If there is one thing that drives me crazy it is "catch phrases". oh you know the kind. The kind the media loves to use for advertising and being "hip". Seems like the latest one we have become inundated with is Bucket List.. Jot down things you fantasize about, things you'd like to see happen, with only your imagination stopping you!! We are constantly told we need to have a bucket list and then add things to it.
Well that is all fine and dandy but then what???? what's the point of a list if it just has words on it and it sits on a desk or in a drawer collecting dust. Perhaps the only time it gets utilized is when it gets moved around when you add another item to it..hmmmmmmm.
Now don't get me wrong: I am certainly a believer of goal setting, having something to work towards and getting it accomplished..Ever since I was a teenager, that is certainly has been my modus operandi. But bucket list? The emphasis seems to be adding things to this so called list. But what about doing them???? After all it is not about how many "cool" things you have done, but the process, the journey, going through the changes by research, focus, failure etc! The journey is equally if not more important than the final outcome..
But why a long list? Why not pick ONE thing and One thing at at time and GET IT DONE! I mean what's the use of a list if it is just that? Words on a paper? Why not a bucket formula? A bucket process? and then a bucket ACCOMPLISHMENT!...Let's face it ANYTHING is doable if you put your mind, heart, soul and body into it. It takes planning, it takes time, it takes work. If you want it bad enough you can do it. Then when it is done, find another.
Perhaps my outlook is too one sided. I mean I know I have many things I want to try but realistically I don't bother to focus on them until I'm done with the prioritized deed underway. I look at it as Why choose so many wishes and not actualize any or choose one and set off and conquer it! when it's done, find the next ...Who knows? By accomplishing the first one, it may snowball into a whole new set of possibilities!
I believe the real point is to appreciate life, dare to live it, not let it live you. Follow your heart, realize your dreams and find passion in your actions. As we have all experienced it is all gone in a heartbeat, so why regret not trying, not exploring, fearing the unknown???? Let's all live BUCKET LIVES!
On that note, I better scratch this one off my "mental" bucket list....Write blog post about pet peeves......
This is a most excellent blog post!! And, as you know, my motto is "No Bucket Lists!"
ReplyDeleteThis motto is the reason why there's a drumkit sitting in our living room. I wanted to play the drums . . . at 48. Well, if not now, when?
NO BUCKET LISTS!
I agree 100% Nancy!
ReplyDeleteVery powerful statement!
Thanks for sharing this!
Lieve
hehe:-) I've done lots of neat things, I don't need a bucket list and have never thought to jot one down...actually, it's been the opposite with me, I've been doing stuff I said I'd never do! haha!
ReplyDeleteI love living by the moment, even with baby. Changing to this manner (rather then strict schedule) has been really good for the nerves and the mind.
Your post made me think. I once wrote down a couple of things - long before the phrase "bucket list" was hip. There were only 3 or 4 things on there and they included, learn how to dive, meet the love of my life and I can't remember the other two. Probably learn Spanish. I believe that many of us live too much in the past and too much in the future. We need to be in the moment and enjoy the here and now - and remind ourselves all the time when we slip out of the now.
ReplyDelete