Ah...the infamous "bucket list." I'm sure you've all heard that term before. Some of you may have a list written down with this actual title.
Others may have a list in your head, or a collection of brochures, saved websites, etc., that represent the milestones or adventures you want to have in your life.
Buying a home was on mine...check. So was writing a book...not quite there yet but my blog has been a start.
Life's been busy the last 15 years, raising kids, advancing in my career, and just generally living. And I've felt like I haven't had much time to focus on those things on my bucket list.
But I when I really think about it and consider what's on my list, I realize that I've been working toward them this whole time, even if I wasn't always consciously aware of it.
My bucket list has a few specific one time goals on it, but many of the things I want to achieve before I kick that proverbial "bucket" require a lifetime of work to make them happen.
For example, owning a home has been a life-long journey for me. Saving enough money, and learning about my boys and what would really help them feel stable and happy was a process. It wasn't just an item on a list that I could quickly check off and be done.
Travel is also a big one on my list. Having enough money to travel and see more of the world (Italy and Aruba are top of my list), or even going to at least one city in each of the fifty states, also requires planning over the course of time. And forcing myself to take the time away from the "real world" to actually do it!
There are people in my family who inspire me with their lists too.
Living long enough to see their grandkids grow up and being there to celebrate their lives is one of them. This required a major life change and a shift in perspective. And I'm so inspired by the way this bucket list item has become reality.
Or giving their children experiences instead of stuff. This one meant changing the way Christmas was celebrated and foregoing presents for quality time in a different country. Also inspiring. And doable if you set your mind to it.
On my 40th birthday, my best friend threw me a surprise party, complete with an actual bucket for people to put ideas in that they had written down for me. I still have it on a shelf in my room, but I haven't looked at those ideas since just after that party more than three years ago.
Think it's time to dust that off, pull those slips of paper out of that bucket and see what else inspires me. Maybe formally write out my bucket list and post it where I can see it every day.
There are definitely goals I have for the next 20 years that I really should be preparing for now.
What's on your bucket list?
If you don't have one, write a few ideas down. See how far you've come already.
Then create a plan to make the changes in your life that are needed to achieve them.