What's on your bucket list...?

I'm not one for cliches, getting caught up in the latest thing, or generally going with societal crazes. I still proudly haven't seen the movie, "Titanic" and sorrow the day I let my husband get me to watch, "Forrest Gump." I don't own an Apple anything (except for a click-wheel iPod that was a gift). I'm a little bit bohemian-hippie and a whole lot conventional wisdom rebel/skeptic.

Having said that, I love the concept of "bucket lists" (even though I haven't seen the movie, yet...). :)  As soon as someone comes up with better terminology, I'll use it. But this is the one that is probably going to stick.

Bucket lists are good for your mental health. Just making them can give you a fresh perspective on living life to the fullest. They can give you a renewed hope in the joy of pursuing everything that mortality can offer a human being. Recently, a dear friend's dear mother passed away from battling cancer and every ailment that goes along with that battle. However, her super-good attitude and her determination to NOT stop living life to the fullest undoubtedly eased her final mortal journey. That wonderful attitude allowed her just one more trip with her kids to visit places overseas. While we don't want to go around burdened with the sorrow of feeling today was your countdown to the "end," hopefully  knowing that it is inevitable inspires you to truly LIVE and not just get through the day. Make your list!

Accomplishing your bucket list is good for your general well-being. I have yet to meet someone whose bucket list includes "play more video games," or "spend less time with my kids." When the end is near, will you wish that you'd spent more time in the office, making more money? Or will it be memory and experience that will guide your regrets? It might be akin to my skeptical nature, but I just despise regrets and when I live my life by design rather than by default, I free myself from those deathbed disappointments. Start doing your list!


What's on my bucket list? Glad you asked. I was re-inspired on this particular topic because of my stack of Dr. Oz DVR's. Penn and Teller made an appearance to help debunk medical myths. They addressed the myth that losing your memory was inevitable as you age (one of my fears, actually). One of the single-best ways to improve your brain capacity was to learn to juggle. Hello bucket list! I have ALWAYS wanted to learn to juggle. In 30 seconds Penn had me juggling two objects (I only had a bottle of Rx meds and my SD card holder on hand). I'm ecstatic and can't wait to improve my skills this summer.

So - go make your bucket list and live life by design...not by default!