You just have to meet this bucket list blogger!
Jessica from Turquoise Compass is a teacher at heart, but her true passion is traveling (especially to turquoise beaches), adventure, and trying new things. She has been to 17 countries and she is ready to see more. She has completed hundreds of items on her bucket list and encourages others to live life to the fullest, while taking advantage of every opportunity that comes. As you can tell, this hyperactive traveler loves visiting beautiful turquoise destinations.
Below is a guest post from Jessica:
Making a List, Crossing it Off
I’ve always been interested in the idea of bucket lists since my early twenties, but it wasn’t until I turned thirty that I actively pursued a life of creating yearly bucket lists and checking them off. I took 14 months off from my job to travel the world in 2013; I have already completed my 2013 bucket list and I’m making headway into my 2014 list. A friend of mine, Bucket List Publications, inspired me through her yearly bucket lists to start making my own. I’ve always been in the process of completing things I’ve been passionate about, but never really put pen to paper until I transitioned my life from a full-time teacher and Master’s student to a full-time traveler.
Before 2013, I completed countless items on my bucket list over the years including swimming with whale sharks, rappelling, riding in a helicopter, driving a mustang, and river-boarding among others, yet it wasn’t until 2013 when I made a list of 45 items and checked everything off in one year. I started my sabbatical and 2013 bucket list off with a leap of faith by jumping out of a perfectly good airplane. 2014’s list is even bigger and better with over 80 items on my list. I’ve already almost completed the list and I’m only halfway through the year. I need to start thinking about making my 2014 bucket list longer so that I have more to pursue this year. Do you have any ideas?
Here is a highlight of some of my 2014 bucket accomplishments:
Canada- As much as I want to stay in a turquoise paradise forever, I always make it back to Canada in between trips whether it be Atlantic Canada, central Canada, or northern Canada. There is no place like home. It’s easy to complete bucket list items home and away. As much as I love the sun and sand while being in a hot turquoise destination, I still want to experience everything Canada has to offer from snow shoeing, hiking, wildlife tours, kayaking, and beyond.
Miami & Key West, U.S.A- I made it to another one of my dream beach destinations: Miami and Key West! Miami’s South Beach and Key West are two of the most turquoise USA beaches I have yet to see! I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw them for the first time. It was more turquoise than I expected and even better than I expected! Can you sense my excitement? Now that I got a taste of Miami and the Keys I want to return. The trip allowed me the opportunity to sample a little bit of what Miami, the Everglades, and the Keys have to offer and to figure out if it’s a place for me. Indeed it is, and I would like to return there again someday to explore more of what they have to offer.
Australia-Australia’s east coast is a place where I completed countless bucket list items and adventure sports. Visiting Australia’s east coast is a dream come true. Exploring the eastern region of Australia for 6 weeks allowed me to complete countless items on my bucket list. From hang-gliding to sand-boarding I tried to do it all. I like to think I am an adventurous person, although not fearless, I am open to experiencing anything unique and out of the ordinary.
New Zealand– My busy three week tour of New Zealand’s south island and north island with Stray Bus allowed me the opportunity to see all of the main sights in the little time I had without any compromises. I met new friends, saw unexpected turquoise destinations, and explored unprecedented national parks. New Zealand is a dream–exactly what I have seen in countless films, and the reason why I wanted to visit in the first place. It’s no wonder why people love New Zealand. I couldn’t help but look around at my magnificent surroundings and be left in awe of the world I roam, especially in Middle-earth.
Cuba– After spending 6 weeks away from a turquoise beach, I started dreaming to be on a white sand turquoise beach again. It wasn’t long before dreaming turned into a reality and landed me on one of the most perfect turquoise beaches I have ever seen: Cayo Santa Maria, Cuba.
My year thus far had me seeing pristine turquoise water, one of a kind landscapes, unique and interesting animals, World Heritage Listed ecosystems, and one of the seven wonders of the world. Where will the rest of the year take me? Next up…Europe!
Keep making your bucket lists and checking them off!
Connect with Jessica:
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Wonderful! Too many poeple would have the opportunity to follow their dreams but using excuses why he cannot do it. That’s why I love to read those stories. Live your life today, you never know what tomorrow brings!
I couldn’t agree more! I stopped moping and made actions to make my dreams come true and I couldn’t be happier. I have received more than I even dreamed of!
Jessica, Turquoise Compass
Thank you Christine for allowing me to be a part of Project Light to Life by being a guest post blogger. Your site is inspiring and I am so happy that I too can inspire people through your amazing website. “When diverse worlds come together, beauty is inevitable” (E.Gruwell).
Jessica, Turquoise Compass
Jessica, you are amazing! I can’t imagine you will be on your deathbed (at age 120 of course) wishing you had done more with your life!
Thank you so much Debra! I’m sure there will always me more to do. I can’t yet bring myself to bungy jump–maybe it’s something I can do for my 90th birthday?
Jessica, Turquoise Compass
Amazing!!!
Thank you so much! Do you currently make yearly bucket lists?
Jessica, Turquoise Compass
Yes I do! And I think I’m doing much better with this years list than last year. Yay!! LOL
Great! What’s your top item this year?
Jessica
Well I had promised myself this year to explore more of California. So I think my top item is to “finally” visit Catalina Island off the coast of Southern California. Finger Crossed! 🙂
Oh that would be amazing. I haven’t been there yet!
Thanks for joining Turquoise Compass. I hope you enjoy my posts!
Jessica
How do you do it? how far in advance to you make these plans?
Often, it’s last minute, spur of the moment. I did save up for 6 years to take a year off from my job, but the trips during my year off were often planned less than 2 weeks in advance! Anything is possible.
Jessica, Turquoise Compass
Wow that’s awesome, way to go Jessica! Totally jealous! 🙂
Thank you so much! We all have things we should be proud of.
Jessica, Turquoise Compass
Thank you for introducing me to Jessica. The places she sees are beautiful and inspiring.
Glad you enjoy my travel story. Hope to see you again soon.
Jessica, Turquoise Compass
How inspiring! It takes a great deal of courage to pursue your dreams!
I completely agree :)!
Of course the elephant in the room is wondering how one finances such undertakings as full time travelling