Bucket Lists, Yes or No?
In high school, we always get asked what do you want to do when you get older? What is your five year plan? What is your ten year plan? What career do you want? What are you passionate about? Are you going to college, joining the job force, going into the military? What do you hope to accomplish before you die? What would you put on your bucket list?
All these overwhelming questions get teenagers’ minds turning. Some have everything planned out, some have absolutely nothing figured out. I fell into the latter category. I still have no idea at the age of 31. I had a lot of friends that made bucket lists with hundreds of wild ideas of things they wanted to accomplish before they died. I never made one. Right before I was going to turn 30 I had written a “30 things to do in my 30’s” list. But that list was more experiences rather than actual things to do. The biggest “theme” I’d say was to just go on adventures. To experience the world rather than just watch it pass me by.
I’ve been thinking about it a lot more recently and I think I’ve finally found some items to put on a list. Having cancer puts life more into perspective and makes you realize how short it is. Along with wanting to experience life more and just go on more adventures, I would add these to the list:
1. Go to Italy. I have had this in the back of my mind since I was a teenager. I think Italy is so beautiful and have always wanted to visit. Now I’m determined to do that by the time I am 40. That gives me plenty of time to have everything set in place to be able to go.
2. Run a marathon. I spent my high school years and college years running. I was on the track team all through high school and ran cross country and track in college. Running helped me through many hard times. Also helped me with my depression especially after having kids and going through PPD. I’ve always wanted to run a marathon and give props to anyone who has completed one. It will be a year before I’m able to start running, but the plan is to complete a marathon in the next five years. I’m not in any rush for this one. Having undergone two heart surgeries and months of chemo, I am going to allow my body sufficient time to heal first.
3. Publish a book. This one may seem like a silly goal. I spent my high school years writing nonstop. I even wrote silly books that I regret not keeping. I was determined to be a journalist or a writer. I even went to college with that goal in mind. English has always been my favorite subject. I took every English, creative writing, and journalism class I could. I put this goal on the back burner in favor of more realistic career choices. This blog is my introduction back into writing with the end goal being to perfect my writing, grow my audience, and get a book published. This goal is on no timeline.
4. Travel around the country. Growing up we didn’t travel. But I’d love to try to visit all 50 states. My kids I know would especially love this. They love doing new things and I love seeing their eyes light up with every new experience.
It’s not much of a bucket list. It’s more of a goals type list. What are your thoughts on bucket lists? Do you have one? Have you wanted to make one? Why did you decide on the items on your list? I’d love to hear the opinions. I’d also love to hear what would be on your bucket list if you have one and if you’ve completed any of the items on them.
