Bucket List, What a Terrible Thing!
Did you ever stop and think about what a “Bucket List” means.
“Kicking the bucket” is a slang term, probably from England that refers to dying. Furthermore, from suspension by a rope around your neck (suicide or other) where you “kick” the bucket out from under the, the, the (sorry, thought I would leave you hanging there for a bit).
Why would you want to hang yourself?
That’s why I don’t subscribe to the term.
“Wish,” “Wanna-do,” “Things to see” or maybe even “I have so much to live for” list. Let’s keep the grim reaper (life’s last tour director) out of the picture as long as we can.
What’s In a List.
First, a Wanna-do list may not have anything to do with travel. Maybe you want to learn French, learn how to turn the TV on with only one remote, or practice yoga. It may be one item; walk more. Or something more daunting such as read all of Shakespeare’s work.
Do you put “pick up the dry-cleaning” on the same list with “get a new attitude”? Probably not.
So you may have several lists. How many? Who knows? Are too many records a bad thing? I think not. Lists keep me moving ahead. And I add to them. And sometimes I mark items off that no longer apply.
At the End of your Rope.
Going back to that silly bucket list again, what do you do if you reach the end of your list? Get the rope?
No, I think we need to drop the bucket and celebrate life and its experiences.
Get a piece of paper, no get a pad of paper and a pen.
Putting it Together.
Start small. I want to go to the movies this weekend. That’s a trip, isn’t it?
Maybe you have a list of “Things to do in Town.” Then expand.
Things I want to do that are within 50 miles of home.
Why do these lists? Because these trips are low hanging fruit. You can (and will) accomplish them.
This goal-reaching will motivate you as you scratch them off the list.
Start another column. Places and things 100 or 200 miles away.
At this point, you also need to put some thought into how you are going to make this happen. 200+ miles probably includes at least one overnight. Start looking at hotels in that location. It doesn’t matter if you have the money right this instance. The looking will start planting the seed. The hotel is $100 on a Friday night. What about on Sunday, or if you can travel, a weekday? Are you trying to go during the biggest weekend of the year? Indianapolis on Memorial Day, Louisville on the first Saturday in May. Prices are going to be through the roof.
When You See It.
Put a picture of the site where you can see it. The Pyramids, or the hotel you are going to stay in or a map of Cairo. Something that every time you see it will rejuvenate the dream.
Google “Must see in _____” Start picturing yourself in the setting or doing the activity. Have more time? Sit down with a glossy magazine and vicariously travel. If you have a drink or snack handy that will put you even further into the picture, fix it.
Create Goals
Half of the money raised by June 1st. Hotel(s) booked three months in advance to guarantee availability. Tickets for the “must-see” site/event booked the day they go on sale. These can be on a list or graph so you can see your progress. You’re getting there. Feel the favorable energy growing?
Toss it Out With the Bucket List.
Words like “never” “impossible” “too old” put them in the bucket. Then throw everything, including the bucket, out.
OK, maybe you cannot afford the trip to Greece today. How much will it cost? Why do you say impossible if you don’t know how much it will cost?
Yes, it is expensive in the summer. How about spring or fall?
I try to go in October when temperatures are lower, and sites have only 10% of the crowds. Between lower airfares and hotel rates, I also save hundreds of dollars.
Get a piggy bank, jar or shoebox and throw all your loose change in it right now. BOOM, you’re already that much closer to that dream.
Take the first step. The rest will come easier.
Don’t waste another day. And whatever you do, don’t kick the bucket.
“Where” Continued on Page T8 “Senses” Continued on T14