30 Of The Best And Sometimes Mundane Things You Should Experience At Least Once In Your Life
Life is truly worth living—you just have to look for the beauty in every experience.
In the midst of our daily hustle, it's easy to forget about those things that truly light up our lives and bring us joy. Whether they're lifelong dreams or fleeting moments of happiness, we often don't take the time to give them the attention they deserve.
You know the ones—those special places, emotions, purchases, or experiences that we often daydream about. Even if they are the most mundane of things, there's a bittersweet feeling in realizing that what's common for us may be a beautiful thing for others—be it as small as having a bite of the greatest sandwich you have ever put your hands on, or immersing yourself in a totally different culture of another country.
It's safe to say that many of us secretly maintain a mental bucket list, a collection of hopes and wishes we hope to fulfill someday. Some of us have gone the extra mile and written these dreams down, even starting to save up to make them come true.
Others have them jotted down on a virtual notepad, occasionally peeking at them to gauge our progress. And then there are those who spontaneously come up with ideas on the fly, creating unique entries in the moment.
Sometimes, you won't even realize that something is beautiful—until you experience it firsthand.
Just take a look at this list that sprouted from the question, "What's something everyone should experience at least once in their life?" from Reddit...
1. "Reading a book so good you can't fall asleep without reading a new chapter, and feeling slightly sad when you finish it."
Yaroslav Shuraev2. "What it's like to work a busy shift at a restaurant."
It can be any role—waiting tables, bussing, cooking, or hosting. Everyone should have one evening where you are trying to serve and cater to dozens of people at once. You should know how it feels to bring someone the wrong dish or spill a glass on someone.You should know how it feels to work hard and get no tip, to be told to take something back as if it's your fault—all the normal things that happen during a busy shift.By having that experience, you will have a permanently different view of going out to eat, and you will be a kinder, more accepting, and patient customer.
o Mehmet Suat Gunerli3. "Seeing an ocean in person, from a beach."
Matt Barnard
Finding Meaning in Life Experiences
Experiencing a range of life events, both mundane and extraordinary, can contribute to a person's overall sense of fulfillment. Research from the Journal of Positive Psychology indicates that engaging in new experiences can enhance well-being and promote personal growth.
This article underscores the importance of seeking out diverse experiences as a means to enrich one's life and foster a deeper understanding of oneself and the world.
4. "Contentment and security."
Not necessarily full happiness, but satisfaction in your own life and safety within it.Something that a great many of us don't actually have.
Samson Katt
5. Night skies and a mountain peak view
I have two. One is seeing a starry night sky—no clouds, no light pollution—just a beautiful night sky. Or better yet, the northern lights. The second is seeing the view from a mountain peak. People always talk about how ugly the world is, but I think these two things really remind you of how beautiful Earth is too.
Tobias Bjørkli
6. "A good night's sleep."
Александар Цветановић
The concept of 'experiential diversity' suggests that individuals who engage in a variety of activities tend to report higher levels of life satisfaction. Studies show that trying new things can lead to increased creativity and resilience, as well as a greater appreciation for everyday moments.
By embracing both significant milestones and mundane experiences, individuals can cultivate a more meaningful and fulfilling life.
7. "Being in love with someone who loves you back."
juan mendez
8. "The sound of it snowing."
I laid on the ground in the snow at night in the Alaskan wilderness in December; it's so peaceful. ❄️
Tim Gouw
9. "Even if it's only for a short period of time: full financial independence while being single."
You can pay your own bills, you have your own place, and you have full freedom over your free time. Whether it's staying in and binge-watching Netflix or going out and sitting amongst strangers, your time is your own. No kids, no spouse or significant other. I find this is when you really get to know and understand yourself.
Karolina Grabowska
Strategies for Enhancing Life Experiences
Developing strategies to enhance life experiences can significantly improve overall well-being. Research indicates that setting personal goals and pursuing new activities can create a sense of purpose and satisfaction.
By actively seeking out new experiences, individuals can cultivate a sense of curiosity and openness that enriches their lives and fosters personal growth.
