Many of us have heard of a bucket list. You know, things you would not necessarily do but contemplate doing before you die. (kick the bucket) Some say, “Skydive”, “Mountain climbing”, “Travel the world”. I, myself, would never even give a thought to any of these suggestions. I have no desire to hasten my demise by falling off a cliff. Nor do I want to have a heart attack when I’m pushed out of a plane. I can’t see anyone lying on their death bed ever uttering the words, “I wish I had gone skydiving.” I also can’t see anyone saying, “I wish I made it to the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro on their death bed.”

I can see someone saying, “I wish the parachute had opened”. Or, “Why did I think that would be fun?”

I started to think about when I do “kick the bucket”. I wondered, Will I have regrets? Will people miss me? How will I be remembered? More importantly, How do I want to be remembered?

I thought about it for a while, looking at my life. I tried making a mental list of what I’d like people to remember about me. I also considered what they probably would actually remember.

I couldn’t actually be sure I was seeing what others were seeing or thought of me. I made a list of things people strive for in life. I wondered if these things would actually be important when I’m gone.

• A beautiful home —
• Lots of money —
• Fancy clothes —-
• Expensive Car —-
• Generous —-
• Popular —-
• Powerful —-
• Beautiful appearance —-

Well, I didn’t fit into any of those categories. Except maybe “generous”. I consider myself generous. I am generous with my time. I am generous in offering and providing help. I am generous with my prayers. Yes! OK, I am generous. It that enough?

I realized that the answers to these questions mattered to me and I can control them. I made a report card. I listed the things I’d like to be remembered for. I graded each list item according to my current performance. I can work on being remembered as ….

• Kind —- Needs Improvement
• Understanding — Needs Improvement
• Trustworthy — Satisfactory
• Faithful — Needs Improvement
• Loving —- Satisfactory
• Humble — Needs Improvement
• Funny —- DONE!
• Generous —- DONE!
• A good cook — DONE!
• A good listener — Needs Improvement
• Patient — Unsatisfactory – Needs lots of improvement!

Since I don’t know when my dying day will be. And with all the things I had to work on, I got started right away. Thus, the Daily Bucket List was born. (Check it out in the Tool Box)

Each day, start your list: Before I go to bed tonight I will: 1. 2. 3. Choose 3 things to achieve daily….. Or add your own…..

Below are some ideas I’ve used……

• Make a music playlist
• Read the notes in your God Box
• Call a friend you haven’t spoken to in a while
• Clean out a drawer
• find a new hobby
• smile in the mirror
• Say, “Hi” to God
• Smile at a stranger
• Laugh out loud
• Give a compliment
• Treat yourself to something new
• Say “I love you” (even to yourself)
• Thank yourself for doing this
• Say an extra prayer
• Start a journal
• Watch a movie
• Sing a song
• Dance in the kitchen
• Invite a friend over
• Take a nap
• Volunteer at a shelter (Human or animal)
• Cook a nice meal
• Plant or buy some flowers
• Read a book
• Make a checkup appointment
• Learn something new
• Look at the clouds or stars at night
• Say I’m sorry (even to yourself)

The possibilities are endless. Do and focus on three simple things of your choice each day. This is practicing self care. Many of us often neglect it. Make your self care a habit. With consistent practice, noticeable changes will amaze. My husband came home from work feeling upset. His pen had exploded in his pocket. The “new” me offered comfort. I provided understanding rather than the usual dismissive “It’s only a shirt” answer. I validated his pain. It’s amazing how improved Mental, spiritual and yes, physical health happens. Trust the process. You are worth it!

These changes led to a happier, joyful existence while living life on life’s terms. Other’s noticed the change in me. More importantly, I noticed and felt the changes. I experienced a better mood, mindful reactions and less stress. Relationships and roles started to shift.

Try these new tools. Invite others along for the ride. You are empowered to author the answers to life’s questions.

Since living intentionally, I know I will be remembered exactly how I want to be. Whether or not I’m missed doesn’t matter anymore. At least, I enjoyed the journey. I’ll have no regrets.

Let us know the Bucket List ideas you have used in the comments below.

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