Happy New Decade!
What's on YOUR bucket list?
When the movie “The Bucket List” came out in December of 2007, Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman did a wonderful job of portraying what old friends should do when facing impending death. This all-time classic moved a generation to contemplate the meaning of their own lives.
Do we really want to wait until our final fate in life is delivered to us? Or, can we fill our own bucket list with all sorts of experiences – either soul searching independently or sharing with family and friends – so we can leave the planet in complete tranquility knowing we gave it our all?
Overworked, Underpaid, Overstressed, Underexperienced.
It’s the beginning of a new decade and Americans are working harder than ever. Here are some alarming statistics according to the International Labor Organization:
- Americans work 137 more hours per year than Japanese workers, 260 more hours per year than British workers, and 499 more hours per year than French workers.
- In the U.S., 85.8 percent of males and 66.5 percent of females work more than 40 hours per week.
- The U.S. remains the only industrialized country in the world that has no legally mandated annual leave.
- In every country included except Canada and Japan (and the U.S., which averages 13 days/per year), workers get at least 20 paid vacation days. In France and Finland, they get 30 – an entire month off, paid, every year.
The bottom line? More work leads to more stress, a lower quality of life, less time with loved ones and friends and the inability to pursue hobbies, sports and travel. Looking at the graph above, you’ll notice that a majority of countries with more vacation time are in Europe – which is evident during a visit. Their society is generally more relaxed, insanely creative and happy.
Don't Get Stuck in the Rut!
With a new decade upon us, it’s important for everyone to ask the following questions:
- What’s most important to you and your family?
- What do you want for yourself and your family going forward?
- How do you want to live the rest of your life?
- Are you taking time for yourself – to recharge and foster your creativity and productivity?
- When was the last time you took time to experience something new and exciting?
One day your life will flash before your eyes. Make sure it's worth watching.
In this era of new beginnings, it is the perfect moment to take time and reflect on where you’ve been and where you’re going. Take time TODAY to commit to the most important items on your bucket list. Take time TODAY to focus on family and self. Don’t spend the hard-earned fruits of your labor on some ephemeral trinket or material pleasure that will only last a moment, and add to your growing pile of stuff. Instead, focus on creating the experiences and memories that will last a lifetime. We guarantee it will change you, and your outlook on life, in a way you never thought possible.
We created Alpin Luxe because we believe in the power of play – the self-actualization that comes from giving yourself the chance to pursue dreams, passions, goals, and truly living life. We’re here to help make dreams a reality and allow individuals an opportunity to step outside their comfort zone and experience what our world has to offer. From a traveler’s perspective, we guarantee a change of pace is not only fun, but the chance to experience a new culture is refreshing, inspiring, and truly life-changing! You work in your world…. we invite you to come play in ours.
So, as we step into a new year and a new decade, remember: “Life is Short… What’s on Your Bucket List?”
