I remember when I was a little girl, we watched a movie called “Six Weeks”. It was about a 12 year-old girl named Niki who was dying from leukemia. She wants to do “one last great thing” .
She ends up meeting a politician, and they help each other “live” during her final weeks. She skates the ice rink at Rockefeller Center, kisses a boy, dances the lead in the Nutcracker, and spends time seeing the sights in NYC. Although my memory is a bit foggy of all the details, I did love the film, and remember it was one of my first lessons to “live” now.
Thinking about it again made me want to write my “bucket list”.
But, I started having a moment with the term “bucket list”. While I love the idea of having one (and the name is pretty catchy), I am thinking a “bucket list” may never really come to fruition. Most of us feel immortal, and if we think we have all the time in the world to do something, it may sit on the shelf in a notebook waiting for its perfect time to come. In the film, Niki knew the time she had left. In reality, we never know. And, timing may never be “perfect”.
Instead, I opted to write a “Life List”, things I want to do while I am alive, now. And if I cross those things off with time to spare, I’ll write another. I decided that if I share some of my “Life List” here, I am setting the intention even stronger, so here goes:
Anonymously Build a Home for Someone Who Lost Theirs: My husband and I agree when we have enough money, we will build a home for someone who lost theirs. Our dream is to find a family who lost their home (whether by nature or financial strain), and build their dream home with complete anonymity. We want to just send them the address and keys- no introduction necessary.
Fly a Jet Plane: While the thought is both exhilarating and terrifying at once, there’s something about being the pilot on a jet plane that really speaks to me. I think it may be the closest to wings, the feeling of making something soar – I know I have to get my license and do it, just once.
Visit Every State in the U.S with My Children and Husband by Car: I LOVE LOVE LOVE roadtrips. Stopping at rest stops, getting lost, stuck in traffic, zipping down unfamiliar highways. I want to visit every state in the U.S with the family by car, and just “passing through” does not count. So far we have 4 that meet this criteria under our belt: Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, Pennsylvania. Just 46 to go!
To the Nines for No Reason: I want to get decked for no reason. I don’t mean little black dress, I mean to the nines, gown, tux, the works. I think it would be fun to get super dressed up and go for a stroll down cobblestone streets, dance in open air, dine on a blanket on the beach.
What are some things on your “life list”?
* Photo Courtesy of Relish Photography
