Things Everyone wants to do

Dynamics of modern life leave us under the spell of the idea that we should always be well-organised and follow the perfect routine. We tend to stop planning for new adventures.
Remember that guitar you promised yourself you'd start playing, but never did? Or that bright shirt you bought but never wear? Or all those holidays you planned but never went on?
 
So many lovely ideas postponed, or outright cancelled. We let ourselves become discouraged or disillusioned. Yet, at the back of our mind we all dream to be spontaneous explorers, more developed, fitter, happier, more complete versions of ourselves. 

Wishful Thinking Week is all about chasing those dreams.
 
We've put together a list of adventures, challenges, and trials that are nearly universally aspired to, yet rarely completed.
Getting the adrenaline levels up and learning something new should always be the priority in life, having experiences and getting fun stories. Investing in ourselves means boosting our confidence and performing better in everything else we get involved in. 

Travel 
From driving the Amalfi Coast to watching a flamenco show in Costa Brava to soaking in the ocean at the Acapulco resort, you have plenty of marvelous trips to choose from.
 
Travelling is one of the most rewarding activities, which also makes us more tolerant and fearless. Nothing could surpass the profound amount of knowledge we obtain while encoutering new nations, religions, and ways of thinking. 
 
Envisage a trip to Jerusalem, the outstanding crossroad of three religions - Christianity, Islam and Judaism. Reaching the Western Wall is a journey in itself. You'll be offered some of the world's best ingredients, that you'll never find back home. Other vendors will be very persistent and charming while convincing you why their scarves and jewellery couldn't look better than on you. Buy some, they'll be fantastic mementos of your trip.
 
And then you could continue your cultural trip with visiting the world's biggest Holocaust museum, Yad Vashem.
Offering various art exhibits and commemorative sites, it is one of Israel's most-visited places, and an important reminder of history. 
 
Or maybe you're an art lover? Antoni Gaudi's masterpieces across Barcelona will cast a spell on you. Enjoy the colour explosion at Park Guell. It's iconic with its wonderful views of the city and modernist play areas and fountains. And of course you could admire Gaudi's work while taking some magical photos in front of Basilica of the Sagrada Familia. 

Extreme Sports
There are so many extreme sports you can do. Kitesurfing, for instance, is an explosively popular phenomenon that combines aspects of surfing and paragliding.
 
Zip lining is another lovely activity to check out this summer. Reach speeds of 50mph while gliding on a rope above forests, oceans, or deserts. The other positive thing is that zip line tours are relatively easy to find in many countries, and can be fun for large groups.
 
Volcano boarding sounds just as good to boost your energy levels. Ascend a mountain of loose rocks and then start racing down on an active volcano, if you're brave enough. You could even pick if you want to sit down on a sled or stand up on a snowboard.
 
White-water rafting is yet another way to get your blood pumping. Be audacious and try maneuvering in rough water. It's fun and dangerous! The numbers of people practicing it is getting higher and higher. 

Learning a new language 
​All languages improve our cognitive flexibility. Moreover, when we learn a second language, the quality and intensity of our attachment to people who speak those languages enhances. It lets us communicate and connect with so many more people, which can only be a good thing. 
 
3 billion people use more than one language in their everyday life which demonstrates how interested we are in speaking different languages, and how interconnected we could all be. It's lovely because people are not restricted to a single world-view.
 
Multilingualism helps delay cognitive ageing and increases connectivity between brain areas. There are so many spoken all over the world: French, Spanish, Mandarin. Or maybe try considering learning Luxembourgish or Icelandic, for adventures in those specific places. Languages are such a good excuse to travel the world!
 
A language goes beyond vocabulary and grammar. This experience also improves our cultural empathy which lessens racism and xenophobia. 

Regardless of whether you prefer going snorkelling at Australia's Great Barrier Reef or you rather relive the Wild West at the Grand Canyon, getting distracted by new adventures is always good.
Activities such as taking a helicopter ride or going wine tasting could inflame so many different feelings, and uncover a new passion of yours. 
Whatever you do this Wishful Thinking Week, let us know @WishfulThinkUK