Stop thinking of a bucket list as something only the rich and famous are entitled to. Everyone needs a bucket list. It’s a last hurrah, isn’t it?
Bucket lists are traditionally thought of as all the things that you want to do before you die. Let’s substitute the word “try” instead of “die” and broaden our horizons.
If things “not done” are starting to weigh heavily on your mind, you might start thinking about making that list. In the past you were busy with school, jobs, families, and proving ourselves. No time for lists, bucket or otherwise.
When people start thinking about making a bucket list they joke about visiting the Taj Mahal or climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, but they know that isn’t going to happen.
This is where another kind of bucket list comes into play. For lack of a better word, let’s call it a mini bucket list. Instead of pipe dreams you can fill your bucket with all of the “little things” that have piqued your interest throughout the years. For me it was a high school art class. I wasn’t particularly good, but I wasn’t bad either. I remember thinking “someday” I’ll come back to this. That was 60 years ago but you never know.
What were your “somedays”? I’m not talking about that trip around the world, although none of us would likely refuse if it were offered, but of all the other little things.
Make a list. Learn how to play bridge, start a birding list, or plant some seeds. Write your memoirs, make a gratitude list, research your ancestry, paint a picture, or go back to school.
Get rid of the notion that you have to master everything that you try. Focus on enjoying the journey. If your first attempts don’t measure up, you can cross them off your list and move on to something else. Knowing that you gave it your best shot is all of the validation you should need.
Sound too ambitious? Start small by trying to catch up with relatives and friends. There is always something to be happy about if you take time to look.
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