It’s a new year! Time really does fly, hence why my New Years post is nearly three weeks into 2022!
I was editing my bucket list today and decided to tell y’all about it. Now, when I say “bucket list” I don’t mean like a “wait until you’re retired or on your death bed” kind of list. I mean more of a LIVE YOUR LIFE LIST; one where you can start checking things off from the moment you create it… and keep adding to it!
I firmly believe it’s better to risk our comfortability now instead of carrying regret when we get to the end of our lives. I felt just a hint of this when, a few years ago, I had the opportunity to go skydiving for my birthday, but I got so scared that I backed out and didn’t do it! I regret that missed opportunity! So let’s live a life of no regrets and use the prime years of our lives to serve God, love others, and live to the fullest!
Here are my tips for building your own bucket list (aka live your life list!):
Baby Write This Down, Take a Little Note…
George Straight was onto something when he sang those words. When we physically write down our thoughts, goals, or just things we want to remember, it has a way of solidifying those things in our minds and we begin looking for opportunities to put it to action!
When building your bucket list, put some items that are totally realistic and practical… but also some that make you dream big! I heard a quote once that goes “If your dreams don’t scare you then they aren’t big enough!” We have a big God and a big world y’all. Let’s dream big and write them down and get to action!
Be Child-Like
What did you dream of when you were a child; back before you were hurt and disappointed by this broken world?
I love the psychology behind the way young children see the world. They haven’t yet been told that certain things are impossible. Everything is before them to explore. The experiences that have taught most of us adults to listen to fear or give up “unrealistic” dreams hasn’t yet gotten to them. We need to tap into that again!
Thinking of all this gives us insight into why Jesus told us to become like little children, hey? So take note of the types of things you’ve always wanted to do, the things that you long ago gave up on or dismissed as ridiculous, and start to see them like a child again.
Ask Questions
Imagine with God. He created the entire universe. He created our creativity. So dream with him; ask him questions like “what do you have for me in life?”…”in this year?”, “what does living abundantly look like for me?” He speaks! Check out my previous post to learn more about Hearing His Still Small Voice in a Noisy World.
Ask yourself questions like “if __________ (money, fear, education level, job, etc) wasn’t a factor, what would I do?” or “why HAVEN’T I achieved this goal yet?” You may find the answers to questions like this very difficult. Maybe it’s fear, or comfortability. Ask God to give you a desire for ABUNDANCE.
I forbid myself from saying, “I can’t afford it.” I have disciplined myself to ask instead, “How can I afford it?” Asking myself how I can afford something opens and challenges my mind — to think… One lets you off the hook, the other forces you to think.
Robert Kiyosaki
Kiyoksaki talks about this concept in reference to finances, but I believe it applies across the board: Are we saying “I cant reach that goal, I cant travel, I cant be successful, etc” or are we challenging ourselves to get creative and ask “how can I make this work?”.
Building your bucket list is honestly a really good way to process through the motivations behind why you do or dont do certain things, and this process can show you different ways you can grow!
Do It
Baby steps. After making your list, asking your questions, and being childlike, then just take baby steps. Do the realistic things on your list first and always look for opportunities! Don’t let fear or excuses steal that chance from you when it does shows up! Maybe some of the items on your list will take years of preparing for or praying about, but just continue to take those baby steps!
“We must all suffer from one of two pains: the pain of discipline or the pain of regret. The difference is discipline weighs ounces while regret weighs tons.”
Jim Rohn
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
John 10:10
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory
Ephesians 3:20-21
Building a bucket list isn’t only fun, it’s totally a personal growth tool as well. We only get one life to live, so let’s love, grow, and explore like it!
God bless and have a g’day y’all!
-Nicci
I love your bucket list! Its so rogue and just plain awesome! XD
Thank you Makayla!! I hope you have fun making your bucket list this year!