A bucket list is a fun and effective way of making sure you do the things you enjoy in life or visit the places you’ve always wanted to see.  How many times have you said to yourself, “one day I would love to do that”, but you’ve never actually got around to doing it?  It doesn’t have to be something outrageous or expensive, it could be something very simple.  Actively doing things you enjoy can bring excitement, contentment and happiness.  It can also help alleviate stress, therefore improving your overall physical and mental wellbeing.

My first bucket list

My first experience of a bucket list was just after my mum was diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer.  I wanted to help her enjoy her final few months, so we sat and wrote hers together.  I was actually humbled by some of the things she wanted to do.  These included visiting her childhood town for the final time (which was only 15 miles away), having afternoon tea and going to the Tate Gallery in London.  It also made me realise that I’d missed out on having so much fun with my mum over the years.  

Doing this with my lovely mum got me thinking.  You shouldn’t write a bucket list just because you’re running out of time.  It should be an evolving list and involve the whole family wherever possible.

Benefits of a bucket list

1.     Helps you realise what’s important to you and it can also act as a real motivational tool to help you achieve your dreams.

2.    Remind you of your goals and dreams in life.  Often these get put to one side as ‘normal life’ takes over and we find ourselves concentrating on day to day goals.  A bucket list can be used to rediscover them.

3.    Writing your dreams down encourages you to keep moving forward by taking steps in the right direction, no matter how small they are.

4.    It forces you to look at what you really want out of life.  It can also help you realise what’s missing from your life.

5.    It can be fun and something you can share and complete with your whole family.  

How I use a bucket list

Writing and updating a bucket list has become a bit of a New Year’s Eve tradition for my wife and I.  We each write or update our personal bucket list and then complete a joint bucket list.  We then decide which ones we are going to tick off over the year, depending on financial constraints, time etc.

If you don’t have a bucket list make time to sit down with your partner or family and create one.  It also gives you quality time with those who you love.  You can find out what their dreams are and you might even get to challenge yourself in ways you’ve only ever dreamed of.  Be creative, revisit and update the list often.  

Bucket lists can be used as a tool to confirm that you are on track to leading a fulfilled life, leaving little room for regret.  Ticking off those things you’ve wanted to do forever is really satisfying!

Live your life.  Love your life!

What are you waiting for?  Take the leap of faith.  Make the Change.  Not tomorrow.  Not next week, but NOW.

https://www.oaxlifecoaching.com/book-your-free-consultation/

Chris