The impetus for Alex’s original challenge was a sabbatical from her employment with Nestle’s social media team, in which she planned to focus time on herself. 

Alex explained: “I think the Covid pandemic felt like it took away two years of my adolescent life and I hadn’t done very much so I thought that maybe I could use 2022 to do some of the things I’d always wanted to do." 

The challenge began with Alex placing five mini bottles of Prosecco with a goal written on each into a shoebox, which were drunk in celebration as each target was achieved.  There were a few sporting goals, such as run a half marathon and complete a triathlon with her mum, and then some related to travel. Alex spent two months travelling around South America visiting Bolivia, Peru, Argentina, Chile and Uruguay. 

Alex documented her bucket list challenge progress on TikTok and Instagram, with a series of engaging videos, reels and posts.  She had no idea when she started her challenge that it would be of so much interest but was thrilled when her initial TikTok post went viral, attracting over three million views. She admits to having had the absolute time of her life in 2022, saying: “It’s been a great thing to do, and I’d really recommend it to anyone out there.” 

Alex found the challenge so rewarding she has a new set of goals for 2023 which she introduced on her Instagram account writing, ‘A cute little activity I started in 2022 and want to bring to 2023. Doesn’t have to be champagne, doesn’t have to be big things and you don’t need to do every single one but I think we should all celebrate ourselves and our achievements more often.’ 

Alex explained: “This year’s list is a bit more grown up. I‘ve revamped the box, had a think about all the things I wanted to achieve in 2023.  Some of them are more adult things, some of them are just fun things I want to do at some point in my life. I’m so looking forward to achieving some of them and taking the bottles out of the box.” 

Alex’s goals for 2023 include getting a dog and a house, a few work-related ones she saved from last year and she would like to try and run a full marathon.

Good luck Alex! 

Follow Alex on Instagram and TikTok @rainbowandreay.

Photo: Alex Reay, sightseeing during her travels around South America