Life is for living, but what are the best life experiences? Look at your own or others, or what is ideal. The more you experience your best ones, the happier you are.
Think of Your Best Life Experiences: Are They Here?
I’ve been thinking about my best life experiences a lot lately. Besides, I am grateful for all I have that allows me to see experience as a blessing. Much of this comes from my rich variety of exciting, memorable, life-changing experiences. Yet, I’m not unique. Everyone can find wonderful experiences in their life that both enrich and fulfill them.
So, I’ll list some of the life experiences I find best. However, I suppose that many of yours may be here as well. Let’s examine them and see if there’s common ground. Here’s the question again. What are the best life experiences?
Experiences That Make You Laugh
Laughter is a universal expression of unbridled joy in the moment. You find something funny and laugh at it, alone or with others. There’s no censoring of your emotions, just pure expression. Additionally, I believe that everyone can learn to laugh more and enjoy life.
Additionally, laughter is good for you, according to a research review of studies on laughter as medicine published in Plos One.
Yet the best part about experiences that make you laugh is that there’s no limit to when, where, how, or why you enjoy them. While some are common, many are unique.
My Roller-Coaster Experience with My Dad
One of my most memorable experiences was with my Dad. We visited a local amusement park and he took me on my first roller-coaster ride. I was too scared to go alone, so he sat next to me for encouragement.
But my absolute terror was quickly replaced with laughter and shrieks of joy. Besides learning how to conquer my fear, I shared an experience with my Dad that still makes me smile.
Some of the Best Life Experiences Move You to Tears
There are many ways to celebrate and embrace life, not the least of which include any experiences that move you to tears. Yet, while some of these are sad in nature, many are joyful, and some are bittersweet.
My Son’s First Self-Given Haircut
When my eldest son was about five years old, he decided to give himself a haircut. I was in the kitchen when he took the scissors and began to whack away. Later, I saw him sitting on the porch step outside, and I had to catch my breath. His hair was in patches, some close to his scalp, while others were an inch or two long. His mischievous look and evident pride in his work brought tears to my eyes. How could I be angry when he was so happy?
We took a picture of that memorable moment and often looked at it years later. Of course, we laughed together. What makes me both sad and happy looking at it now is that he’s now deceased. However, experiences like this are some of the best.
Experiences That Motivate You to Do More Are the Ones You Remember
Do you remember what motivates you to get results? Whether you’re trying to achieve a goal or do something unfamiliar, you often need motivation to get started. However, those experiences that push you to keep going are frequently the ones you quietly remember.
For example, who can forget cramming for finals until the wee hours? The frantic race to the classroom after a hefty caffeine dose and the adrenaline rush as you dive into the exam is exciting and motivating.
- Besides, acing your finals is the ultimate motivator. Failing is also a motivator, but it also encourages you to start studying earlier, ensuring you’re prepared and well-rested.
Challenging Experiences May Be the Best
For many, including myself, the most memorable and enriching life experiences are those that are challenging and rewarding. Snorkeling, downhill skiing, and scuba diving are three of mine. Only one of these do I feel comfortable with. The other two, while exciting and definitely challenging, are not ones I’ll revisit. However, they each count as thrilling events I’ll never forget.
Besides, challenges are a fantastic way to learn how to conquer your fear.
- So, even though I tried downhill skiing and scuba diving with less-than-spectacular results, the courage I summoned added to my self-confidence. However, I still love snorkeling and find ocean creatures fascinating.
- Additionally, I also tried surfing, but being sucked under by a monstrous swell pushes this onto the not-my-favorites list. Still, staring down that massive wave coming at me was a pretty challenging experience and one I remember vividly.
When You Feel Love Is One of the Best Life Experiences
Who doesn’t remember their first love? Yet besides romantic love between partners, there are many other kinds of love. You feel love for your children, your parents, family, and best friends. There’s love of country, love for God, and love for all humanity.
As an article in Psychology Today states, “Real love will nurture, strengthen, and empower you.”
So, while allowing you to remember your experiences with love fondly, I’ll let this addition to the best life experiences stand on its own merit.
How About Those Where You’re Creating Something New?
What about when you create something altogether new? Besides coming up with the idea and executing it, you can take pride in the result.
Women of Influence Ride and Drive
One activity I’m particularly proud of is the Women of Influence ride and drive event I created and hosted in Santa Fe, New Mexico. As the Western regional public relations manager for Chevrolet, conducting ride-and-drives was a fun part of my responsibilities.
For this event, I invited only women in automotive media to attend. Furthermore, all those associated with the event were women. This included the ride and drive event organizers, all the presenters (engineers, advertising and marketing executives, brand managers), the caterers, and my staff.
What made this event so special is the fact that it had never been done before in the industry. Some of the participants still talk about that four-day event today. Additionally, the resulting publicity was pretty fantastic.
Helping a Child Learn Is Another of the Best Life Experiences
If you remember your parent teaching you something or helping you learn, this is an example of an indelible life experience. Mine was learning to ride a two-wheel bike. I had tried and failed to do so on my own or with my brother’s encouragement. Many scrapes, cuts, and bruises later, my father (who had been at work when I was gamely trying myself) gently taught me how to navigate balance and gain confidence.
However, once I was off and flying, it was as if I had suddenly gained a superpower. How exhilarating! Funny thing, though, my children picked up bike riding without any problems at all. Yet, I did teach them a few things for which they gave me credit.
What are some of your best life experiences? I’d love to hear about them.
