I sat down at my cluttered desk this afternoon with the intention of sharing a few thoughts on "Bucket Lists." I've heard of Bucket Lists for years, but I've never considered one for myself. For the past few months, BC has been driving and flying to fishing locations he never dreamed existed...and having a wonderful time in the process. He's marking items off his Bucket List. As I was telling his story last week to my coach, Jay asked if I had a Bucket List. "No," I had to answer. I'd encouraged BC with his, but, no, I'd never followed suit. "What," continued Jay, "would you include on your Bucket List?" and I was struck dumb. I couldn't think of a thing. Not one thing. So, I thought I'd better mention family in one way or another, so I didn't seem totally self-centered. I mentioned a family get-together, or the possibility of a summer home closer to the Midwest. But, no. Bucket lists aren't about family, per my coach. A bucket list is about me. Me, me, me. Which, despite my original hesitation, isn't all bad once you get used to it.
For the past few days, I've spent time now and then thinking about the bucket list. My bucket list. And, I've had no luck. How weird is that? Personally, I think it's because we women have spent so darned much time facilitating everyone else's wants, needs and bucket lists, we lose the ability to think thoughts for ourselves. (I do believe that was more prevalent in our generation than the current one, but that insight doesn't help me take ownership of the mindset that, in turn, could spew out a bucket list.)
So, it has been eight days since the subject was raised, and I still have no bucket list. On Tuesday, it occurred to me that I should Google "Bucket List" but, really, how pathetic is that? It's my bucket list, filled with my hopes and dreams and long-held desires. It seems wrong to Google someone else's list for ideas. It does smack of stealing, or maybe just borrowing, but, really, who wants to live someone else's bucket list?
Nonetheless, this morning (it's Friday, now), I caved and quietly Googled "Bucket List," slightly embarrassed, a little ashamed, and not really expecting positive results. Ha! Much to my surprise, Google handed me hundreds of sites for "Bucket Lists." Well, maybe that was a slight exaggeration, but there are a lot of "Bucket List" choices. Apparently, I am not alone in my lack of imagination and daring. Surprisingly, the Number One Bucket List Wish--per a few sites--was: "Seeing the Northern Lights". I know. I think it's kind of anti-climactic. Not what I was expecting at all. Whereas, I believe it would be wonderful to see them, it does mean hiking to the northern reaches of Canada, finding a comfortable hotel with windows facing north and then...waiting. Perhaps for days or weeks. And, most likely, in the dead of winter when the Lights are more easily seen.
And, therein, lies the rub, as my mother was fond of quoting. One should not wait until her eighth decade to begin a bucket list because, at that age, one really doesn't have time to wait for anything, much less the Northern Lights. We elders have to act, and we have to act now. Our bucket list must be written in the present.
You should know that, at this point, I had planned to rant about Most Popular Bucket List Wishes #2, 3, 4, and 5, which were--Get a Tattoo, Skydive, Swim with Dolphins, and Scuba Dive but, on my way to the rant I ran across a sweet website titled: fullylived.com, that has restored my faith in Bucket Lists. Divided into a number of categories, Fully Lived has created hundreds of Bucket List wishes that fit my needs so much more than a tattoo. I am totally re-energized.
I do love travel, so I homed in on: "Go for a Walk in Central Park," "Hike in Ireland," "Hike the Appalachian Trail," "Eat a croissant in a Paris cafe." I love those! Under the Personal Development heading I decided to add "Be Myself," and "Buy a Stranger's Groceries." I did skip the Fitness part and the Adventure suggestions, but I paused at the Business and Career section long enough to circle all ideas related to writing. Under education, I added "Finish an Online Course." I have two that are in limbo, so I'll attack them tomorrow. I believe there were 1,000 Bucket List Wishes in total, but I'm happy with the few I have at the moment and, now that I know where to find more, I'll finish my list.
So, yes...of course I have a Bucket List, thank-you very much--and I intend to begin marking off items this afternoon.
