does this Help Make A Wish?

This contest is special because 100% of donations raised by Omaze for this sweepstakes go to support Make A Wish.  When you Click Here to Enter To Win A Miami Dream House Or Cash Prize the donation you use to enter will help grant future wishes. For example, 9-year-old Khushi is currently battling cancer and it is her dream to become a princess. So, your donation will help her & countless other kids with critical illnesses fulfill life-changing wishes.

Where do I enter to WIN?

Are you wondering how to enter to win your Miami Dream House & help Make A Wish? Well, it is quite simple. All you have to do is Click Here to Enter To Win! Of course, you can enter without contributing anything. But for a minimum of $10.00, you can donate to Make A Wish and receive an additional 20 entries into the competition! Plus there are higher donation amounts that equal more entries to give you a better chance of winning. Just make sure your entries are received by December 18, 2021. The winner will be announced around January 5, 2022. Simply click the button below and go from there!

By the way, when you click on any of the links below & set up your donation for entries into the Miami Dream House Contest, make sure you also enter Promo code: AFF50 for 50 extra entries into any Omaze experience!

What Time is the Pool Party?

Is it on your bucket list to win this Miami Dream House? Or will you take the $1.8+ Million Dollar cash payout to chase other items on your bucket list? Either way, how good will it feel knowing that you were able to find a simple way to help others? If you do win, don’t forget to invite us over for your next house party! We will bring the daiquiris!

Don’t forget to Pin this to your Favorite Bucket List Contest Board!

Disclosure: This post, “Win a Miami Dream House” may contain affiliate links. Using the links doesn’t cost you any extra, and it helps keep the site free, fun, and community supported! Eric & Darcee will never recommend a product that we don’t genuinely believe in, actually use ourselves, have researched, and trust. Please see the disclosure policy for more information.

The post Win a Miami Dream House & Support the Make-A-Wish Foundation appeared first on The Bucket List Project.

Can you remember when you last tried something completely new? Maybe not; most of the time, people tend to stick to what they already know, afraid to step out of their comfort zones. This is entirely understandable, and it’s not surprising if this is the way you live your life. In truth, there is nothing wrong with being comfortable, and there is nothing wrong with not trying new things, but when you do try them, wonderful things can happen. So it might be worth considering attempting something out of the ordinary. Read on to find out why it’s good to try new things.

Time Slows Down

A strange thing happens as we get older; time seems to speed up. When we’re children, days and weeks stretch ahead forever. As we grow up, that time seems to compress, and by the time we are in middle age, days go by in a flash. You might think back and wonder what you have done over the past week, month, or even year – and this is because you have stuck to the same routine, so there is no real way to tell one day from the next. 

When you try something new, that day will stick in your memory. The more new things you try, the more days will stay with you. The result is that time feels as though it’s slowing down, and you will have many more memories to enjoy. If you can try to do something new every day, your life will become much more exciting and full.

There's nothing wrong with being comfortable. But if your willing to step out of your comfort zone, your could be much more exciting & full. Discover why it is good to try new things. #DoSomething #Adventure
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You Will Stimulate Your Brain

One of the best things about trying new things is that your brain will be stimulated, and studies have shown that a new activity such as skiing or pottery or even preparing for a new activity such as buying a new ski boot bag or looking for old clothes to wear in the pottery studio, can enhance your brainpower. This is especially true when it comes to your creativity. 

Every time you are in a new situation, your brain has to work harder, learning how to deal with this new scenario. You will also develop new skills as a result. So your brain is growing and thriving, something that is crucial at all stages of life. The more new things you allow yourself to try, the healthier your brain will be. 

You’ll Find Your Sense Of Adventure

Another compelling reason to try new things is that you will find your own unique sense of adventure, and in doing so, you will overcome any fears you might have had. Fear is just a reaction to anything you are unsure about, anything unknown, and once you know what to expect after trying something new, your fear will disappear. 

 Once your fear is gone, it will be replaced by a sense of wonder and excitement that will make you feel happy and boost your mood incredibly. It makes no difference if the thing you are doing is big or small, if someone else finds it scary or they wonder why you do; every adventure is your own, and every new thing will benefit you in some way. 

Don’t forget to Pin this to your favorite Personal Growth Bucket List Board!

