 Bucket lists can consist of any number of things including; exotic vacations, personal achievement or other life experiences that you want to be sure to do before you die. What I find interesting about bucket lists is the term itself...this is the definition according to the Urban Dictionary, A list of things to do before you die. Comes from the term "kicked the bucket".
Sure, we can call it "our goal(s) or something similar but for some reason I find the term "bucket list" a bit odd. So, what happens when we accomplish what's on our list? Is that it?, or do we add more items to a new list? In addition, does this not suggest that we are close to "kicking the bucket" and must achieve what's on our list immediately? I feel it is more important to surround yourself with people that understand or even share what it is that you want to accomplish and encourage you! I prefer to not have a "bucket list" but to simply enjoy everyday and not take the little things for granted. The best part of this approach I've found is that it has opened my eyes and mind to experiences that I may have never considered. A simple evening mountain bike ride in the foothills or a walk with my dog Ace can often getting the creativity wheels going at full speed. Yes, it's important to always be striving towards something great in the future, but not at the expense of missing out on today! I prefer to call it my dream list or life list... The great quote by Henry David Thoreau says "Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined".
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 I'm intentionally not watching as much news or going to news websites, not because I don't want to be informed but because of constant negativity. Bombs, shootings, political battles...on and on. I'm not so naive to think that this will make these events stop happening but by focusing my energy on positive events maybe...just maybe I can impact the life of someone else in a positive way.
While on my bike ride across America, I hardly ever heard the "headlines of the day". What I discovered was that despite the bad news that may be happening the real hearts of Americans were everywhere! People offering to let me stay in their homes, conversations with strangers in small town cafes all across the country intrigued about my journey. Often purchasing my meal, taking photos with me, providing me with their phone numbers in case of an emergency and encouraging me every mile along the way. So many times motorists pulled up along side me asking if I needed water or food. On a long, steep mountain road I even had an SUV pull up to me with 3 small children with their heads out the windows cheering me on with a sign they drew on a piece of paper that said "keep pedaling dude" with a smily face. Simple gestures of kindness can impact people in real ways that we don't even realize. It doesn't have to be anything big, a kind comment to the clerk at the grocery store, letting that person in line go ahead of you, a word of encouragement with a smile to that teenager behind the counter their first day at the fast food restaurant. Opening and holding doors for people, buying a police officer coffee or lunch, paying for the person behind you in the drive up or even something as simple as letting a motorist in during the busy commute. Just think about the impact on the world if we all start practicing simple acts of kindness every day! What good will you do today?  Take a moment to think about that dream you have in your heart. Have you been putting off pursuing it? Waiting for the right time? As I was pondering my solo cross country bicycle ride I too was trying to decide on the "right time". The bottom line is there will never be the perfect time...there will always be reasons...excuses why it isn't the right time but the simple act of making a decision where there are no other options takes all the excuses away.
When I made the decision to do my bicycle ride across the country in 2017 there were many unanswered questions. Could I do it (physically)? What about my job? How could I afford it? The list went on and on but my decision was made and the pieces began to come together. My employer supported me and assured me I would have my job when I returned...I literally took my journey one mile at a time that after 3 1/2 months resulted in my 3,649 mile cross country ride completed plus I received support from friends, family and total strangers all along the way. The simple act of making a decision turned this dream into a dream realized! What is that dream you want to fulfill? What are the obstacles standing in your way? |
