What's on your list?

I recently had a conversation with someone about our bucket lists. It seems that having a bucket list, as it is now called, is a must if you are a living, breathing human being. This idea is nothing new. While I'm not making fun of the concept, I find calling it a bucket list makes it kind of depressing. So once your bucket list is complete or your bucket is empty are you done-no more goals, no more plans, nothing else to work for? You just wait for your last day. Honestly I think we all have an ongoing list of things we want to accomplish, either in the next hour, by the end of the day, week, month, year, five years or the end of your life. What you do with that list is more important then what is on that list.

I kind of felt like an under achiever when I started to think about what is on my bucket list. Some people have grand things on their list, traveling, eating exotic food or doing daredevil things. The few things that I can come up with on my list are pretty simple, tame and not impressive. But that's okay. I'm okay with that. I'm sure I'll come up with a lot more things for my list, impressive or not they are my things, my list. 

One of my bucket list items was to have children in time so they would know their grandparents. I missed out on the grandparent experience and I really wanted my kids to have that, learn from their grandparents and make some great memories. Well that one worked out and there was time spent with all four grandparents and memories made. This bucket list item was more for my kids than me. But it was fun to watch and witness and it made me realize what I missed out on. Take that one off my list.

Another bucket list item that would be on my list if I had not achieved it when in high school was to fly in a hot air balloon. It was an opportunity that just fell into my life and I took advantage of it. If you ever get the chance -do it. It is such a peaceful experience and a whole new way to see the world. We all need to look at the world from a different angle occasionally.

Climbing the Flat Irons out in Boulder, Colorado was another item recently taken off my list. Yes I struggled with the altitude for a while and I ran out of energy sooner than I would have liked due to just getting over a virus. But it was such a cool experience. I'd do it again, if I had the chance. The views and the experience were breath taking. And the best part was the people who were with me to do this. So cool.

A bucket list item that is approaching quickly is a three-fold one and that is being part and attending the wedding of all three of my kids. What an exciting time! And having the opportunity to do this is exciting. This is my main bucket list item from July through next January!

I'm sure there are other things that I've had on a list that could or would be considered bucket list material but I can't think of anything great right this instance. But my whole point in all of this is your bucket list does not have be grand or impressive. It can be as simple as finishing a book you've been reading or going to France. Or making it through a tough day or time in your life. Like I said at the start of this blog-what you do with that list is more important than what is on that list. I don't want to be one of those people who are "someday people" they are always looking ahead to "someday, I'll do this or go here". The list can be as simple as can be but doing what is on that list is the most important thing. Living life and making the most of the opportunities and moments, making memories.

I had a mom who loved china and dishes and having dinner guests and cooking. She took pride in her meals and fine looking table settings. It was fun and I got to help. But one of the things I remember is the pretty soaps and towels we would save and put out in the bathroom for these occasions. When we emptied mom's house before she passed away I found these special guest towels and soaps in the bathroom drawer. The towels were like new, hardly used. The soaps had lost their scent and were a bit dusty and faded from sitting out and not being used. The soap got tossed out, never used and the towels are now in my collection of bathroom towels. And you know what-I use them! They get put out for use on a weekly basis, they are everyday towels not because they are no longer pretty or special but because they are towels, every day is special and a special occasion. I think of my mom and how she liked fine things but didn't always use them, she'd save them. We all have those items we are saving, keeping for some day. If it wears out that's okay. That's what it is there for. So rather than perfecting your bucket list, live and it-do it! And don't let anyone make you feel foolish or like a failure for what is on your bucket list. Use up life, live the moments. Make memories. Do what makes you happy. Because no one knows when our expiration date is. Make everyday a collection of things on your bucket list that you do and check off and if you don't get them checked off there is always tomorrow!

Positive thought of the day: Do what makes you happy and makes you feel fulfilled-even if it is going for a walk or making cookies. This is your life-live it, don't watch it pass you by.