I've been writing this list for seven (!) years now & every year, it has come to mean something different for me. It's been a hard few years for the entire world, and I've had plenty of hardships and struggles. Say what you want about resolutions or New Years' Eve shenanigans; there's something to be said about the excitement and hope that comes with a new year. Being able to start over is a refreshing thought. Even if we don't stick to our "new" self, we become so much more aware, even if only for a brief moment. & that is something to be excited about. Maybe we can't stick to our resolutions, or we don't want to "start over" just because the calendar changed numbers. However, if we continuously learn, try, create, and experience new things, we allow ourselves the chance to grow & find ourselves. I try not to repeat any items so from previous years so that this list will always be "new" each year (some items are similar to previous years but with a twist or update for the year). I've always wanted my list to be filled with things that people worldwide can attempt to cross off no matter their financial situation, location, beliefs, gender, age, or preferences. I hope this list brings you hope, excitement, and encouragement going into 2022. It's been a rough few years, but we've made it this far, we are stronger than we could ever imagine, and it's time to embrace the roaring twenties all over again! I don't know about you, but I'm feeling '22! So, without further ado, here is my annual list of "222 Things To Do in 2022!" To Learn...1. Through actual research instead of social media articles 2. All about a religion that your religion “despises” (For perspective & acceptance of others!) 3. About accessibility needs when it comes to those with disabilities & how we can cater to ease their struggles 4. Self-sufficiency 5. All about your carbon footprint & how to reduce it (it truly can start with us!) 6. To cook retro foods! 7. Transparency 8. To make chocolate from scratch 9. To not online shop/scroll when you have time on your hands 10. All about electric cars - even if you don’t have one! 11. How to do a flag stand 12. Sustainability 13. About the 432bc Athens plague (Because if reassures that plagues/disease has been impacting the world for literally ever!) 14. To write with your non-dominant hand 15. To do a handstand 16. Foreign greetings in multiple languages 17. How to tell engaging stories 18. To peel an orange in the perfect spiral for cocktails! 19. The alphabet backwards 20. How to safely install/wire a ceiling fixture 21. Basic plumbing skills 22. Shoe shining 23. Screenplay writing 24. The art of seduction 25. To tell temps in both Celsius and Fahrenheit 26. How to fix a candle with a buried wick 27. Soldering 28. About longevity 29. Homesteading 30. To read the room 31. Book restoration 32. Fashion drawing 33. All about the prison systems in your country - and what can be done to better our society/prisons 34. Aquarium upkeep 35. Your partner/friends/family members love language 36. About muralist art 37. To sleep with the door closed (For safety & less noise pollution!) 38. Writing improvement through the Purdue Online Writing Lab 39. Basic data science skills 40. Decision making 41. Video marketing 42. How to quickly fill skill gaps because technology is rapidly increasing & keeping up is difficult! 43. To dress in ways that flatter your body figure 44. Drawing objects/figures you enjoy 45. To speak well about yourself, partner, and those you spend your time around 46. How to put your needs first for once 47. The ingredients in the foods/drinks you consume on a daily basis 48. That the way many societies view education is skewed, you can become a lover of academia anytime in your life and it’s never too late to start! 49. Day trading basics 50. To find clarity 51. To ask someone to explain a joke or anything they say that’s offensive - because this is a much better response than laughing/going along with it uneasily 52. To only shop for unnecessary items on sale - even if you have the money! 53. How to formally set a table 54. Balancing 55. How to write a business proposal To Try...56. Using the “Think Dirty” app to buy healthy products 57. Reducing your fast fashion intake by only buying second-hand items for 60 days (or the whole year!) 58. Deleting the Amazon App from your phone to reduce splurge spending & to encourage shopping local 59. Building a giant LEGO sculpture 60. Book swapping with friends 61. A sport you would never consider getting into 62. Yuzu citrus 63. Cutting out excess sugar in-take for a few weeks! 64. Cereal beer (It’s the new beer craze!) 65. Brand loyalty for at least 60 days! (Sounds bizarre- I know! However, this means getting to know/love the products you use and supporting businesses you value) 66. Going a week all-natural (No makeup, no hair straighteners, no chemicals, etc) 67. Flying a drone 68. Meeting with a financial advisor to get ideas & in put in what you can do with your money (Even if you think you don’t have enough!) 69. Doing a one-arm chin-up 70. Not over sharing in situations you normally would 71. Voice lessons 72. Stand up comedy 73. Disc golf 74. Taking public transit when you normally wouldn’t 75. Mixing your favorite songs with apps like Pacemaker or Djay 76. Sleep tracking 77. The “Dooinwell” app where you can look after older adults 78. Keeping up with news in other countries 79. The Noonlight app to help others & yourself stay safe 80. A restaurant in your town that you have always ruled out 81. The Kiva lending app 82. Reconnecting with an old friend 83. Winning a contest in your community 84. Dressing up when you would normally throw on jeans 85. Blurring out your home on Google street view for safety precautions 86. Singing out loud more 87. Purchasing products from other cultures 88. Escargot, oysters, caviar, etc 89. Taking more time to study your interests 90. Throwing out any old medicine, makeup, and expired products you have 91. Selling photos you’ve taken online (Such as stock images!) 