10. "A loving and supportive group of humans."
fauxels
11. "Having real friends."
Rachel Claire
12. "Going into a forest and smelling rain."
Pixabay
Practicing mindfulness can also enhance the appreciation of daily experiences. Studies show that individuals who engage in mindfulness practices report higher levels of satisfaction and well-being.
By being present in the moment and fully experiencing life, individuals can foster a deeper connection to their experiences and enhance their overall quality of life.
13. "Everyone should experience the joys of traveling to a foreign land at least once in their lifetime, even if it's just to realize how much they love their own toilet."
Imagine discovering new cultures, cuisines, and the thrill of trying to communicate with locals using just charades and a phrasebook. Trust me, it's a life-changing experience that'll give you a new appreciation for your home and a killer accent to boot.
Eric Sanman
14. Take care of a loved one on their deathbed.
Willing-Grapefruit-9
15. "Moving away from your hometown, even if it is for a year."
gya den
16. "A hug, simple but important."
Andrea Piacquadio
17. "Gratitude for being alive."
And I don't mean it like after a near-death experience. I'm talking about the epiphany you get doing the simplest task or after a bad day. The sudden realization of being alive and being able to feel however you're feeling at the moment is something everyone should experience and be grateful for.
Towfiqu barbhuiya
18. "Overcoming a strong fear."
Standing up for yourself.
Pixabay
19. "For straight men:"
Going to a gay bar.You realize very quickly how women feel from your playful flirting. The only difference is, they can't just leave the bar.
LimeSpiked
20. "Witnessing a total solar eclipse."
Totally life-changing. Even with a full understanding of what is happening, I totally get how people over the millennia would find this to be an omen from the gods.
Elizabeth Olson
21. Love
Seaworthiness14
22. "The energy of a concert."
Tens of thousands of people excited, vibing in unison, and just so f***ing happy to be alive.I've been to a couple of concerts just to experience that vibe.
picjumbo.com
23. "Being in a poor part of a third-world country."
We have all seen poverty on TV, but it is a very different thing when you are standing in the middle of it. You then realize how lucky you are.
Tiana
24. "That thing some people do, of waking up and being excited for the day to come—that sounds nice."
Ketut Subiyanto
25. "Whale watching from a boat. Whales are amazing."
Jo Kassis
26. "Being well and absolutely disconnected."
No phones, no GPS. I last had that experience in the early '90s. Being somewhere with someone you trust, and the two of you are the only people who know where you are and what you are doing.
Şeyda Nur Uğur
27. "Working a minimum or entry-level job as a first job, especially when young."
It really makes you appreciate money and interactions with people because it sucked, and you got so little of anything—even less respect.Hell, you even get to treat the people who work those jobs nicer because you were them once.
cottonbro studio
28. Dealing with disability
kkeepp_to_myself
29. "Another culture."
And I don’t mean as a tourist, where you have all the comforts of home. To fully absorb and immerse yourself in the lives of that culture. To eat their foods, drink their drinks, and do as they do.
Ryutaro Tsukata
30. Baggage
liketosaysalsa
Life is short, and there's never really a guarantee when it will be cut off, so it's best to just enjoy life for what it is, right? Well, we hope that this list has shed light on what things you should pay more attention to because even in this cruel world, there are still a lot of things that are beautiful in it.
What would you add to this list? Comment down your thoughts, or share this article for all your family and friends to see!
Psychological Analysis
This article emphasizes the significance of experiencing a range of life events in enhancing personal fulfillment. It's essential for individuals to recognize the value of both extraordinary and mundane moments, as they contribute to a well-rounded life.
By embracing new experiences and practicing mindfulness, individuals can foster a deeper connection to their lives and enhance their overall satisfaction.
Analysis generated by AI
Analysis & Alternative Approaches
In conclusion, embracing a variety of life experiences can lead to greater fulfillment and personal growth. Research consistently shows that engaging in new activities and being present in the moment can enhance overall well-being.
By seeking out diverse experiences and practicing mindfulness, individuals can cultivate a richer, more meaningful life.
