Of course you have a bucket list. We all have a bucket list. Do you remember the first time you said “I wish I had” or “I wish I could have/do” something? That was the beginning. When you uttered those words anything seemed possible. Written down or not, the wishes on that list brought you to where you are today. The acclaimed movie “The Bucket List” was a poignant reminder of how quickly life goes by and no matter what your circumstances; you don’t always have chances to work on that list. The movie is a sad but insightful story about two old men who have reached the end of the road and are still trying to make a last ditch effort to fulfill their dreams. The chances of meeting up with a millionaire during your final hours are pretty slim, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t at least examine your list to see what you can do.
Your bucket list probably combined lofty career goals with fantasy projections and fun things to do. If you were goal orientated you made that list and formulated a plan to make those wishes true, but it wasn’t always possible to achieve all that you wish for. Sometimes life just gets in the way. Still, it isn’t over yet and if the words “I wish” slip out now and then it is okay. There may still be time.
You don’t have to go sky diving or indulge in other risky behaviors to make your bucket dreams a reality. Sarri Gilman, writing for the Herald (Tuesday, February 28, 2012) speaks of a more realistic bucket list and I loved what she had to say. She calls herself a bargain bucket-lister because she doesn’t want to pay for the privilege of fulfilling her dreams. She reminded us that simple dreams are ours for the taking. Enjoying the beauty of life as it unfolds around is just as important as traveling to exotic places and you don’t have to go into debt to enjoy them.
What is it that you have always wanted to do? The author reminds us to think hard and to try not to postpone the search until it is too late. Sometimes waiting works, but more often than not, time runs out and there you are. One of the author’s dreams was to see a snowy owl for the first time. It sounded like an awesome dream to me, and the best part is that it was something that she could do without traveling to the ends of the earth. It seems that these particular owls migrate through an area not very far from where we live. How cool is that?
It is fun to have lofty goals and reach for the stars, but as often as not life gets in the way. Goals are important though and the idea of writing things down makes them seem real and personal. What do you put a bucket list? It could be a combination of something practical like getting a college degree, getting married again, or buying a fishing boat. It could be something whimsical like getting a butterfly tattoo, visiting a country that you have always been interested in (for me it was visiting Mayan ruins and yes, I did that). Be sure that your list is personal, realistic, and phrased in a way that leaves you feeling that it is something attainable. Remember that relationships count too. Most of all, a bucket list serves to remind us not to put everything off until it is too late…life is good, but it is also short.
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