The Happy Herald feature article assignment for January 2019 was very specific: Write about bucket lists. The term was popularized in 2007 with the launch of the silver screen movie by the same name, “The Bucket List,” directed by Rob Reiner.
The press release tells the plot and premise. “Billionaire Edward Cole (Jack Nicholson) and car mechanic Carter Chambers (Morgan Freeman) are complete strangers, until fate lands them in the same hospital room. The men find they have two things in common: a need to come to terms with who they are and what they have done with their lives, and a desire to complete a list of things they want to see and do before they die. Against their doctor’s advice, the men leave the hospital and set out on the adventure of a lifetime.”
Some have said life is like a movie. Take Jim Henson’s quote, “Life’s like a movie, write your own ending. Keep believing, keep pretending.”
More than anything else, this piece catalyzes a deep feeling about living life, living fully, living gratefully, living the precious moments we have been given. I recognized that we are each unique, with our experiences, memories, dreams, hopes, wishes, desires – and what motivates us is what we touch, taste, smell, hear, feel and sense with our hearts and souls.
How could I possibly tell you to make a bucket list or what your list should include? My true objective is to awaken you to live each and every moment of this glorious New Year! Here’s to 2019 opening new vistas and exciting your passion to make each day great.
Below, I have selected an inspiring poem and a few quotes to give you the gusto to say YES to life!
I Will Not Die an Unlived Life: Reclaiming Purpose and Passion by Dawna Markova
I will not die an unlived life.
I will not live in fear of falling or catching fire.
I choose to inhabit my days, to allow my living to open me, to make me less afraid, more accessible; to loosen my heart until it becomes a wing, a torch, a promise.
I choose to risk my significance, to live so that which came to me as seed goes to the next as blossom, and that which came to me as blossom, goes on as fruit.
“And in the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.” - Abraham Lincoln
“You will never find time for anything. If you want time you must make it.” - Charles Buxton
“Many people die with their music still in them. Why is this so? Too often it is because they are always getting ready to live. Before they know it, time runs out.” - Oliver Wendell Holmes
“Minutes are worth more than money. Spend them wisely.” - Thomas P. Murphy
Come up with as many items as you can. The items should be things you have not done yet. Don’t stop until you finish listing at least 10 things! If you find yourself stuck, chances are you are mentally limiting/constraining yourself. Release those shackles - Your bucket list is meant to be a list of everything you want to achieve, do, see, feel and experience in your life.
Happy New Year! Love, Liz
You decide
1. What would you do if you had unlimited time, money and resources?
2. What have you always wanted to do but have not done yet?
3. Any countries, places or locations you want to visit?
4. What are your biggest goals and dreams?
5. What achievements do you want to have?
6. What experiences do you want to have/feel?
7. Are there any special moments you want to witness?
8. What activities or skills do you want to learn or try out?
9. What are the most important things you can ever do?
10. What would you like to say/do together with other people? People you love? Family? Friends?
11. Are there any specific people you want to meet in person?
12. What do you want to achieve in the different areas: Social, Love, Family, Career, Finance, Health (Your weight, Fitness level), Spiritual?
13. What do you need to do to lead a life of the greatest meaning?
14. What would you wish you could do before you die?