92. Minimizing the amount of water you use on a daily basis (For example, turning the sink off while you brush your teeth) 93. Removing the news/trending story widget from your phone so you don’t have to constantly feel bombarded with bad news 94. A LinkedIn class 95. Changing phones - to see if there’s a different brand that better fits your needs 96. Starting your own research project on a topic you’re interested in 97. Finding Facebook groups that make you happy for when you’re browsing social media (Dog groups, decorating, video games, whatever!) 98. Hydro-dipping art 99. Fostering a pet to give back & possibly find a new fur-ever friend! 100. Purchasing stocks on apps like Robinhood instead of purchasing products 101. Your own TikTok challenge 102. Learning a subject you *think* you’re not good at 103. Teaching the above subject to someone else (& proving you’re actually a bit good at it!) 104. Making smoked drinks/snacks with a smoking cloche 105. Making your own drunk history video 106. Japanese whiskey 107. Colorstreet nails 108. Unique eyeliner designs 109. Writing to your congressmen about concerns/ideas you have 110. Writing An Op-Ed & sending it to local newspapers To Create...111. A playlist of your favorite 2021 songs 112. A pandemic diary/recollection for future generations to read 113. Dollar store craft projects 114. A photo album of 2021 115. An Airbnb experience in your town 116. A nostalgia box (Filled with childhood items, stories, etc!) 117. A guest closet/area in your home that has anything a guest might need (medicine, tooth brush, phone charger, extra robe, etc) 118. Bird feeders for your patio/yard 119. A hotel key collection 120. A self-analysis essay 121. Magnets out of photos you’ve taken 122. A social media account where you ONLY follow accounts that make you happy, laugh, or inspired 123. An account with SLOWLY - where you can write letters to people around the world 124. A fundraiser for something you care about 125. Your own sports league in your area 126. Your own jewelry 127. A finger painting 128. A daily video diary with the “One Second Everyday” app 129. An extensive Funko Pop collection 130. Playlists made by all your close friends/family of their favorite songs 131. A list of what you’re thankful for each month 132. A USB filled with info/facts by downloading Wikipedia! 133. A really strong, fun, & NEW friend group! 134. An emergency kit with solar-powered resources 135. Playlists of music that always makes you happy 136. Saved photos, voice, & video records on an old smartphone that you can easily scroll through down memory lane 137. Your own Gin! 138. A word of the year to live by 139. A classic book collection 140. A home filled with reusable products 141. Gift baskets for family/friends 142. Resin crafts 143. Holiday wreaths for those in your life 144. Digital paper goods to sell on Etsy, Fiver, etc 145. A diverse cryptocurrency portfolio 146. Meal plans for each week 147. A zen area in your home 148. Emergency kits for your home/car 149. A savings account/fund specifically to use for investments down the road 150. A signature hairstyle 151. More freezer space at your home so you can freeze & save more while also limiting your food waste! 152. A journal swap with friends (Where you share stories, ideas, etc in each other’s journals) 153. Holiday ornaments stamped with your pet’s paw print 154. A skin regimen based on your skin type 155. A space you can work at during the day with more sunlight 156. Realistic goals for each day/week/month 157. Sidewalk art using chalk! 158. Cascarones (confetti eggs!) 159. A custom snowglobe 160. A mood tracker notebook 161. A mural in your home (either on a wall or a big canvas/wood panel!) 162. A wine cork or beer/bottle cap collection 163. Homemade sauces for cooking 164. Art/designs with a 3D Pen 165. A shelf or designated place in your home for family heirlooms To Experience...166. Virtual dressing with DressX 167. Deleting any apps that track you & changing your phone settings to be more private 168. The “Be my Eyes” app 169. Throwing monthly dinner parties with friends at each of your homes 170. Donating anything you bought in excess during the pandemic 171. A night with your lover or friends by a bonfire 172. Going to a career fair - even if you’re not looking! It’s nice to gain connections/perspective 173. Going mudding (Even if you’re not in the south!) 174. A Renaissance festival in your area 175. A nice day outside relaxing in a hammock 176. Perusing/photographing graffiti art in your city 177. Cosplaying 178. Completing a super large jigsaw 179. Leaving nice comments on your Ring doorbell/neighbors apps! 180. Hosting more parties 181. Taking a super spontaneous vacation 182. Fostering for a local animal shelter 183. Not “Going live” at times you would and living in the moment 184. Getting professional photos done with your partner/family/friends/pets! 185. Taking a care basket (soup, meds, books) to a friend when you find out they are sick 186. Someone complimenting your outfit 187. Discovering a new favorite artist 188. Staying up to see the sunrise 189. Dinner by candlelight 190. Finding your funny bone 191. Unbecoming the parts of you that feel foreign. For example, un-baptising yourself if you’re no longer religious or mentally cutting ties with toxic family members. 192. Taking a mental health day 193. Joy 194. Cooking with a friend or family member 195. Hosting a “Nerd Nite 5 Minute Frenzy” (Where everyone attending shares their expertise on a topic of their choosing for 5 mins!) 196. Eating a messy meal without utensils & not feeling bad at all for getting it all over! 197. Completing a 30 Day Cooking Challenge 198. Skinimalism 199. Signing petitions for causes you care about on Change.org 200. Riding every ride/rollercoaster an amusement park near you 201. Voting for someone who truly needs your vote 202. A moment you are fully present/immersed in 203. Cooking to perfection a “famous” family recipe 204. Being pleasantly surprised by your 2022 Spotify wrapped 205. Surprising your friends/loved ones more with either gifts, visits, or nice gestures 206. Buying art for your home that depicts other cultures & ethnicities besides your own 207. Off the grid living 208. Finding your signature dish in the kitchen 209. Tableside guacamole 210. Other cultural traditions 211. Being a better conversationalist 212. A dinner that lasts for hours 213. Practicing something you used to be really good at 214. Surprising yourself 215. Setting yourself up now to have an easier 2023 216. Gifting a really amazing gift to a loved one/friend 217. A night out on the town that you'll always remember 218. Volunteering somewhere out of your comfort zone 219. Going to a local or traveling circus performance 220. Actually keeping up with a resolution, planner, or new hobby past January! 221. Reading a book that makes you fall in love with reading again 222. The peace with knowing 2022 is only one year & you have many years to come- this is just one chapter in your book, and if you haven't done something yet, it doesn't mean you won't! Read Previous Lists Below! ⤵