The post Why It’s Good To Try New Things appeared first on The Bucket List Project.

For those who don’t know, on July 17, 2021, I (Eric) along with Chris Nolan will be Climbing Devil’s Tower for ALS. It is a daunting bucket list item that to be honest, kind of makes me nervous. But despite my apprehension, this climb will hopefully be a way we can educate others about those with ALS. Plus, we are doing it to honor Chris’s brother Sean. Back in 2016, Sean was diagnosed with ALS. But in talking with Chris, we also wanted to find a way to do this for others. So, we came up with an idea to Climb and to Pray Devil’s Tower.

A History of Praying while Tackling a Bucket List item

A few years back, I undertook perhaps one of my greatest bucket list adventures, the Camino de Santiago. To tackle this pilgrimage, I took the traditional and most common route, known as the Camino Frances. Essentially, it is a 490-mile walk from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port on the French side of the Pyrenees to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. The purpose was to walk to a holy site where it is believed that the remains of the Apostle St. James the Greater are buried.

Now people embark on this adventure for many personal reasons. Some walk as part of a spiritual retreat and others to discover themselves. There are even some people who spend the 30-day walk in hopes that a miracle touches them or someone they love. For me, it was a combination of it all because I had kind of lost my “way” with my life.

So, I wanted to find my way back and the idea came to me to Walk and Pray.

To do this, I had decided to commit a portion of my daily activity to prayer while walking The Camino. But I didn’t want to make it all about myself. So I asked for the personal intentions of others. Essentially, every morning at the start of my walk. I would focus on my personal intentions for that day. Then I would focus on the intentions of another and then pray the novena for both our intentions. As I continued to walk, I tried to stay in reflection of that daily prayer and intentions of the day.

Why we want to Pray while we Climb Devil’s Tower

Now, of course, we are raising money for two different ALS foundations to donate in Sean’s name. We are raising money to donate in Sean Nolan’s name to both The Steve Gleason Foundation and The Tennessee Chapter of the ALS Association.

But while promoting something strange happened.

People kept sharing how ALS has affected their lives. Whether it struck them personally, ravaged a loved one, or affected a friend, countless people have been telling me their “ALS Story!” In telling me their story, they would passionately thank Chris, Darcee, & I and say how they felt like we were doing it for them too.

It was then that we realized that our climb was bigger than us and perhaps even Sean. We were going to need to climb and to pray Devil’s Tower in our task to summit the nation’s first National Monument.

Discover how two men want to climb and to pray as they summit the first National Monument in the United States at Devil's Tower, Wyoming. #DevilsTower #RockClimbing #ThatsWY
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Let us Carry your Intentions up Devil’s Tower

Of course, we would love you to donate to our GoFundMe page for Climbing Devil’s Tower for ALS. But if you can’t, you can help us in 3 other ways:

1. Please pray for us as we Climb Devil’s Tower on July 17th. Like I have said before, it is a bit scary. So if you can on July 17th, please pray for us to physically finish.
2. We want to carry your intentions with us up to the top of Devil’s Tower. It can be anything you want. Whether you need prayers for yourself personally, your family, or anything weighing on you.  This intention can be asking for help or perhaps even thanking God for recent Blessings. 
3. If you know anyone who has been diagnosed with ALS, share their name with us. As an ALS Research Ambassador, Sean has spent his last few years trying to help and educate others with ALS. Plus, he is asking us to donate money to help others. So we would like to carry those others as we attempt to climb and to pray up Devil’s Tower.

The logistics of carrying your intentions up Devil’s Tower

So, I am not going to lie, I have no idea exactly how we are going to be able to climb and to pray while tackling all 867 feet (265 m) from summit to base. I mean we don’t really want any excess weight during this nearly 7-hour climb. But what we would like to do is to write down all the intentions, prayers, and names on a sheet of paper and safeguard them in my pocket.

Before we climb, as a family we will read all the private intentions, prayers, and names of those affected by ALS. Then, safely tuck them into our pocket. Then if possible, at the very top, as we look upon the amazing views of Wyoming, we will repeat the process. However, if this isn’t possible when we finally return to the ground safely, we can then repeat the process in thanksgiving for a great experience that we shared with all of you.

