the bucket list

 Ah, the things I want to do before I kick the bucket.

Did you know that the first use of the them "bucket list" was only in 2007? It was a term coined by Justin Zackham, a British and American screenwriter which he then made a movie about! You know, the one with Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson? Yeah, The Bucket List. 

So, from the idea of "kicking the bucket" (aka dying) and making a list, "bucket list" was born. Pretty straightforward.

Being asked what's on your bucket list is fairly common, from dating apps to a casual conversation — I think I even got asked it during a job interview once. 

My bucket list has certainly changed over the years, but some things still remain. Travelling the world is usually pretty close to the top of the list. Becoming a beekeeper is a new one on there. And having a family (or rather, extending the family) has been on there for ages — although there was a time when I scratched it off, but that's mostly because having kids is a freaky thing to think about at my age. One day, yes. Right now? No way. I got an IUD for a reason, folks! No babies! 

Too much information? Sorry.

I had someone say once that I'm too young to be making a bucket list, that I still have a lot of life left in me, but given what 2020 has dealt us, it has never been more clear that there are no guarantees in life. Why wait to make a list of all the things you want to do? You don't have to wait until you're on your deathbed to start writing that book, write that book now. 

I also think it's important to put both the easy and hard things to accomplish on your list. Crossing off items is so satisfying and it makes you feel you're accomplishing things! That's why I sometimes put "get changed" on my to-do list. Balance is important. And the little things can make a huge impact on your life, so don't cast them aside for big-ticket bucket list items. 

Travelling the world? Big-ticket item. Laughing until you cry? Smaller-ticket item! Both are equally valuable. Both will make you happy.

So, what is on my bucket list?

Well, I won't share it all (that would be a pretty lengthy list) but I can tell you that the first thing on there is: "Try to be happy." 

Big-ticket item.

(And also going to New Zealand and pretending I'm in the Lord of the Rings.)

isle of skye

dust in the wind - kansas