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221 Things To Do in 2021: Resolutions, Things To Try, Create, Experience, & Learn in the New Year!For six years now, I have been compiling a yearly list of "2__ Things To Do In 20__!" I look forward to making my list every winter. However, this year's list looks quite different from the previous. I pride myself on ensuring not a single item from an earlier year is repeated, minus a few things here and there, like creating an annual playlist. I have always wanted my list to be filled with activities anyone could more or less achieve regardless of age, location, or financial situation. I think it's essential to continuously learn, try, create, and experience new things to truly grow as a person and gain wisdom over the years. Never before has a list been filled with so many virtual and "at home" suggestions! 2020 was truly wild, y'all! I know that we have all made it through so much this year, but we still have a long way to go in this global pandemic. This year's list is filled with that in mind, allowing the opportunity to experience new ventures while inside the house and six feet apart. 2020 was simultaneously the best and most stressful year of my life! I started the year out super stressed with school & family issues, living in Chicago with my fiance, and no idea our wedding would be canceled due to a global pandemic. I ended the year in The Woodlands, Texas, with my husband, fixing to close on our first home, and only two semesters left of my undergrad! It's been a wild ride. However, I've been blessed beyond belief, even in the worst moments of this year. I'm sure everyone can agree that this year has low key been a colossal mess! But each one of us has finally reached this finish line of this year of insanity! I know that in the future years we will be so much stronger! I don't know about you, but I have a great feeling about 2021! I hope this list can bring some joy to you and your family/friends as we all embark on yet another chapter. So, without further adieu.... here's my annual list of 221 Things To Do in 2021! To Learn… 1. That 2020 was absolute trash & it’s all going to be okay! 2. Pickling /Fermenting 3. To make your own homemade bitters 4. Hot cocoa bombs 5. Web development 6. Floor plan drawing 7. A viral TikTok dance 8. The harmonica 9. Chinese 10. How to reference/cite (Even if you're out of school!) 11. A lot more about COVID-19 - from scholarly essays, articles, etc! 12. Podcasting 13. Zoom speaking - A skill much different than regular public speaking! 14. Woodworking 15. How to make your own hand sanitizer 16. Sudoku 17. Whittling 18. To refurbish tech products 19. The significance of diversity 20. Acrylic painting 21. Shibori textile dyeing 22. Needlepoint 23. Diamond painting (Beading + painting method) 24. Jewelry repair 25. Tin-punching 26. All about rental property investing 27. Digital marketing 28. Computer programming basics using Scratch 29. All about cybersecurity 30. Wreath making 31. The art of Friluftsliv 32. The basics of UX design 33. Affiliate marketing 101 34. How to persuade 35. Lomography 36. Trend forecasting 37. Pen twirling 38. Grammar essentials you've definitely forgotten 39. How to fix a candle 40. The proper way to clean a cast-iron pan 41. Bouquet making 42. Juggling 43. All about a culture you are completely unfamiliar with 44. Multiple magic tricks 45. Diving (& to be good at!) 46. How to use an AED (automatic external defibrillator) 47. Cake frosting 48. To quarter a chicken 49. Food pairing with cocktails 50. To spin a basketball on your finger 51. How to be an excellent proofreader To Try… 52. Choosing a word for the year and living by it (For example: gratitude, simplicity, etc.) 53. Going plant-based for a week - or longer! 54. Not getting your political facts from social media 55. Submitting your writing or art pieces to more outlets 56. Caring for a Bonsai tree 57. Making your home more solar-powered 58. Upcycling old items around your home 59. Mushroom coffee 60. Air Frying 61. Joining Shaker & Spoon's subscription box service 62. Weather-proofing your home or apartment 63. Replacing all of your old cleaning supplies with new ones 64. Braintraining 65. Improving your handwriting 66. New trending gadgets that will make life easier or more fun! 67. Taking more self-portraits 68. Being involved in your local/community government 69. Reading books on topics that make you uncomfortable - so you can learn/grow! 70. Creating an online shop selling what you make/love using Big Cartel 71. Oyster shucking 72. Memorizing the first 30 numbers of PI 73. French braiding 74. Cooking a risotto 75. Beading 76. Spotting every Alfred Hitchcock cameo 77. Setting up a home network 78. A race car driving class 79. Henna body art 80. Opening a beer bottle with a lighter 81. Remembering names (& faces!) 82. Making the first move (Romantically, platonically, whatever!) 83. CBD products 84. Voice lessons 85. Sailing 86. Bull riding 87. Ordering a mystery box on eBay or ETSY 88. Organizing your pantry, closet, etc with bins from Dollar Tree 89. An Airbnb experience 90. Vinebox 91. A vinyl subscription with Crate Joy 92. A Masterclass course 93. Tequila making 94. Virtual escape rooms with friends 95. Bite Toothpaste (Zero waste toothpaste!) 