一辈子至少要尝试做一次的20件事（双语）

So much of what we do in our lives is routine or reactive, not deliberate. Here are 20 things we think everyone should do at least once. What would you add?

1. Own your own business

Find out if you have what it takes to be your own boss. Whether you’re founding the world’s next mega-corporation, opening the shop around the corner or just freelancing from your home office, you deserve to experience the freedom and frustration of working for yourself.

2. Live in a foreign country

Immerse yourself in different culture by taking up residence in another country for as long as your savings and the rest of your life plan will allow. Most countries will issue 60- or 90-day visas on request, and many cities offer short-term rentals at rates that beat vacation prices. There is a world of difference between being a tourist and being an expat. Go and find out.

3. Buy a home

Who doesn’t dream of owning their own home? The recessionand widespread foreclosures over the past few years may have tarnished thedream a bit, but it’s still alive and well for most people. Renting may offermore flexibility and variety, but there’s nothing quite like having a place ofyour own.

4. Drive coast to coast

At least once in your life, take the ultimate road trip. Drive all the way across the country and return by a different route. The scenery, and the experience, will be unforgettable.

5. Get your heart broken

No one goes looking for heartbreak, but emotional pain is an inevitable part of life and often a prerequisite for developing compassion and empathy, and for recognizing and appreciating true love when you find it.

6. Be cheered by a crowd

Do something cheer-worthy, whether you’re scoring the winning touchdown, taking a bow after your successful theater debut or delivering a rousing speech—and then bask in the crowd’s loud vocal approval and applause.

7. Keep a journal

At some point in your life, follow the example of successful people ranging from presidents and prime ministers to artists and authors by keeping a written record of your daily thoughts, insights and observations.

8. Take a leap of faith

It’s nice to have all the facts and a clear and irrefutable choice, but life doesn’t always work that way. Sometimes, you have to just trust your instincts, take a leap of faith, and see where you land. Chances are you’ll end up in a place far more interesting than where logic alone would have led you.

9. Give something back

Life has been good to you, so use some of your time, talent and hard-earned money to help those less fortunate. You’ll not only improve the lives of the people you touch directly, you’ll also enrich your community and yourself.

10. Design and build a house

Stop trying to fit your life into spaces designed by people who don’t understand what you need, and build a place of your own. Whether it’s your dream house or a weekend cabin, at least once in your life design and build a home of your own.

11. Make a meal with food you raised yourself

Most of us don’t give much thought to how much effort it takes to produce the food we enjoy—and must consume to survive—every day. Get in touch with reality by growing your own food for a season. It will give you a new respect and appreciation for farmers.

12. Buy a piece of art because you love it

Original art can be an investment or an extravagance, but at least once make sure that you decide to purchase art because you’re listening to your heart and not your pocketbook. Forget about the cost and the possible resale value and buy a piece of art just because you love it.

13. Go wilderness camping

Pitching a tent in the back yard is fun and so is car camping at the state park, but for real adventure get back to nature with a wilderness camping trip. By leaving civilization behind and relying on yourself and your companions, you may discover abilities and qualities you never knew you had.

14. Take a sabbatical

Everyone dreams about taking a year off, but few people ever do it. Be one of those who do. Save your money and give yourself a sabbatical—whether it’s a year or just a few months—to travel, pursue your passion, and plan the next chapter of your life.

15. Make a piece of furniture

Take time to learn a little about carpentry and woodworking. Then get yourself some good wood and use it to build a table, a bookcase or a chair. Furniture you build will always mean more to you than furniture you buy, and it doesn’t have to be perfect to become a cherished family heirloom.

16. Go snorkeling or scuba diving

More than 70 percent of the world is covered by water. Discover the beauty and wonder that lie beneath by donning a mask and fins and going below.

17. Adopt a pet

There is no surer way to get in touch with your humanity than to share your life with an animal you love. Pets love us without reservations or conditions and, by their example, teach us live and love better than we could without them.

18. Do something that really scares you

Whether you climb a mountain, jump out of an airplane or ride a giant roller coaster, by doing something that truly scares you and conquering your fear you will grow as a person.

19. Take a stand

Stand up and speak out against injustice or in defense of a principle that you believe in. If you know you are right, act with courage and refuse to be intimidated, regardless of the risk.

All too often, we choose our work based on the size of the paycheck or the amount of prestige that comes with the job. Too few people are fortunate enough to do work that has real meaning for them. Make sure that, at least once in your life, you are one of them.

人一辈子至少要尝试做一次的20件事