Rants & Reflections

Bucket List

A wonderful list of amazing things to do, see and achieve before we die or rather bluntly, kick the bucket.

Usually we start preparing this list on receiving confirmation that our time on this earth is coming to an end.  This was my first thought when my friend casually dropped into conversation, that she was working on her bucket list.  If I was eating anything at this point, it would have been flying through the air.   She quickly clarified that she was not dying but was encouraged to think about this list by someone who had asked her, “So what are you going to do when both your children start school?”.

Now there’s a thought.   Most grown folk, especially parents, are often flying through their days with endless to-do lists.  Putting out fires as and when they appear, meeting deadlines and putting the needs of just about everyone else before their own.  This comes so naturally.  The shift between independent adult to supportive parent just happens.  The switch back to thinking solely about yourself and your own needs seems alien.  Selfish even.  What if it’s been months or even years since you thought about what you really wanted.

Do you know?  Have you ever known?

It suddenly dawned on me, that I have never known what I wanted to do and the thought of giving my future some thought is terrifying.  I think of my daughter and her schooling, possibly college and university.  Or maybe travelling or settling up her own business; then I think about me and a brick wall comes hurtling towards me.

“If you fail to plan, you plan to fail” – Benjamin Franklin.  

Oh that’s encouraging!  Well to be honest just getting through the day at times is an achievement.

“Sometimes it’s work just to be alive.” – Tim Bowman Jnr

With progressing sight loss, I have actively been trying not to think about my future.  It’s hard to stop the ‘what’s the point’ tailspin, when you are staring it in the face.  I look at my friend, who is 15 years younger than me and I feel relaxed about tossing some ideas her way.  Her children would have left school by the time she gets to my age.  She has time and vision on her side, the world is truly her oyster.  

The majority of bucket lists contain at least one or more of the following:

  • Reach your goal weight
  • Swim with dolphins
  • See the Northern Lights
  • Change career
  • Get a tattoo
  • Run a marathon
  • Travel the world
  • Sleep under the stars
  • Go Bungee Jumping
  • Learn a new language
  • Write a book
  • Make a difference in someone’s life
  • Skydive
  • Learn a musical instrument
  • Ride in a hot air balloon
  • Visit the Grand Canyon
  • Go shopping in New York
  • Go on a Safari

The thought of preparing a bucket list pushes me to think about my future and as uncomfortable as that is, I can’t avoid it.  It’s happening.  I guess if I write a list of some awesome things I want to do before I meet my maker, then at least my future will be happening for me, not just mindlessly happening to me.

This song always lifts me out of my tailspin and helps me remember my blessings.  Enjoy.

I’m Good – Tim Bowman 

 

 

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