I was recently reminded of this by a Quora thread where someone posed this question: What is something every person should experience at least once in a lifetime? Thought provoking to the say the least. But what was really delightful were 11 of the answers people provided. Here are their suggestions and justifications for each:

1. Living alone in a very different place than your childhood hometown:

“When you live with yourself, you become more self-reliant and self-aware. Also, you realize what is important in your life. I don’t mean that just in the grand philosophical sense – but in the everyday sense, as well: What do you like to eat for each meal? How do you like to organize your space?”

2. Jumping into water from a height sufficient to scare you:

“Please do this in a safe manner with the appropriate safety considerations, but free falling is an ultimate thrill.”

3. Failure:

“It will make your success that follows much, much sweeter.”

4. Voluntary suffering:

“You can suffer throughout a marathon and still enjoy or be rewarded by it… You learn more about what you are capable of and then you fulfill more of your potential.”

5. Watching the sunrise:

“Just enjoy it: ‘There‘s a sunrise and a sunset every single day, and they’re absolutely free. Don’t miss so many of them’ – Jo Walton”

6. Witnessing the birth of a child:

“I was in the delivery room for the birth of 2 of my children. It was many years ago (my youngest is 35) but its is an experience I still remember vividly to this day. It is truly a miracle.”

7. A near-death experience:

“Something that reminds you that you’re still alive, and it’s for something.”

8. Public speaking:

“Because the reality is, you’re an authority too.”

9. Going somewhere 100s of miles away:

“Carry only fifty dollars and whatever can fit into a backpack. No credit cards, ATMS, checks.”

10. Being passionately in love and being loved:

“There is probably nothing better.”

11. Holding your own grandchild:

“A Priceless Feeling.”

12. Get Lost!:

“It is surreal.” Even if only for once, get lost. The thought of being lost is scary I know, both physically as well as mentally. We fear the uncertain more than anything else on earth.