96. Oil portrait painting 97. Engraving 98. Crewel embroidery 99. Making silhouette art 100. New recipes & ensuring you use everything in your fridge with MyFridgeFood 101. Becoming a Smithsonian Digital Volunteer 102. Growing your writing skills with Write.as 103. Starting a group with Hyvor 104. Getting involved with a community project on ioby 105. A science experiment that intrigues you 106. Wearing "nice" clothes instead of comfy clothes when you spend multiple days in a row at home To Create… 107. The perfect charcuterie board 108. Your own custom face mask! 109. Cocktail kits - & gifting them to friends/family! 110. A Clubhouse profile 111. A super fun island on Animal Crossing 112. A photo album of 2020 113. A "Clofice" (Office in a closet!) for a better Zoom work life! 114. Digital decor for your phone/laptop 115. An at-home gym space 116. A stamp collection 117. Fun Zoom backgrounds! 118. A tour of your hometown & submitting it to CLIO 119. An album/folder/etc of your favorite memes 120. A kite to fly on a nice day 121. Your own coloring pages 122. An amazing + fun outdoor space at your apartment/home 123. Furniture or art with reclaimed wood 124. A pitcher of Moon Milk 125. An at-home bar! 126. A playlist of your favorite 2020 songs 127. An in-depth list of all the events/activities you want to experience post-COVID 128. A vision board for 2021 129. A video diary 130. The #SelfCare app 131. A newspaper collection 132. A new routine that makes life at home easier & healthier 133. A bored jar 134. Profile with Flipboard 135. A signature scent for your home (or each room!) 136. Kombucha 137. Bleach t-shirts (All the rave currently!) 138. A Villanelle poem 139. Time slots for work/school Zooms & personal Zooms (to enjoy a better work from home life balance!) 140. A closet for those in need at a public space that is always filled with water, snacks, and hygiene products 141. Care bags for teachers, medical staff, & students during the pandemic 142. A pandemic emergency kit (Hopefully, you already have one!) 143. Your own jerky 144. An oddities/curiosities collection 145. A cutting board collection 146. Depression glasses collection 147. A dollhouse from scratch that reflects your home or a favorite place 148. An account with Quora 149. Your own memes 150. Aprons to wear while cooking 151. A Pinhole camera 152. An aquarium 153. Wine cork art/furniture 154. Beautiful nails with nail dip powder 155. A detailed skincare + beauty routine with a tech mirror by HiMirror 156. Organized notes, sketches, etc with Rocketbook 157. A codeword to share with friends + family in the event of an emergency 158. Happier thoughts by starting the day listening to upbeat music 159. 3D art with Blender 160. Beautiful envelopes with an address embosser 161. Greeting cards to mail out for every holiday/birthday this year To Experience… 162. Leaving a larger tip for rideshare & delivery drivers 163. Saving up a bit more money than planned for the year 164. Sending virtual ecards to make someone's day 165. Joining a Skee Ball league 166. Buying more products from local shops instead of major retailers 167. Making a wildlife charcuterie board filled with bread, seeds, etc. & leaving it outside somewhere for furry friends 168. Cleaning all of your makeup/beauty product brushes & supplies (No judgment!) 169. Making new friends virtually 170. Developing more emotional intelligence 171. Finding ways to take advantage of being home more now that we can! 172. A new virtual cocktail making class 173. Making each room in your home multifunctional 174. Giving your mail carrier a gift each holiday to thank them for their service 175. Building your skillsets 176. Connecting with your neighbors more with the Nextdoor app 177. Getting a Flu shot (& ensuring all of your shots are up-to-date to stay as healthy as possible this year!) 178. Becoming more socially conscious 179. A weekend road trip 180. Scoring a super great vacation/airfare deal for late 2021-2022 by booking early 181. Enrolling in a course or degree program that has always sparked your interest 182. A year of taking amazing care of multiple house plants (the real ones, not the fake ones!) 183. Learning how everything you use on a daily basis works 184. Reading daily news reports posted in countries other than your own 185. Putting on a show for your family/friends (or children in your family!) 186. A meteor shower 187. Becoming a Lord or Lady with Celtic Titles 188. A black-tie event once COVID is over 189. A night of luxury by escaping your home & staying in a fancy hotel post-COVID 190. Visiting a new suburb 191. Re-reading a book you adore 192. Being more well-rounded 193. Culture shock (Because it means you got out of your comfort zone!) 194. Talking with someone you admire (or fangirl over, let's be honest!) on Cameo 195. Documenting murals & street art around your city 196. Having a personal stylist with Trunk Club 197. An at-home allergy test 198. Planning an AMAZING birthday party for yourself this year (even if it's virtual!) 199. The Adventure Challenge 200. Joining a food club 201. Virtual tours of places/spaces you have yet to visit 202. Looking up your ancestors homes with Google maps (& archiving them for future generations!) 203. A murder mystery box 204. Shopping at & supporting local black-owned + minority businesses 205. Discovering music that you love & wouldn't normally listen to 206. Volunteering from your phone with MapSwipe 207. Interactive art online with Silk 208. Listening to radio stations worldwide with Radio Garden 209. A virtual class with Amava 210. Finding a Penpal to get to know 211. Gifting to those in your family, network, etc that you rarely gift to 212. Losing track of time on a day off 213. Maintaining "normalcy" as best as possible during a worldwide pandemic 214. Making time for your "real" life in a world that has gone virtual 215. Supporting a musician/band that you love 216. Finding local art to display in your home 217. Ordering take out from a local restaurant you have never been to at least once a month 218. An opportunity to grow during a time period when many will stay stagnant 219. Giving a helping hand to someone who needs it 220. Leaving the business cards of friends/family/people you care about on community boards 221. The peace with knowing 2021 is only one year & you have many years to come- this is just one chapter in your book, and if you haven't done something yet, it doesn't mean you won't! Read Lists From Previous Years:
