Are You Living Your Bucket List?

Most people think of a bucket list as a list of things to accomplish before you die. I am challenging you to just the opposite. Do not associate you bucket list with dying, it is actually a way to live!! I am going to encourage you today to explore the idea of writing down your list and making a commitment to do the things you would enjoy doing while you are healthy enough to do so. Lately I have spoken with several people that have just retired from their jobs and now are experiencing health issue. They have worked all their lives to be able to provide for their families, but just when they have the time to enjoy themselves they do not have the health. What a catch 22 scenario, now they have the money and time, but not the health. They do not feel good enough to do much of anything much less travel, write a book, hike a mountain, take piano lesson, or explore the things they have always wanted to do. Their bucket list remains in their head for the time being and perhaps forever.

So why do we postpone things that make our heart go pitter patter? Is it money, is it time, are we too busy with other obligations or is it fear? Think about it for a while. What would motivate you write down your list, begin planning your first adventure (your adventures will be unique to you), and follow through with the details. I sincerely hope that this article might inspire you to take those steps, be set free of the fear, adjust your schedule while you have a good quality of life and go for it. I am challenging you not to wait until you retire, life is too short and should be lived with abundance! Here are a few suggestions of where to start with you list. Keep in mind that a good bucket list may grow rather than shrink over time.

• First and foremost- Make a list! Preferably with pen and paper. Your computer may crash, your phone, if like mine is littered with so many appointments, pics, and other stuff, my bucket list would get lost in the shuffle. Also put it in a safe place and mark off the adventures you accomplish. Like I mentioned earlier you can add some new ones. It’s an evolving list for sure.

• Prioritize your list- Dream big, but be realistic as well, if you list things that are virtually impossible to accomplish, or cost prohibitive, you will feel guilty, disappointed, and the rest of your list may go by the wayside.

• Time for some action- Put actions to your list. Get your tickets in advance, book your hotel, call the piano teacher, start writing your book, sign up for those lessons you have always wanted to do, just be intentional about you list.

Now take a few minutes to write down your bucket list, share it with others if you wish so you can have some accountability. I would love to hear from you, and know if you have started you bucket list!!

See you in the gym, or wherever your adventure may lead you.

Linda Stollings is owner of fitPrescriptions, a Corporate Wellness Health Coaching Company

Email her at lstollings@fitprescriptions.com