Do I include the easy things that would allow me to merely "cross off" a few items? Do I limit it to the most ambitious, "YOLO" list of adventures to prove that I'm alive? If I'm being truthful, my bucket list contains some pretty mundane tasks. Afterall, I'm a mostly "youthful" 34 year-old with no known health problems or other reason to face her own mortality.
Item #1: Travel to countries/territories/areas that challenge me. I am a proud American who appreciates all that this country has to offer. However, in addition to traveling this country, I have also travelled internationally and have come to appreciate the larger perspective. There is just so much outside of our own "backyards" that could teach us so much. My biggest pet peeve: those who say they won't leave the country becuase there's so much "here" they haven't seen. Well, sure. America has so much to see and experience, but don't use that as an excuse not to travel to a place where the language, currency and culture is different.
Item #2: Be kind, be helpful, go out of your way to help others. I'm no saint. My life is filled with plenty of regret and moments I'd rather forget. However, I TRY to live a life that will, if nothing else, let me sleep well at night. Sometimes, in my moments of self-pity, I feel that an attitude of altruism (I'm not unselfish enough to have reached that goal) leads to being taken advantage of by even the most well-meaning. What's the point? The point is, I'd rather strive to be a person who makes others feel better about themselves, gives them confidence and shows them that they have an ally in you. Everyone needs someone on their side, and neighbors help make your "community."
Item #3: Forgive yourself. I have two very close friends that I've had since college. Through life changes, marriages, break-ups, babies, new jobs, new cities, etc., we haven't spoken as often as we/I'd like. Even though we haven't been able to spend much time together, we are still as close as ever. And with our close friendships, we are able to overlook the amount of time we have (or haven't had) to catch up. At the end of the day, I love them. None of us wastes time beating ourselves up over how much (or little) time we've had to give.