220 Things To Do in 2020 219 Things To Do in 2019 218 Things To Do in 2018 217 Things To Do in 2017 216 Things To Do in 2016 "Hair toss, check my nails, baby how you feelin'? Feeling bored as hell" - Or whatever Lizzo saidI'm an only child, I am enrolled in classes that are currently *mostly* online, I live in the arctic tundra of Chicago where you can only comfortably venture outside 3 months of the year, and I'm a wedding photographer. So yes, I am a freaking pro at being alone at home. Sometimes I go DAYS without talking to anyone except my fiancé or cats. It's actually pretty nice, not gonna lie. However, despite how much I find myself at home, I've always had the option to go out - and now even that is gone. So here we all are, stuck at home - and inevitably bored as ever. Every year since 2016 I've posted a New Years "resolution" list of things to create, learn, experience, and try in the new year. It hit me that these lists have a substantial amount of great ideas of activities that can be done at home. Realizing this morning that my school is on spring break & I have essentially no work or studies to do, I decided to make one extensive list of all 250+ things you can learn, try, create, and experience *mostly* from the comforts of your own home! This is a trying time for many of us, however, it doesn't mean we can't make the best of an otherwise ugh situation. I've always believed that the best way to grow is experiencing, trying, learning, and creating new things. While the entire world might be halted right now, your mind doesn't have to be! I hope this list can provide some fun & unique ideas for people of all ages that suddenly realize they don't want to actually binge watch Netflix for 2 weeks straight (shocking, I know!) Stay safe & aware out there! *Disclaimer because this is the internet 🙄- If anything on this list would require you to need to leave your home, spend money you don't have, etc please reconsider. I built this list assuming most of these things could be learned via Youtube, made by random "junk" we all have in our closets, and making the best out of the situation. Just use common sense before you feel the need to comment something ridiculous like "How do you expect people to go out to a yoga class in a time like this?!" To Learn... 1. One word a day from a different language 2. How to make/roll your own sushi 3. Facts about something super random/crazy (like ancient Egypt, alien theories, etc) 4. Belly dancing 5. To make pretty bouquets 6. Fencing 7. Tai Chi 8. How to ask the right questions 9. ALL about the 2020 presidential candidates and why you want to vote for your top candidate 10. Learning new recipes with the Panna cooking class app 11. The periodic table of elements 12. Brush lettering 13. Crepe making 14. How to make macaroons 15. Embroidery 16. Storytelling 17. Line dancing 18. To moonwalk 19. Knife sharpening 20. How to whistle with your fingers (taxi anyone?) 21. To starting thinking globally with your career/business/life - it is 2020 after all! 22. Learning a new subject in 3D by downloading the JigSpace app 23. About hyper-automation 24. About Google analytics 25. Palm reading 26. How to pick a lock 27. About another city/state/country you would like to move to potentially 28. How to fight writer's block 29. More about current + trending events thanks to The Skimm 30. Open a beer/wine bottle without an official bottle opener 31. How to open an apple in half with your hands (I know, it sounds crazy but impressive!) 32. Better English (or whatever your native language is) by taking an advanced language class - because we all get a bit lazy! 33. How to make homemade tortillas 34. Ways to solve a Rubik's cube 35. Bookbinding 36. Printmaking 37. Bachata dancing 38. Bookkeeping 39. Film photography 40. The choreography to a song you have always loved 41. How to maximize your tax breaks 42. To find your voice - be it at work, school, or any area of life 43. To use more substantial words in your daily rhetoric 44. How to tie a knot that will withstand (almost) anything 45. Real Estate investing 46. To set more boundaries 47. How to do coffee art (at least one design!) 48. Information on a trending news topic you don’t know much about 49. A super impressive magic trick 50. Accountability 51. Quilting 52. How to identity more plants 53. Decoupage 54. Blackjack 55. How to escape duct tape, handcuffs, etc 56. How to make a sales pitch 57. Teach your pet a new trick 58. How to pronounce items on food menus that you always struggle with 59. Salsa dancing 60. The full history of the country your family heritage is from 61. About a subject you failed (ok, or reaaaaally had to try on) in college 62. Present Wrapping: How to make pretty bows & use wrapping paper so that it doesn’t look like it was found in a dumpster 63. How to chop a salad to absolute perfection 64. About various mental illnesses & how you can support your friends, relatives, or yourself 65. To draw one animal/product/item/etc really well 66. The correct ways for you to stay calm in situations you would normally be flustered in 67. The ways you can keep YOUR body healthy (based on your weight, height, family history etc) 68. The best responses to win Never Have I Ever 69. To be more honest with yourself & the art of self reflection 70. About Aromatherapy + Scents 71. Basic math skills you’ve long forgotten 72. The master skill of blending & highlighting your make up 73. Basic coding / website building 74. Something random off of a Youtube video 75. To memorize your favorite poem by heart 76. Sign Language 77. The meaning behind a phrase you hear/say often (For example- the term "Sleep Tight" originated from the 1700s to remind people to tighten the ropes of their bed) 78. The best way to store/save/back up your pictures/data/important documents 79. The way to write a perfect "Thank You" note 80. How to type an E-Mail that will get clients (or your co-workers) attention 81. All about the US presidents (all 45 of them!) - or whoever leads your country 82. How to stop always pressing the snooze button 83. All about a religion that you're extremely unfamiliar with 84. A card game you're unfamiliar with 85. What your signature cocktail is & how to make it 86. The correct way to set a table 87. All about a charity that interests/fascinates you- & donate to it! 88. The proper way to perform CPR 89. The basic beliefs about each religion- regardless of what religion you do/don't follow 90. How to cook one ethnic recipe 91. Basic geography- you know, all the places you've forgotten since 6th grade 92. One impressive, random thing... like making balloon animals, tying a cherry stem into a knot in your mouth, juggling, etc 93. How to iron like an expert 94. How to fold a fitted sheet 95. How to play pool or win at darts (or other frivolous bar games) 96. Words to use in place of "like", "um", "said", etc. 97. How to go through an entire meal without checking your phone/e-mail 98. Basic sewing 101 99. The lyrics to "We Didn't Start The Fire"- because it's great for Karaoke 100. Calligraphy 101. Something "adults" should know how to do but you've yet to learn- like changing your oil 102. Fast ways to keep your house clean & tidy on a daily basis 103. A really funny joke 104. To use the other settings on your camera besides "Auto" mode 105. How to skip a stone 106. Your family's medical history- because being informed never hurt anyone 107. How to cook an egg (there are MANY ways, all of them delish) 108. How to do the splits 109. The best way to tie a tie 110. All about a subject you have always wanted to know! To Create... 111. Your own presets/filters to use on your Instagram + social media photos 112. A happy social media by unfollowing any accounts that don't inspire you 113. Your own salsa 114. A junk-free phone by deleting old apps, contacts, & photos 115. Sketching + submitting your own sketchbook to The Sketchbook Project 116. Photo album of 2019 117. Mittens out of old sweaters 118. A list of all the things you love about yourself 119. Reviews to leave of restaurants/ stores / hotels you’ve been to recently that provided great customer service 120. Multiple go-to music playlists for any feeling/event/etc 121. An emergency kit / box complete with flashlights, water, canned foods, medical supplies, etc 122. Some poems (it’s super relaxing!) 123. A love letter contribution to the Signed Love Earth Project 124. A passion project for the year 125. A new signature dish you can always prepare to perfection 126. A journal that documents every moment of life you cherish/remember from your childhood up until present day. I suggest sorting memories by friend / family member :) 127. Music tapes (Throwback!) of songs you loved, organized by dates/trips/events/etc to always listen back on (& a tape player!) 128. A family cookbook 129. A Group text group using Groupme (or similar app) for all of your friends or family to stay connected & in touch daily! 130. List of books you want to read this year 131. An ETSY store page to sell something you're good at making 132. A list of things you want to do by 2025 133. The perfect password that *fingers crossed* no one could hack! 134. List of your friends/relatives birthdays so you never forget them again 135. A way to make some amount of passive income 136. A USB/Disc of scanned old family photos & giving your family members each a copy 137. New branding, marketing, or any other work/school-related documents using Canva 138. Xing account to network with other professionals in your line of work 139. A more creative life with the help of Creativity-Portal.com 140. Well decorated cookies 141. Meaningful conversation with StoryCorps 142. Ways to stay entertained that don't involve your phone, laptop, or any other tech device 143. A daily skincare routine for your skin type and age 144. A daily journal entry 145. More of a “Smart Home” - such as investing in lightbulbs that can be turned on/off by a mobile app, wireless speakers, etc 146. Knitting a giant chunky knit blanket 147. Nice words of encouragement to send to someone you look up to 148. List of words of advice, quotes, and names of everyone who has ever inspired you or made an impact on your life 149. Custom spices, rubs, and marinades to use when cooking 150. Gift baskets for your local fire/police departments 151. Sweet cards for a local nursing home (To mail & not hand deliver!!) 152. A super creative hashtag to use on your photos throughout the year 153. Naming a star 154. An extensive family tree 155. Handwritten cards to mail your friends 156. A list of podcasts you really like 157. Album of pictures that will always make you smile/happy 158. Holiday wreath for your door 159. A costume completely from scratch for a costume party 160. A fund for something you’ve always wanted to treat yo’ self to! 161. Balloon Art 162. Your own face mask from scratch 163. An art project or installation out of old clothes 164. A Facebook group over something you’re interested in or passionate about where you can share and grow within a community 165. A collection of all the videos you have (even if it means breaking out the VCR) & making one big video montage 166. A safety plan for you & your friends/family in the event of an emergency 167. A list of 10+ self-improvement books to read 168. Collection of hotel keys from all your travels 169. A picture perfect moment 170. A high performance work out plan for 30 days 171. Bedtime routine you can actually stick with 172. An organized, inspiring home office 173. Care bags to donate to your local animal shelter with treats, dollar store blankets, etc 174. A membership to a rewards program you will actually benefit from (For me it’s definitely Southwest Airlines or Hotels.com!) 175. A beautiful bird house (complete with bird food!) to put outside during spring 176. A classical music playlist to listen to when you need to work/study/clean 177. A smash journal/book 178. The last Pinterest project you pinned 179. A Mannequin Challenge video! 