How to Send us Your Intentions & Names

There are several ways you can send us your intentions or the names of those who you would like for us to carry up Devil’s Tower as we climb and pray:

1. You can leave a comment on this article below.
2. You can leave a comment for us on the Bucket List Project’s Facebook Page by Clicking Here.
3. If you would like to send it to us privately, You can fill out our Work With The Bucket List Project contact form.
4. You can always call, text, or message Darcee, Chris, or me (Eric) on our phones or social media channels.

We would like to have all the intentions & names of those affected by ALS collected and solidified by Wednesday, July 14, 2021, if possible. So please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Of course, it goes without saying that any private intentions will always remain private. We will also try to reach out to anyone who shares their info with us a day before the climb to remind you so that you can join us on the climb in spirit.

Thank you for your Support

Lastly, we just want to say how much we appreciate all who are supporting us on this Climb for ALS. Without your thoughts, prayers, and support, it would definitely be harder for us to climb. So for that, Thank You!

Of course, we would also love donations because, without your financial help, we may never find a cure for ALS. But know that you don’t have to donate any money in order to ask us to pray and climb Devil’s Tower for you or your intentions. But, if you would like to help in our raising of funds you can visit our GOFUND ME PAGE directly. There you can see exactly which 2 ALS foundations Sean Nolan asked us to send all funds and exactly how we will distribute your donation. 

Don’t forget to Pin this to your favorite Bucket List Board!

The post To Climb and to Pray appeared first on The Bucket List Project.

Willie Nelson once said, “There’s a freedom you begin to feel the closer you get to Austin, Texas.”

Now, of course, he may be biased since he semi-retired and moved to Austin, Texas in 1972.  But there is no doubt that Austin is a booming city! Perhaps this is because it offers so much diversity, opportunity, and the overall quality of life for people of all ages. With an unbelievable music scene, amazing food, and a thriving tech market that is creating a booming economy it’s why it is easy to see why it was ranked #3 of the top 150 Best Places to Live in the U.S. in 2020-21 by U.S. News & World Report.

So, why aren’t we all setting up our dream home in Austin? Well, it may have to do with rising home prices within the Austin-area housing market! In 2020, alone, the price of your dream home in Austin probably rose by more than 10%. Yikes!

But what do you do if it is on your bucket list to buy an Austin dream home as Willie did? Well, for one lucky person, obtaining an Austin Dream home could be as easy as winning one.

Win This Austin Dream Home

Now, let’s talk about the prize cause if you made it this far then you must have owning a dream home in Austin on your bucket list! When you Enter To Win An Austin Dream House you enter for a chance to score a newly built 3,235-sq-ft urban oasis with 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms in Austin’s upscale Travis Heights neighborhood. But the location isn’t the only great part about this Austin dream house! Inside, you will be greeted with high ceilings, hardwood floors, an open kitchen, a spacious living room, and a yard that will make your neighbors jealous!

With an amazing music scene, great food, & booming economy, it’s easy to see why living in Austin is enticing! So, if living in Austin is on your #bucketlist see how you could win a dream home! #AustinDreamHome #ContestAlert
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What if you already have your Dream Home?

Look, we get it, maybe you are not ready to move to Austin. Or maybe you are not ready to own a major home yet. I mean the property taxes in Austin can range anywhere from 1.8%-3.3% of your home’s assessed value. But even though we strongly believe that buying a house should be on your financial bucket list, Omaze has a plan B if you win! 

If for some odd reason you decide to pass on the modern home built by Urban ATX but your name is drawn, don’t fret. Instead, Omaze offers you the option to choose a cash prize instead! Essentially, you become an instant millionaire with whichever option you go choose.

What’s the Catch?

Man, aren’t we a bunch of jaded humans. But we get it. When making a donation, even if there is a chance we could win a massive prize, we want to make sure it’s going to a worthy cause. That is perhaps one of the biggest reasons why we are Climbing Devil’s Tower for ALS! 

So, in doing our research we discovered that 100% of donations raised by Omaze for this sweepstakes go to support Folds of Honor.  When you Click Here to Enter To Win An Austin Dream House Or Cash Prize the donation you use to enter will help provide educational scholarships to the spouses and children of America’s fallen or disabled service members.  

Where do I enter to WIN?

Step right up, step right up & be the next big WINNER! 

