While away on a break from writing original posts I thought I’d share some of my favorites with you from the past three and a half years. In mid-March I’ll return with more original posts. Until then, please enjoy these.
I was at our local YMCA recently and came across a sheet laying on the check-out table. It was their version of a summer bucket list containing fifty or so items they were suggesting for summer activities. It was wide ranging, but as you might expect, heavily slanted toward physical health.
I’ve always liked the idea of bucket lists and began my own when I was in high school and have made numerous additions to it over the years. Many of the items have been ‘checked off’ and reading them gives me great pleasure.
A few items have dropped off my list due to spousal veto’s, such as hang gliding and roller blading, as she cites ‘excess ambition and potential physical damage with extensive recuperation time’ as her reasons. I feel compelled to concede, knowing she is no doubt correct.
Other items have been released, most notably, owning a castle on the Rhine. I can perhaps visit a castle on the Rhine, if we go on a European River Cruise, which IS on my bucket list. I think that would be a great substitute, after all the heating bills in the winter must be daunting.
I would love to know what others put on their lists and their reasons for their choices.
I thought I would share a few of mine with you, maybe to get you started on your own or just for a fun read. I split the groupings up into those I’ve already done and those presently on my To Do list.
Experienced
Built a treehouse for our children with my dad.
Laid on a bed of nails (Baltimore Science Museum)
Walked 500 miles between my college (Hartwick) campus and my wife’s campus (State University at Oneonta) over a three year period
Marched in a Parade (as By Scout Den leader)
Blown an Alphorn (Switzerland)
Spent a night in a train car (during camping trip in heavy rain)
Served at a Soup Kitchen
Written a Country Western song for my wife
Helped out after 9/11 (on-site financial support and food supply)
Swam with dolphins (Key Largo)
Sponsoring two children through Compassion (Maria and Sara)
Won a stuffed animal at an Amusement Park
Skied one Black Diamond trail (mostly slid my way down)
Signed up as Organ Donor (unrelated to the black diamond trail)
Bowled over 200 (221)
Scored below 80 in golf (79)
Present Bucket List (some of them)
Attend Special Events: graduations and weddings for our three grandchildren
Hold any great grandchildren born during our lifetime
Participate in the Polar Plunge (Lake George January 2024)
Walk the Rail Trail from end to end and back with Tommy
Extensive Creek Walk with Jenny
Have 50th Wedding Anniversary party (only one requested gift-each attendee offers 50 memories)
Visit some National Parks (Zion, Bryce, Arches, Antelope Canyon)
Travel to different cities in the US on vacation
Fast for 36 hours
Make deep connections with others
Teach/facilitate a Retreat/Workshop at Kripalu
Write more Little Buddha books (perhaps a total of 10)
Get in touch with old friends
Travel to a country to see the Aurora Borealis
Learn more about nature (add ID apps to my phone)
Read a challenging book
Make new friends
Shoot a bull’s-eye in archery
These are just a few items because there are so many more I could write down. The thing I like most about doing this is that it engages me in this present wonderful life.
I can dream of anything, knowing that if I really truly want to experience it, there is a way. If I conceive it and believe it and take action, all things are possible. What a gift!
I hope that you fill up your own Bucket List with things that light you up and give meaning and purpose to your life.
Messages For Inspiration 