Ever since that movie “The Bucket List” came out, it seems like everyone’s been creating these grand lists of things they want to do before they kick the bucket. While it’s a fun concept, I can’t help but notice that many of these lists can appear naïve or even superficial.
To me, a bucket list should reflect our deepest desires and aspirations, not just a checklist of popular activities. It’s about taking the time to understand what truly matters to us as individuals, not what society or pop culture tells us should matter. So, here’s my take on the whole idea of a bucket list.
Foremost, a bucket list should be a deeply personal journey. It’s not about impressing others or trying to keep up with the Joneses. It’s about exploring your own passions and interests. As someone with a background in architecture and a love for adventure and cultural exploration, my bucket list might include visiting iconic architectural wonders like the Taj Mahal (been there, done that :)), or exploring the hidden gems of a remote European village (seen a few of those). What I mean is it should reflect my unique combination of interests.
But here’s the thing: a good bucket list should also challenge you. It’s easy to include things you know you can accomplish with little effort, but where’s the adventure in that? It’s the thrill of the unknown, the anticipation of stepping out of your comfort zone, that makes a bucket list truly exciting. For me, this could mean embarking on an architectural pilgrimage to study the ancient temples of Southeast Asia (am way past that LOL), or going on a cultural immersion journey in the heart of Africa (OK, that may be an idea, but nay, already seen enough of the heart of Africa LOL).
To create a meaningful bucket list, you need to draw from your wealth of experiences and knowledge.
A bucket list is all about our priorities and what truly matters to us. It is a personal list of things that we want to experience or accomplish in our lifetime. It can be anything from traveling to exotic locations to learning a new skill to simply spending more time with loved ones. Our priorities in life change as we grow older. What might have been a burning desire in your 20s may not hold the same importance in your retirement years. It’s crucial to revise your bucket list to align with your current priorities. Don’t be afraid to let go of items that no longer resonate with you and replace them with new, more meaningful goals.
There is no right or wrong way to make a bucket list. Some people start by brainstorming a list of all the things they have ever wanted to do. Others start by thinking about their passions and what they are most interested in. Still, others start by thinking about their goals and what they want to achieve in their life.
Once you have a list of potential items, you can narrow it down. Consider your budget, time constraints, and physical limitations. You may also want to consider the impact your choices will have on others. For example, if you want to sky dive, you will not only need to make sure that you are in good physical condition and be realistic that you’d really want to do that, but also whether your loved ones want to see you expose yourself to the dangers of doing so; if fact, they may be more scared and stressed than you.
It is also important to be realistic about your bucket list. Put nothing on there that you know you can never do. For example, if you are afraid of heights, don’t put “skydiving” on your list.
That said, perhaps even wishing to cross solo the Amazon jungle on foot maybe a bit too over your head, if you have never been out of your Nebraska small hometown. But power to you!
The most important thing is to make a bucket list that is meaningful to you. It should be a list of things that you are passionate about and that will make you feel alive. Don’t worry about what other people think. This is your bucket list, and it should be all about you.
As for the people who make bucket lists that are driven by naïve wishes, I think it is important to remember that everyone is on their own journey. What may seem like a naïve wish to one person may be a deeply meaningful goal to another. It is also important to remember that bucket lists can change. What we want to do with our lives can strengthen as we grow and learn.
So, if you are thinking about making a bucket list, don’t be afraid to dream big. Bottom line, be realistic and make sure that your list is something that you are passionate about and that will make you feel alive.
Do I have a bucket list? No. But I love lists and have more than one list dealing with travel destinations, long distance bicycle touring or bikepacking trips to do, short cycling trips to do, as well as one day bike rides to do. It’s fun creating these lists, but frankly, my lists are always getting longer and longer rather than shorter. Some lists I file away and on a spur of the moment begin new ones. And so it goes. I never am at a loss where to go next. So, inherently, a bucket list to me makes absolutely no sense.