How to Make a Bucket List

I don’t know if it is because my kids are getting older or what, but I have had this urge to start crossing things off my proverbial bucket list.  I think now that they don’t need me in the same way, or as much for that matter, as they used to, I’ve had time to start thinking about the things I would like to experience.

The thing is, for me at least, a bucket list has always just been a running tally in my mind–like, I’ve always wanted to see New York at Christmas time.  It occurred to me the other day, though, that I should write them all down in an attempt to help them materialize.  {I’m going to admit, I probably just want to write them down so I can highlight them when I’ve finished.  Oooh, I love to highlight.  It’s one of those little things that is soooo gratifying.  Ha!}

I feel like when people start to actually DO the things they’ve always wanted to experience, you can totally tell.  I don’t really think it actually happens all that often, when people actually start to live {that is not meant to sound as cheesy as it does}.  We get so busy raising babies, paying the mortgage, etc. that all of those things get put on the back burner.

Photo Credit

The thing is, when you meet someone who has actually decided that in between all of those things, they are going to start doing a couple of those bucket list items, you immediately like them.  Why is that?  I think it is because they are happy, and you know it {so clap your hands}.  Since happiness and contentment are contagious, I think we should all start a bucket list, and aim to highlight at least one thing a year.

As a service to humanity {ha!}, here is a little jump start on creating your own bucket list:

1. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither will writing your bucket list.  Maybe you’ve never allowed yourself the luxury of asking what you reaaaallly want to do.  So, think of your list as a malleable {word of the day} thing.  Start with the big ones, maybe there is only one, and come back to it after you’ve thought more.
2. Remember to think passed travel.  My mind immediately jumps to travel.  But, travel is expensive and time-consuming.  All travel would equal no highlighting.  Think about smaller items, like write a letter to each of my kids for when they turn 18.
3. Ask other people what is on their list.  Since imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, don’t be afraid to copy.  This is not a test.
4. Think in broader terms.  There will be a lot of specific items, but think about all of those things you may have daydreamed about, but have no idea how you would actually accomplish it.  You never know what life will bring, so your bucket list does not have to come with a operator’s manual.  Think:  do something that is newsworthy.   {Hopefully, this is not on the arrests page.  Ha.}
5. Be accountable.  Show your list to your kids, your spouse, and friends.  First, it will help your kids start thinking in realms of their goals, and second, it will hold you accountable.  Got to show them what it is to attain your dreams, right?
6. There is a nifty little bucket list creator website that can help you if you are really stuck.  You can create your list right on the site, and also choose from thousands of idea.  Just go HERE.
7. Make sure to include some things that are easily attainable, but that you might not do otherwise.  For example, read War and Peace.
8. Remember to think about skills.  {Napoleon Dynamite didn’t have any skills, and remember how sad that was?}  Include things you’ve always wanted to be able to do:  knit, play the piano, learn French.
9. Don’t be afraid to get specific.  Maybe it’s not just that you want to go to France, but you want to try a fresh baked french croissant.  {And believe me when I tell you, you really, really do want to try a fresh baked french croissant.}
10. Last, but not least, make sure to include the things you might have already done.  And HIGHLIGHT them!  Woohoo!  {Sorry, I really should see someone about my highlighting obsession.}  Maybe you have already graduated from college {goals are bucket list items}.  Maybe it’s get married and have a family.  Put it on there, cross it off.  Your bucket list should be a visual reminder of your life {embroider that on a pillow}.

Now go get busy.  And stay tuned, because I’ll show you mine, if you’ll show me yours!  Haha.

~Mavis