The List; at least that’s what I call it.
Most call it a Bucket List, but I prefer to just call it The List. I am not sure if the term Bucket List comes from the idea that a bucket is a container made to carry something, or if the word “bucket” is used because of the phrase Kick the Bucket. Either way, I like The List.
The List is a listing of the things I want to do before I take my last breath. I started The List at the end of 2013. The years of 2011 and 2012 really hit me hard. They woke me up. In 2013, I made the decision that I was going to try new things and begin a life outside of the comfort zone. In the beginning, I had a simple goal of just doing one new thing each week. By “New” I meant something that I had never consciously done before in my life. For example, I remember the first time I canoed all the way to Shoshone Falls with Walter. That was a good day and a great memory.
To this point, I have never openly shared The List. I once showed it to a guy, but that was just to prove that I really did have “Ride in a Helicopter” as a goal. This week, I shared The List my wife and daughter. I wanted to show it to them before I showed it to you. I’m not sure why. I didn’t bother showing it to my two boys because I doubt that they would care. I don’t know, most likely Joy and Ellie don’t care either. That’s okay.
So here is The List. Just click HERE and it will take you to my website page where The List is posted.
I explain this on the webpage, but my goal for sharing The List is that I hope it inspires you to choose today to start your own list. My list, or rather, The List, started with just five items. Two of the original nine are still on there; Photograph the Milky Way Galaxy and Write a Book. This week I was having a discussion about completing difficult tasks and goals with a friend. The conversation ended by stating the importance of just starting, or as I like to say, just showing up. So just start! It’s fine if your list has only one item. At least you will have started your list. You’ll have a goal, or something to look forward to in the future. Have fun with your list. One of my original nine items was Pet a Live Bobcat; I did it too on June 9th of last year and I’ve got a picture to prove it. Which brings me to my final point.
Whenever I complete something on the list, I want to make sure I will never forget the moment. Therefore, I use a common spiral notebook to log the stuff I do. I attached a picture of the notebook to this post. As you will see if you visit the website, I also keep track of other significant or important life events. Life is about memories and I enjoy reading the list of things I have done from time to time. It always makes me smile.
I hope what I have written here today helps improve your life. As always, it is now up to you to Find Your Adventure and Live Your Life.