Become an activist or advocate of something you BELIEVE in

Before I started writing this post, I Google'd the online definitions of both advocate and activist. It is evident that they are depicted completely opposite of each other and one is seen as being a positive movement while the other one is negative.

As seen in the images section of Google, an advocate is someone who uses their voice in a process of dialogue, exchange of ideas and negotiation of a topic, whereas activism is depicted as the more radical and extreme process of forcing dialogue and negotiation. Whichever one you choose to do or associate with, just make sure it's for a good cause!

The purpose of my post today is to motivate you to become either an advocate or an activist of something you truly believe in and of something in need of serious change. Whether you decide to use your voice, your position, your money or your social media expertise is completely up to you.

In my opinion, both activists and advocates are needed for this world to change. I can't really say I've been one or the other, but rather a little bit of both. You might recall going to Sea World as a kid, and being completely amazed by Tilikum and the other performing whales. You were probably so amazed that the thought of becoming a whale trainer crossed your mind once or twice.

Unlike many, I went to Sea World for the first time when I was 16 years old, and even then I was completely oblivious to what was really happening. Just like you, I had not been educated on the horrendous history Sea World and Tilikum had, nor had I had both the pleasure and disturbing experience of watching Black Fish. 

It has been a couple of years since I became both an activist and an advocate for marine animals in captivity. I have yet to do it on a national level; however I do what I can with what I have such as using social media and word-of-mouth as well as avoiding social outings to places like Marine Land.

Both advocacy and activism are tools to create some sort of social change. You don't need to be Angelina Jolie or Emma Watson to help change the world. Being a student, recent graduate or entry-level employee should not prevent you from fighting towards change. But just like me, you have to work with what you got.

 If you'd like more information on volunteering, donating or even talking about any of these causes, shoot me a message. Fighting for social change should be on everyone's bucket list. After all, it is our world and only we can change it. 

Need ideas? Visit these sites.

http://generationon.org/teens/make-your-mark/65-ways-make-difference

http://www.wellsofhope.com/

http://www.worldvision.ca/

http://www.communitycarestca.ca/

http://www.freethechildren.com/

http://www.torontozoo.com/supportthezoo/adoptananimal.asp

http://wwf.panda.org/how_you_can_help/support_wwf/adopt_an_animal/

https://theorcaproject.wordpress.com/how-to-help/

The world is but a canvas to our imagination.

It is pretty much inevitable to create a bucket list without 80% of your goals being travel related. Let's face it; travel is the ultimate goal for anyone with ANY type of bucket list. Here is a really awesome quiz I came across (thank you Facebook ads), which I was very excited to take and couldn't wait to share my results.

The quiz is called "What's your travel style". According to #MyContiki, it is really important to know what your travel style is, in order to make sure that your travel experiences are life-changing, enriching and ultimately making you happier. Knowing your travel style will not only save you money but will allow you to live fulfilling experiences and help you meet people with similar views and bucket list goals.

The quiz starts with a video explaining what the quiz will do and how it will help you determine "which adventure best suits your travel style". Whether you're a luxury or budget traveler, solo or group adventurer, and city or nature tourist, this quiz will even tell you exactly where you should go!

The first few topics the quiz touches upon are activity preference and things you cannot live without. My preferred activity was obviously boat jumping, since my next travel plan is Yacht Week in Croatia. I then proceeded to choosing sunglasses as the one thing I could not live without. I was torn between my phone and my sunglasses but figured I hate eye wrinkles more than I love #selfies.  

#MyContiki then asks what your ideal evening would be. I was very tempted to choose 'a long leisure meal with LOTS of wine', but ended up going with 'a few sights, a couple bites and some great bars'.

Once I submitted my responses, I was so pleased and excited to know that I was in fact an 'In-depth explorer traveler'. This type of traveler has a strong desire to wander, embrace the unknown and find out more about themselves through the people they meet and places they visit. "I am eager to dive a bit deeper into local life, exploring cultural highlights and food delicacies". 

I couldn't help but think, OH MY GOD, THIS IS SO ME. Following this, I was suggested a 'European Magic', specifically to Spain, Morocco & Portugal, which are all on my 'top 5' list of amazing countries previously visited. 

Go check out this quiz! It takes approximately 5 minutes to complete and with the amount of travel opportunities you get to explore, it is definitely worth your time. 

Did I mention this quiz automatically enters you for the chance to win a trip for two to a European adventure?! I'm an in-depth explorer traveler, what are you? 

Cheers, 

Erika

My Ideal Bucket List

2015 has just started and we are only two months in. I often tell myself "this is my year" and always end up doing the same things with the same people and nothing really changes. I feel like once this is up and publicly available, I'll be more inclined and motivated to pursue my bucket list.

"Every man dies — Not every man really lives."

Now don't get me wrong, my bucket list is NOWHERE near complete as I have mentioned before, it is an ongoing, never ending list...

Henna tattoo from Morocco

1. Travel to all continents

2. Kiss in the rain

3. Go on an African safari

4. Learn to play an instrument

5. Fly a helicopter

6. Ride a gondola in Venice    ✓

7. Go to England

8. Visit Egypt

9. Swim with dolphins

10. Get a henna tattoo    ✓

11. Live in another country    ✓

12. Read of all Gabriel Garcia Marquez' books

13. Bungee jump

Visiting Fontana Di Trevi 

14. Create a non-for-profit

15. Practice Muay Thai in Thailand 

16. Go on a road trip

17. Learn to belly dance

18. Lose 10 pounds

19. Make a wish at the Fontana Di Trevi  ✓

20. Volunteer for a charity in a different country

21. Become a blood donor

22. Adopt a pet

23. Wear a snake around my head

24. Become 100% fluent in French

25. Learn a third Latin language

26. Go whale watching

27. Pay it forward

28. Brew my own beer or make my own wine

29. Plant a tree

30. Dye my hair a crazy colour for 6 months

Feel free to let me know what you think AND most importantly, what I should be adding. I realize a lot of these goals seem big and maybe not do-able in 2015, but a goal isn't all about its completion but how you lead up to it. 

Join me! Today is the perfect day and perfect time for YOU to create your own bucket list! 

Travel, food, entertainment, and MUCH, MUCH MORE

Wow, my first blog post ever, this should be interesting.

I have spent all day on Google trying to figure out what to tell you about my blog. Most "Intro to blog" sections began with, "Hello, my name is Chelsea, and I am a life coach". Let me stop you there, I am NOT a life coach. I don't pretend to be a life guru, nor am I an expert on traveling, trying new food or reading new books. I am however, a wanderlust fiend with a need for knowledge and new experiences.

As the author of this blog, my goal is to attempt to show you  my experiences through the use of words. I am a 22 year-old girl, so I admit my experiences are still very limited, however I'd like to think I've experienced a lot more than some people dream to in a life time.

This blog challenges the traditional bucket list as it is not limited to traveling and jumping off a plane as "things to do before you die". I have yet to decide on a structure for this blog, and I have a feeling I may not have one. As I write this blog, not only am I offering my insight and my experiences, but I am also taking steps towards fulfilling my own bucket list. I will include posts on past as well as future experiences.

1. Do you have a constant need to travel?
2. Do you feel like there's so much more to life?
3. Can't wait to experience the world?
4. Have already planned life experiences from now until you're 90?

Then you're just like me and you will love my blog! Should you continue to read it and want to know more about me or my posts, please feel free to contact me through Facebook, Email, Twitter or Instagram. I hope to provide good reads and would be more than happy to share more information on anything you see on My Ideal Bucket List.