Why an Anti-Bucket list might be better
I hear people talk about how they have a bucket list of things that they want to do before they, well, kick the bucket. These are those big items that most people strive to get. That big vacation that they save for, skydiving for the first time. All those things that they wouldn’t necessarily do in their life, but that would like to do before life is over.
If someone was to ask me what is in your bucket list, I wouldn’t have anything to offer them. Because my bucket list is empty. That’s right I have nothing on it. I hadn’t even really considered what should be on my list until I found a really cool writing prompt when I was trying to keep my creative thoughts moving. Do you have things on your bucket list?
Bucket list A list of things that a person wants to experience or achieve before they die.
The term “Bucket List” wasn’t even a phrase until the movie “The Bucket List” was being released (you know the one with Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson) where they made a list of things that they wanted to do before they died. It is a good idea for some people, but for the rest of us, is it really?
I haven’t thought about a bucket list. Mostly I am trying to survive the day to day activities of work, family, and life in general. To think that far into the future…I have been remiss. We are in such a routine that thinking about the things that I want to do before I die, Yikes. I am in complete denial. If I was to die tomorrow, I feel good about what I have accomplished in my life. If I knew that I only had a short time to live, I wouldn’t think about what I had missed out on, but getting my family situated for when I was gone. I guess that could be the first thing on my bucket list. If I was going to die ever. Because I know I’m not. 🙂
When I first looked at this I thought that it was just things I never wanted to do again. However, I found the link the the Anti-Bucket list and I think I like this better. The anti-bucket list is the list of all the things that I have already experienced or accomplished. Instead of always looking to what comes next, and what is the next big thing, it is time to look at all the good you have done in your life and the things that you have accomplished.
My Anti-Bucket List
- Graduated High School
- Got a Volleyball Scholarship for College
- Got Married
- Graduated College
- Bought our 1st house
- Had our 1st child
- Went to Europe
- Moved into a bigger house
- Bought our only brand new car
- Had our second child
- Graduated grad school with my MBA
- Survived our daughter having leukemia
- Got laid off
- Had Newfoundlands
- Still married- 23 years later
- Had family vacations
- Started a blog
There are a lot of other items that didn’t make the list, things that are mostly day to day accomplishments, like getting out of bed without hitting snooze or making the bed every day. But when I look back I have accomplished and done a lot. Not just individually, but also as a family and I refuse to take that for granted.
That doesn’t mean that I don’t have things that I am striving for.
- I would love to make enough money blogging that I don’t have to work. (Help me out please!).
- I would like to spend more time exploring Europe (I traveled a lot for work, and have seen the surface, but I want to explore!)
- I want to take a family vacation every year. With Liam starting college next fall, I think it will be even more important for us to regroup and enjoy time together.
While I don’t want to focus on the end, I want to enjoy the moment while enjoying the life that I have. What are your thoughts about a bucket list? Do you have one or are you like me thinking you will live forever? 🙂
My Mum had a bucket list. We are slowly trying to finish it without her. We also have smaller ‘bucket lists,’ like a bucket list of things we want to do over the Summer holidays, a pre-baby bucket list, or an annual bucket list.
Thanks for that comment. I know that many people have them and it is a great thing to look forward to, and to accomplish!
I agree! I also do not have a bucket list, because I believe living life to the fullest and at my fiercest every day eliminates the need for one. Very inspiring post. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for commenting! When I started this post I thought about how hard it was to come up with things I wanted to do, because I was already living the life I wanted.
Thank you fo sharing! Love the idea of an anti-bucket list! This is a great post! 😊
I decided to live forever. 🙂 BUT just in case it’s not possible I’m super happy with my life. There are many places I still want to see, but there are so many I didn’t even think about and got the chance to see.
Also there are so many things I learnt and each of them was a milestone for me. So I feel like a bucket list would limit my life and stir me towards those “goals”. I guess I’m anti bucket list. 😉
Aww! So glad I read this, I have heard the term anti-bucket list and I thought it meant the things I don’t want to do! Thanks for clearing that up for me!
It can mean that also, but I like the other meaning!
i definitely like your perspective on this. But I have to admit, yes I do have my bucket list and I try to ‘weave’ it in so it can be more of a daily achievement than just on a dreamy occasion. Thanks for sharing.
I think that is a great way to live your list!
It is hard to decide if Bucket lists are positive or negative. I just try to find the balance between living life wherever it takes me and having a list for some areas. A lot of times we do these with our children for the different seasons so it is more about having fun and not the added pressure of completing the list. Thanks for the great ideas! Really made me think!
When people talk about bucket lists, it has always made me curious. Still I really don’t have a bucket list. At times I end up achieving unexpected things I probably wouldn’t have put on a bucked as they never came to my mind.
I live everyday as it comes. Don’t have much trust on my immortality though. Unless generous immortal extends a favor to me