I have resisted making a Life List because it seemed like a list of things I need to do before I die to feel like I’ve lived a fulfilled life, and since I already feel fulfilled that seemed pointless. My friend Britt made me see a Life List in a different way – as a reminder to dream courageously. That sounds like a way better idea than a bucket list to me, especially since some of my items don’t seem “bucket list worthy.” I’m all about doing courageous things, great and small.
Right now it seems like a small list, but I plan on adding to it hopefully as I cross some things off.
- Take singing lessons. I am quite horrible at singing, but I love it so. I don’t want to be on American Idol, in fact that seems like one of my worst nightmares, I’d just like to be less horrible.
- Skydive – Most of my life I thought skydiving seemed like the most ridiculous thing anyone could ever do with an airplane, but now I kind of really want to do it. Midlife crisis? Maybe. Does it matter? Not in the slightest.
- Complete a triathlon – I’ve wanted to do this for a while. I have no need to complete an Ironman, but I would like to at least finish a sprint distance triathlon.
- Run the Warrior Dash – Come on, doesn’t that just look fun? I love stuff like that.
- Make a quilt – This one is actually in progress. I bought a fancy sewing machine for myself and started taking a class, and I’m enjoying the process. Hopefully I’ll enjoy the result as well!
- Learn to make soap – I love handmade soaps. Plus, I’ll have a skill when the zombies invade.
- Take a cruise – This is just one of those things that sounds fun. Preferably to somewhere warm because being cold is bullshit.
- Run a half-marathon – I love running. I don’t know that I want to push myself to complete a full marathon, but a half will satisfy my need to run big races. I think I’d like to do this one. Hopefully my knee agrees since I’m probably another surgery away from running again.
- Sell photos to someone who doesn’t know me – Everyone needs validation, this is mine.
- Visit Ireland – With a birthday on St. Patrick’s Day I don’t think this one needs any further explanation.
- Photograph the Aurora Borealis – That’s just cool.
- Visit Yosemite – It’s so close to me and yet I’ve never visited. I’d like to spend a good amount of time hiking and taking photographs.
So that’s it for this installment of my Life List. I’m going to give the list it’s own page and update it as I think of more things.
What’s on your list?
This makes me so happy and excited for you!!!
Miss Britt recently posted..Happiness Highlights: Lots to Love in Salt Lake City
This took a surprising amount of thought. Aren’t I just supposed to know what I want to do?
A most excellent list. I’ve done a triathlon before (not complete like an Ironman, but shorter distances). It was more than 20 years ago and I would love to get back into some type of shape to do another one.
The one item on your list that makes me smile: to sell your photos. The word validation makes total sense.
On my list? I have many things, but my big two are to make a movie and become a full-time writer/novelist.
martymankins recently posted..Browser A-Z
Those are great life list items! What kind of movie would you make?
The movie I’ve been working on is a short film… 25-30 mins. It’s a slightly dark story with some upbeat scenarios.
martymankins recently posted..No More Oink
I hope to see it when it’s finished!
Very cool. And how is it I have never seen your photos before? Browsed around here a bit and WOW!
Me, I am in the middle of my life list, finishing the big one to become a nurse practitioner.
Thank you!
I’m so excited for you that you are achieving your big goal, and getting to do the thing you love!
Great photo!
I love the things on your list – I’ve always wanted to take singing lessons for the exact same reasons!
I have long resisted one of these lists because I thought that maybe at some point it would make me feel like a failure what I hadn’t accomplished. Also, I like to see where life takes me. On the other hand, maybe it’s time to set a list goals…
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That’s why I resisted too, but I don’t feel pressure to accomplish everything. This exercise just made me stop and consider things I’d like to do that are outside my everyday box.
Cool list. If you want company for the Warrior Dash let me know, it does sound pretty cool.
You’re on! It’s a team even and you’re welcome on our team anytime!
Great stuff! I highly recommend the skydiving. It’s easy if you do a tandem jump. I did it and it was an incredible experience.
Vikki recently posted..The Days Are Paper Thin
The skydiving terrifies me, but that’s kind of why I want to do it.
come visit me and britt…we have a few skydiving places barely an hour away and then you would have an excuse to come to pittsburgh!
I don’t need an excuse to go see you guys, although now I have visions of parachuting into your backyard.
Great list…ironically I am running a series on my travel bucket list:)
D.J. – The World of Deej recently posted..The Travel Bucket List – Top 10 Abroad
I was thinking when I was making the list that I should have one just for places I want to see. There are so many!
What a great list!! I love the Ireland one – I’ve been secretly jealous of your birthday. We might go there ourselves, someday. You’re scaring me with the skydiving one, tho!!
I am terrified of making soap. Apparently it has something in it – lye? – that eats your skin off.
WHAT THE HELL IS UP WITH THAT?
My zombie invasion skill is going to be hiding.
Howdy! This post couldn’t be written any better! Reading this post reminds me of my previous room mate! He always kept talking about this. I will forward this page to him. Fairly certain he will have a good read. Thanks for sharing!
Tessa recently posted..Saving money mind set
I think that everyone should have a life list. I have one and have a simple rule to it which makes me complete more of it. With every item that you do, you are allowed to add one more. Only when you complete one item can you add any more – this really gives me the motivation to get out there and complete my list!
Selina recently posted..Recliner Sectional Sofas
First of all I want to say superb blog! I had a quick question that I’d like to ask if you do not mind. I was curious to find out how you center yourself and clear your mind prior to writing. I have had trouble clearing my mind in getting my ideas out. I do take pleasure in writing however it just seems like the first 10 to 15 minutes are generally wasted simply just trying to figure out how to begin. Any recommendations or hints? Cheers!
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I agree about the whole end of life feeling of a bucket list, and also of feeling like a failure if anything isn’t completed, or done well. That is what has kept me from actually writing one out. I’ve said things like “I’ve always wanted to dive the Great Barrier Reef.” But actualy writing it on a list? Too scary. But looking at it as a reminder to dream courageously is very cool. It actually fits with one part of my life, where we make goal posters for the things we want to achieve. You could make a poster with pictures of all the places/things you want to go/do and just make a new one when the old one is all completed. Because when it’s in front of you everyday, you think about it everyday, and what you think about, you bring about.
Great post! <3
Lisa, you’re the one who inspired me to write mine! I can tell you’re more of a daredevil than I am. I hope you get to make all of yours come true! I don’t know if I should put a time limit on mine like do one a month or so many a year. I guess I’ll just check back to it every year and see if I’m able to check any off or add to the list. A lot of what we’ve already done is pretty awesome though. I can’t believe we used to sit in the FRONT CAR of the rollercoaster over and over. Now I won’t even go on one!! That’s what getting older does to a person.
Chrisor recently posted..Life List