‘And in the end, it’s not the years in your life that count, but the life in your years’ – Abraham Lincoln
As we come towards the end of 2020, many of us will take stock and reflect on our lives. We make new year resolutions in order to improve the quality of our lives and give us hope and structure for the upcoming year. Writing a Bucket List is another way to prepare, not only the upcoming year, but the years ahead.
The Original Bucket List
A Bucket List’ is a written intention of experiences or achievements that a person hopes to have or accomplish during their lifetime. The concept captured attention when the 2007 movie ‘The Bucket List’ was released. It has to be said that the phrase has become something of a cliché. However, we believe that making such a list is a valid way of putting one’s life into perspective. We first came across the idea back in the nineties. We discovered an article about the subject in Outside, an American travel/adventure magazine.
The original Bucket List creator was John Goddard. In 1940, at the age of fifteen, he made a list of 127 goals. On reading about him, we were immediately inspired to make our own lists. Naturally, most of them were travel-related. We did, however, include such goals as learning Spanish, mastering meditation, reading certain classic novels and other personal aspirations.
Putting Things into Perspective
Writing such a list clarifies what is important in life. We become so caught up on the treadmill of everyday living that we often lose sight of the bigger picture. Keeping a list is the ideal way to re-energise every now and again and get back in touch with what we really want from life. Additionally, that rewarding moment when you are able to cross something off allows you to celebrate your achievement.
Keep it Flexible
The idea of the Bucket List does have its detractors. Some believe that it generates tunnel vision and stunts spontaneity. Flexibility is important because as we journey through life, we change. We have never been afraid to add or remove an item on the list. Keeping an open mind is important. Just because we travel with a list doesn’t mean that we only want to do what is on it! Keeping a list can be a helpful too towards attaining your life’s goals, travel or otherwise. All you need is a pen, a notebook and a headful of dreams!
I never did. Go with the flow of choices
A “bucket list” is absurd. If one truly wants an experience they travel with their gut – the moment. A “bucket list” is simply a “top 10 list” of “I should.” Travel is not “I should;” It’s “this is an unknown adventure.” That’s freedom.
Definitely agree with this, especially on the ‘I should’ go wherever or do whatever. However, there are some experiences out there that you can’t help but be drawn to and dream about doing one day and they are the ones that would go on a so called “bucket list”. There’s no way we would be dictated to by a “bucket list” day in, day out on our travels and we don’t suggest that anyone else is either (unless that’s their preferred style!) As you said, freedom is definitely the ultimate way to travel!
Although I would like to see many more places on this earth and experience more cultures and foreign food, my goals are sometimes very simple (for example, to make someone smile once a day for a month or stroke a dog on my way to the shop) … sometimes our bucket list consists of everyday goals and that gives us immense pleasure 🌸
That doesn’t mean I don’t have that pen and notebook always close by … because we can still dream …
Absolutely! That’s a good point. A bucket list doesn’t have to be full of grand adventures! Life is mainly made up of the little things!
I’m not into lists and want to be open to opportunities and invitations that come along. But I am intrigued by the idea of house sitting in various places – might want to try that some time!
We agree that being spontaneous by accepting invites and taking up opportunities that occur along the way are one of the way are one of the greatest things about travel! The element of surprise and wonder would be sadly missing if we didn’t travel with an open mind. Yes – housesitting is a fantastic way to see the world – especially if you love animals. It’s definitely worth looking into!
We must make sure that our bucket list is not simply a wish list, you will have to put in the effort to achieve that goal, the great thing about that is – it is so good to learn new thing, that will be required to achieve your goal, all the best for 2021, and yes, not only make that New Years resolution – do the preparation to achieve it.
Happy New Year to you too and thanks for reading!
If there’s one thing to keep in mind when doing (travel) bucket lists, it’s really to keep it flexible. This pandemic has taught us enough about it.
Very true! 😊