What’s on Your Bucket List…?

So, in reflecting upon the untimely death of Steve Jobs – it occurred to me that no one, at least in my lifetime, has embodied what it means to truly live life as you believe, leave no room for regret or self-questioning, and realize the success which inherently comes with that approach.

Remembering that I’ll be dead soon is the most important tool I’ve ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything – all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure – these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important.” ~ Steve Jobs, Stanford University commencement address, 1995

Some of us may come upon this philosophy of life more easily than others. We are of two extremes, we wait, believing that time will forever be on our side and that there will always be time to do or accomplish what we know already lives in our hearts -OR- we wait, believing that we do not have the time, ability or green flag from the Gods to go forth and prosper…both are fallacies. Me, I must be bi-polar because I have fallen prey to both extremes – only now realizing that a) time is a very finite commodity and b) why not me and if not now, when…?

I have a sister who embodies the meaning of “carpe diem”; yet as much as I have admired her penchant to jump into new experiences, surround herself with exciting opportunities and not over-think life’s fleeting pleasures but rather embrace them when they arrive, I still tended more toward safety than adventure and thriftiness in life over indulgence. Until 2011.

According to the Urban Dictionary,

Bucket List:

A list of things to do before you die.

Comes from the term “kicked the bucket“.

One day I woke up, wrote a bucket list and went on my way. It contained innocuous items like “plant a grapefruit tree” (I love grapefruits), “re-visit Las Vegas”, and “do yoga at least 1x per week”. Nothing that would excite most people.

And, having accomplished none of those items to date, they remain on my list, but have been superseded by other unexpected and more exciting bucket list items such as building a house with Habitat for Humanity, jumping out of a plane, or ziplining across the North American wilderness, and others yet-to-be-determined.

While my mind is already working on the next spontaneous adventures – I know that that they will drive their own transformation into reality without too much interference from me as long as I remain open to their possibility and be willing to make the time – N.O.W.

“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition…. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart.” ~ Steve Jobs, Stanford University commencement address, 1995..

On that note, below is an excerpt from one of my favorite speakers and authors, Cheryl Richardson, which encapsulates just what I have been trying to explain:

Stretch, Grow & Find Joy!

1. Say “yes!” When presented with a new opportunity that challenges you to stretch outside your comfort zone, make your default position a resounding “yes!” Sure you can weigh your options, see if the opportunity makes sense, or spend time determining whether or not you’re qualified to participate, but do yourself a favor and work your way backwards from “yes.” Start with the assumption that all will be well and look for what’s right about making the decision to do it.
2. Keep an open mind. Once you’ve decided to engage in a new activity, temper your tendency to prejudge the experience. Show up open, with a clear heart and mind, and be willing to step into the role of student. Since I’m often in the position of teacher, it’s a challenge for me to shut off my know-it-all mind. Instead, I naturally look for what I already know as a way to feel comfortable, and I certainly don’t ask for help. But I’ve been growing . As soon as I heard my brother-in-law, Walter (a really good golfer), give my sister Lisa helpful pointers, I invited him to coach me on the next hole. And I became coachable. I listened carefully, and did what he told me to do. I allowed him to correct my stance, the position of my arms, and the direction of my club. As a result, I ended up with one of the best shots I’ve ever had in my short history of golfing!
3. Surrender to the experience. I don’t know about you, but I find the older I get, the less interested I am in overanalyzing or judging how an opportunity might play out once I’ve decided to go for it. I say “yes” and surrender to whatever happens. Over the years, I’ve wasted too much energy trying to control a situation to keep myself safe. Time and again I find that if you let go, trust in the inherent goodness of the Life, and show up present and ready, you give yourself the best chance of experiencing joy. And I’m all about joy these days...

Every day we’re given opportunities to stretch, grow, and experience something wonderful and new. ~ Cheryl Richardson

Don’t wait. Do. Live. Enjoy.

Wishing You Success,
Natalya

Photo Credit: Al’s Narrative