180. A dream diary 181. A blog where you can organize your thoughts 182. An organized closet (because even if you purged last year, it's time to re-do!) 183. Your own comic book 184. Crowd funding page for a cause you believe in 185. Family scrapbook/photo album of current & previous generations 186. An atmosphere of love & vulnerability instead of building walls around yourself 187. A blanket fort in your living room- Yes, even if you're 30! 188. A backed up laptop that's clutter free & operates more efficiently 189. An autobiography of your life up to this point 190. Letters to your future children/grandchildren To Try... 191. Reading the entire book of you (or your family/friends) religion 192. Drinking more water 193. A new form of exercise 194. Crying if you're feeling low! Just let it out :) 195. Reading a book you normally wouldn't be interested in 196. Sleeping without your phone in your bedroom (remember that thing called an alarm clock?!) 197. Spending a little more quality / interactive time with your pets! 198. Completing a crossword puzzle 199. Taking a free online course over something you've always been interested in 200. Brewing your own beer 201. Watching an iconic TV show you never saw 202. Understanding why someone with a different political opinion than you holds those views 203. Watching comedies & light-hearted films- you'll be surprised what it can do to your attitude! 204. BumbleBFF- because who doesn't want more friends - especially now when you can just message them?! 205. Lip scrubbing- because dry lips are a thing of the past 206. Leaving water or food outside your home/apartment for anyone in need 207. Dedicating 2 weeks to ridding (or starting!) a habit 208. Writing a song or story 209. Applying more lotion- trust me, your skin will greatly appreciate it 210. Reading the entire constitution- because ignorance isn't bliss 211. Completing a 1,000+ piece puzzle 212. Having a solo wine + paint night at your home! 213. A food that you've never had before 214. Flossing everyday for at least one week straight 215. Fixing something around your place that's broken 216. Making your bed everyday for at least one week in a row 217. Watching your favorite movie in a foreign language 218. Using that thing you're "saving for a special occasion" on a weekly basis 219. Reading classical poetry like Emerson or Frost 220. Closing out of a website every time you're about to type an argumentative comment 221. To find ways to relieve your stress without drinking/smoking/eating/anger/etc 222. Asking instead of assuming 223. Talking on the phone more (I know, cringe, right?!) 224. Alcohol-alternative drinks, such as Kin 225. Entering a short-story contest 226. Cooking seasonally 227. Sticking to a new healthy habit with the app Streaks 228. Writing a book or creating something with your partner or a friend 229. Rewiring your brain 230. Watching all of the movies nominated for awards this year To Experience... 231. Zoom (or Skype!) video session with a lot of your family or friends 232. That exciting feeling of scoring an awesome deal on a product you need or want 233. Cooking every recipe in a favorite or new cookbook 234. Celebrating another culture's holiday and learning all about it 235. Letting go of a secret or something you hold on to by sending a postcard to the PostSecret group 236. Seeing what people around the world are up to with the Snapchat explore map 237. Reading a book that's been collecting dust on your bookshelf way too long 238. Taking a friend or family member's car to the car wash & filling up their tank - just because 239. Catching yourself before you partake in a bad habit - & diverting to a healthier choice 240. Sending a surprise Venmo to a friend, relative, lover, or even a stranger to make their day 241. Getting involved with projects around the world thanks to Zooniverse 242. Hosting a tea party (& getting all dressed up for it, I might add!) 243. Not feeling the need always to check your phone every time it buzzes or a new notification comes in 244. Feeding local wildlife 245. Donating plasma + blood 246. Dying your hair a crazy color (at least for a weekend!) 247. Being completely honest with yourself in regards to the current life choices you’re making and pursuing 248. Giving back to your community in some way 249. Playing a game you loved growing up 250. Finding a new comedian that makes you genuinely LOL 251. Cooking a full meal & donating it to a homeless person you encounter on a frequent basis 252. Sending a gift to a complete stranger from their wedding/baby registry 253. Completing something you never thought you would finish 254. Making a home movie with your family 255. Coloring every page in a coloring book 256. Reading stories from Humans of New York 257. Taking a bath by candlelight 258. Praying or sending good vibes to those around the world Stay healthy & aware of those around you! Please comment below any additional ideas - I would love the recommendations! 😘1. Cancel all recurring monthly subscriptions you don’t use
2. Wait to splurge on that resolution “thing” until March: I want to take better of my skin in 2020, so obviously, I have a list of 50+ expensive beauty items to purchase to do so. While I’m tempted to press “add to cart” and spend all my Christmas money, I told myself I would wait to splurge on said products if I can stick with a routine until March. I recommend you do the same. 3. Go to one networking event, social gathering, or class/seminar in January 4. Clean out your fridge/bathroom/make-up station/etc.: Don’t wait for spring, do an NYE clean! 5. Schedule time for your personal life outside your work life 6. Plan to do a no-spend week one week out of each month 7. Make a list of goals for the year 8. Get a dentist + doctor checkup within the next 1-2 months: Making sure you’re healthy on the inside is essential! Please make an appointment now so you won’t put it off! Don’t have health insurance? Look for coupons on Groupon, New Year specials, and public health clinics to find an affordable way to get a basic checkup. 