But in all seriousness, if you are ready to win a dream home in Austin, Texas, or cash out to become an instant millionaire all you have to do is Click Here to Enter To Win! But don’t lollygag because all entries must be received by October 10, 2021. The winner will be announced around October 27, 2021. Just click the button below and go from there!

By the way, when you click on any of the links below & set up your donation for entries into the Austin Dream House Contest, make sure you also enter Promo code: AFF50 for 50 extra entries into any Omaze experience!

What time is Dinner?

So is it on your bucket list to win this Austin Dream House? Or will you take the $1.3+ Million Dollar cash payout to chase other bucket list items on your list? Either way, if you win make sure you send us a nice Christmas present or at least invite us over for dinner? We will bring the wine!

Don’t forget to Pin this to your Favorite Bucket List Contest Board!

Disclosure: This post, “Win a Dream Home in Austin, Texas” may contain affiliate links. Using the links doesn’t cost you any extra, and it helps keep the site free, fun, and community supported! Eric & Darcee will never recommend a product that we don’t genuinely believe in, actually use ourselves, have researched, and trust. Please see the disclosure policy for more information.

The post Win a Dream Home in Austin, Texas appeared first on The Bucket List Project.

For many people, this past winter has been a particularly cold one. Couple that with being trapped inside due to the pandemic, I am sure most are eager to get outside! But even if you aren’t quite ready to start traveling in search of where it is Summer right now, that doesn’t mean you get get outside! That is perhaps why many people are excited to start gardening again. It is the perfect way to tackle one of those personal growth bucket list items while collecting your vitamin D and even getting a little exercise in.

But in order to get you gardening, I am sure we need to gather our equipment and make sure it is all in quality shape. So in order to get you ready, we want to cover perhaps one of the more important items you will be using, the Garden Hose Stand.

How to Recognize a Well-Made Garden Hose Stand

Likely, many of us don’t have time to consider the quality of the hose reels we use. We expect a hose reel to do its job  so that we can continue every spring and summer—or year-round in some cases—to enjoy our gardening, landscaping, and everyday uses of our water hoses.

So for most of us, we might look up something quickly online or take a quick trip to the local hardware store. Of course that may be good enough. But, unfortunately, in this day and age of mass production and manufacturing, with some unscrupulous practices and cutting corners to offer the lowest price, cheaper is no longer better. Many of us are no doubt tired of finding their garden hose stands so rusted after winter as useless or poorly made to be dented after one season of use and find ourselves having to replace them continuously.

To help you avoid the frustration of subpar hose reels, let’s tell you how to recognize a well-made garden hose stand that you’ll love to own. 

If #gardening is on your #bucketlist then it's time to make sure your tools are in quality shape, especially your hose. So to help, discover how to recognize a well-made garden hose stand that you’ll love to own.
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1) Materials

If the garden hose stand is created from or has parts made out of plastic, wood, resin, or fiberglass, be wary. Plastic, fiberglass, and resin do not withstand the UV rays in constant sun exposure well. Therefore, they will begin to turn brittle, break down, become yellow or crack very quickly. Wood also has several challenges. In general, it is exceptionally susceptible to moisture which in turn causes the wood to start to decay.

Now, a well-made garden hose stand will use a premium rust-proof, corrosion-resistant heavy-duty aluminum alloy with stainless steel components. Additionally, a good quality garden hose stand should offer a rugged powder coat paint that further creates a hard, smooth, and protective finish.

2) Drinking Safe Materials

While not everyone has plans of drinking directly out of their hoses connected to a garden hose stand or reel, it is still vital to own one that is drinking safe. Questionable materials and chemicals can easily contaminate hose water if the hose is made of materials such as PVC. As the water sits in the hose and the sun warms the hose, PVC hoses can release chemicals. Depending on the garden hose stand’s connection materials, they too may contaminate your hose water with lead. To keep children, pets or your even animals from being potentially exposed to these chemicals, a well-made garden hose stand should be entirely constructed from drinking safe materials.

These two quick and easy-to-spot qualities are crucial factors in spotting a well-made garden hose stand quickly. With this information in mind, you’ll be able to spot exceptional quality and a worthy investment in no time.

Don’t forget to Pin this to your favorite Bucket List Gardening Board!

The post How to Recognize a Well-Made Garden Hose Stand appeared first on The Bucket List Project.