The phrase bucket list became rather famous – at least talked about, thanks mostly to a touching movie that starred Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman. It became not only a household phrase, but also part of household conversation. It became the topic of news articles, large and small get-togethers, and small talk between friends. Simply put, a bucket list includes those things you want to do or accomplish before you kick the bucket/ die.
Of course, you don’t have to be on death’s doorstep to start your bucket list, it is a worthy endeavor for a lot of us. If we wait until the grim reaper is breathing down our backs, it’s probably too late, especially if one of your wishes is to right a wrong from years gone by.
I’ll have to say, the idea of a so-called bucket list has proven to be a good thing for me. There was a time in my life when I was 9 years single after a divorce and dating nothing but throwbacks. My pond was ok-sometimes, but they just weren’t keepers. I took a sabbatical from dating and spent more quality time with family, friends, and myself. I decided to write a “be true to me” list. I realized that I had been letting others pick me, when it should be the other way around.
That’s the natural way of mating if you know a little about most animals on earth. Male birds have to show their colors to prove themselves as an appropriate mate. So, when I changed my way of thinking, and wrote my “be true to me list”, things started happening, more positive things. I put on paper what I wanted in a man if he was going to be in my life. And I listed all the things that I could imagine that I wanted to do, and places I wanted to go – it wasn’t all about putting someone in my life – it was about putting more life in my life. I have, more so than ever in my life, been true to me.
I have challenged myself in so many ways – returned to school for another degree and new career; I’ve enjoyed the heck out of white water rafting, at least 5 times; my first time on a zip-line was in Alaska; I took ballroom dance lessons…and met the perfect man for me. I’ve kept my friends and spent many zany times with them. You know you are having a good time when you get a standing ovation upon leaving a restaurant, lol… or when a woman stops by your table and tells you how envious she is of the good time you’re having. Alaska, Canada, Mexico, Italy (Rome, Venice, Pompeii, Capri, etc.), Grand Canyon, Niagra Falls, Vegas, beaches anywhere and everywhere, the mountain tops…I know I’ve left some places out, but that’s ok, I’m not finished yet.
And, of course, my long-time dream of actually writing a book, or three or more, a reality. I’m not finished with writing yet, either.
I’ve written my first novel and first and second books of short stories, and recently published my first historical novel, Redemption on a Kentucky Poor Farm. It’s sort of crazy that I have so many ideas about books I want to write, but I have to take time out occasionally for all my adorable grandchildren, and pickleball, and dancing, and making wine, and….
Okay. You get the idea. Get off your rump and live the life you want to live. Yes, you are in charge. Get busy, have fun, live and love the life you dream of. Only you can make it happen. Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines… I mean lists!