9. Build healthy boundaries with toxic friends, family, etc. now: It’s hard to do, but SO worth it. 10. Start the morning of 2020 by doing one healthy/inspiring activity: You know that new trend where expectant mothers give birth in the dark among candlelights while getting their chakras aligned? Afterward, the couple holds their newborn completely naked, so their baby experiences skin-to-skin contact, which gives the baby calmness as their first impression of this world. No? Just Me? Anyways, like a newborn baby entering the world, we are entering a new year. & while it’s certainly not as riveting, it is important to start on a good note. Drink a glass of water, send a friendly text, align your chakras. 11. Make it a goal to eat at least one meat-free, healthy meal each week: I was Vegan a few years ago, and while I have since gone back to eating animal products, I am so grateful for those months because I learned to LOVE vegetables. I know many people would say that sounds insane, and they would immediately leave this post. However, it’s the truth! It’s amazing how little changes can impact your diet, starting at just one meal a week. 12. Start speaking better to/of yourself and loved ones: Nobody likes a naysayer 13. Take more pictures on an actual camera - trust me on this one 14. Read more 15. Do one thing each month that is outside your comfort zone 16. Sell any unused/old items & use that cash to either pay off a bit of debt or add to your savings account 17. Make this year a little bit more about you & what you want 18. Create a calming playlist & listen to it when you need to study, clean, or get tasks done 19. Spend one day in January doing something you’ve wanted to do - the catch? Do it solo! 20. Don’t be too hard on yourself to change, but do have an uplifting outlook for 2020 Under The Influence...When I first joined Instagram back in 2012, I was like all the other upper teen Austinites. I overused the Valencia filter, underused hashtags, and - if you can believe this - made sure always to add my location so I could have a cute little collage of photos on the map tab of my profile - I so wish they hadn't rid that feature. Anyways, I, like many, saw Instagram as a similar outlet to Twitter or Facebook, except status updates were selfies and food pics instead of words. In some ways, not much has changed in the last eight years. However, in other ways, everything has. Spring 2013 was when I first started noticing "influencers" popping up. However, there were few and far between. One girl from my high school started a fashion blog and quickly gained a lot of followers, like several thousand. I remember being quite intrigued by her success. She posted pictures in various outfits with #ootd and would tag the stores or designers of said clothing. I started seeing her photos pop up all over the Internet, and not much later, inside a few various stores - which was a "Wow!" moment for me. It was incredible to think that someone could post pictures from a tripod to Instagram and eventually work their way up to being the face of an actual store or clothing line. I realized early on that there was huge potential to become "noticed," maybe even famous, thanks to Instagram and other social media apps. For me, it was Pinterest. What started as a way to waste time and cure boredom in college quickly became a way to boost traffic to my blog and potentially make money. I always wanted to give Instafame a shot, but I never was entirely able to commit to the lifestyle. Because it is a lifestyle, being an influencer means putting your life out there for everyone to see, one post at a time. It means getting the perfect shot. It means trying to one-up others with the best post, a unique background, an original camera angle. It means commenting, liking, and sharing random photos that you could care less about all in the name of the game. It means putting your real life on pause, so in the meantime, you can edit it, trim it, and upload the faultless version of yourself to playback over and over again. After spending years being intrigued by so many up and coming accounts on Instagram, I started to realize that it's not so much fame that we are pursuing as it is notoriety. Being a "major" influencer doesn't just mean embracing the lifestyle; it means continuing a lifestyle. What I mean by this is that there is one thing each Insta famous user has in common. & no, I'm not talking about their Louis Vuitton purses or desire to share their skincare routines. I'm talking about money — cold, hard cash. I'm not talking about money they've since earned from sponsored posts, growing their brand, or selling various products. I'm talking about money and a lifestyle they inherited the day they were conceived in a most likely 300-thread count Egyptian cotton California king bed. I started thinking about all of the Influencers I know from "real" life - sad that you have to specify that, huh? & it hit me that each one I know grew up in a wealthy neighborhood, came from borderline upper-middle to upper-class families, received an excellent education, and were already successful before their Instafame. Every. Single. One. It's not surprising. Since the beginning of time, those who we consider being "influential" are usually the rich, beautiful, and powerful. Why would social media be any different? It's different because everyone has this false illusion that they, too, can be an influencer. However, is that actually obtainable? Can the "average" person with a regular salary and family life ever compete with major Instagrammers? Is it possible to have a rag to riches Instafame story? & beyond that, is it worth it? I wasn't sure so I started doing some research of my own: Let's Talk Data... |
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TheMaceyLynn is a Chicago based lifestyle, fashion, and travel blog developed to inspire.
Disclosure: TheMaceyLynn is part of an affiliate advertising program. If you click and/or make a purchase through certain links on this site (or any related social media platforms) I may make a commission from that purchase. All opinions are my own. Photographs taken are my own work.
TheMaceyLynn is a Chicago based lifestyle, fashion, and travel blog developed to inspire.